09 Aug Peace Corner at Peace Garden Montessori
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Peace education is encapsulated within Montessori education. Dr. Montessori became concerned about peace as she witnessed the violence and atrocities of the second world war. She looked towards a solution and that was to instill peace in children to bring about future change in the world.
Mindfulness, stillness, tranquility and benevolence of character are the cornerstones to Peace in a Montessori class. A child has the inner sensibility to construct themselves into harmonious and peaceful members of society. Montessori herself says in Education and Peace, “This social environment for the child must serve to protect him not in his weakness but in his inherent grandeur, for he possesses enormous potential energies that promise to benefit all of mankind.” The Montessori environment, with the aid of role models, who themselves practice kindness, compassion, integrity and calmness, will foster children who are peaceful, loving and with noble personalities.
Montessori teachers are to show their children things that are only beautiful and peaceful to therefore help them develop a full appreciation of the world around them. The Montessori Peace Corner is a place in the classroom where the child can take the time to reflect inwards and calm any emotions that they may be feeling. The peace corner teaches children that peace begins within.
A child can stroke the sand and build upon stones with the Zen garden. The lulling sounds from the music box soothes the child with its gentle chimes. The singing bowl vibrates a tone that can give a child some tranquility.