The Montessori Method is a wonderful educational program for many reasons.
One of the reasons is that children learn a special and unique subject called Practical Life.
This subject is perfect to apply when doing Montessori at home or a school Montessori environment.
This is a Montessori classroom in Montessori schools, by the way.
There are many different life skills and fine motor skills that the child learn with Practical Life.
One of those things is Peace education in The Montessori Practical Life curriculum.
In this post, live training and podcast episode, I am going to give you 3 tips to: teach, model and grow peace in our lives the Montessori way.
#1 Peace Words (Focusing on Self)
How to explain peace to a child is easy.
We, as Montessori teachers, can do it by example, but also by having an intentional discussion.
How do we teach kids about peace?
First off, we definite terms.
As you do, children will develop a great sense of what peace means and what it ides’t mean.
Have a discussion with your children about different words that mean peace (synonyms).
Then, discuss words that mean the opposite of peace (antonyms).
Make flashcards or cards with peace words that are appealing and pleasing to the eye to get the child’s attention.
Include some quotes that will be helpful in explaining what peace means.
I say that this means that this activity focuses on self because we must first internalize and understand the word “peace” to be able to act out on it.
I highly recommend that you include this lesson in your Montessori Curriculum 3-6.
“The child is both a hope and a promise for mankind.” ~Maria Montessori, Education and Peace
#2 Peace Table (Focusing on Others)
Have you heard of such a thing as a Montessori peace table?
What in the world is that?
How does it work and why is it important?
But the one question you may be asking the most is “Why do you say that every homeschool should have a peace table?”
Do you know how to promote peace in the world?
It begins with our closest friends and neighbors.
Teach your children a lesson on grace, courtesy and most importantly, about peace before using the Peace Table for the first time.
Yes, focus on teaching peace to children.
Read them books about peace and how to be a courteous or be a good friend.
Bible stories are great resources to teach character traits such a these.
It would be important to point out what the Peace Table is for.
Children sitting alone there is because he/she need to spend time in silence and that child is not to be disturbed at all.
Explain also how the timer or hourglass works and let them learn to operate it on their own.
When the child sits at the Peace Table alone.
They can close their eyes to calm down.
Or they can stare at the hourglass as the sand goes down, look at the plant, flower or candle on the table.
Another option is for the child may choose to hold the peace object in their hands.
Practice this skill with each child.
I say that this focuses on others because conflict resolutions os essential for peace, internally and externally.
Then, the child that needs to solve a problem with sits at the table.
Kindly, they discuss the situation and come up with a way to solve the problem.
There is more to it. Details below.
You don’t need specific Montessori materials for this activity, but yo duo need some specific items.
They are listed in detail in the product listed below.
“The child is both a hope and a promise for mankind.” ~Maria Montessori, Education and Peace
#3 Peace Acts (Focusing on the Environment)
This is where you confirm that the child understands the meaning of peace and the opposite of peace.
You also confirm that the child understands and practices peace with others in conflict resolution.
The child knows how to use the Peace Table as well.
Lastly, you want to actually go out into the world and do peaceful acts with the child.
There are MANY different peace acts that we can do, so brainstorm and make a list.
If you are at a loss, I have an opportunity for you to get one.
Make it a habit to go and do peace acts regularly.
I say that this will focus on the environment.
Learning and applying peace is another way to care for the environment.
It is a great and beautiful thing.
“If we are among the men of good will who yearn for peace, we must lay the foundation for peace ourselves, by working for the social world of the child.” ~Maria Montessori, Intl Congress 1937
In Conclusion
Strong inspirational sentence or two to motivated reader to move forward with resources provided below, especially the call to action (CTA)
HERE’S THE RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
Like I said at the beginning of the show, I have a FB group for all things Montessori that you are welcome to join.
It is called The Montessori Way Prep Room.
If you want to join a homeschool Facebook community, then join The Natural Homeschool Community!
Montessori Practical Life Activities & Printables Bundle
$10.00 $7.99
This bundle includes these printable sets:
- Community Members 3-Part Cards
- Peace Words for Kids Cards
- Peace list to promote peace in the home and community
- Fine Motor Skills Clothing Clothesline
- Practical Life Dressing Frames 3-Part Cards
- Practical Life Dressing Frames Handwriting and Activities
- Sewing on a Button Instructions Card
- Toddler and Preschool Hygiene Chores 3-Part Cards
- Toddler and Preschool Hygiene Chore Chart and Activity
- Peace Table Lesson (for conflict resolution)
Are you ready to take your Montessori confidence to the next level?
I will be having a LIVE training workshop inside a FB group where you can learn, fill out your workbook each day and ask me questions that you might have.
It is coming soon, so be sure to check HERE and join the waitlist to be informed of when it will happen again.
The FREE 5-Day Montessori Way Foundations Workshop to learn more on these topics:
🔹Day 1: 4 Pillars of The Montessori Method
🔹Day 2: The Montessori Prepared Environment
🔹Day 3: Behaviors of Normalized Children
🔹Day 4: Your Job as the Montessori Guide
🔹Day 5: Your Next Step for Success
You May Also Benefit from these Important Montessori Topics:
Montessori lovers: Are you ready to make yourself a centered, organized Montessori Guide, nurture happy children and create smooth and successful days?
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