The Beautiful Tapestry of Diversity

It is such an honor to share in the joys and passions of our school community! It is abundantly clear that through our relentless commitment to high-quality Montessori education, we have an opportunity to leave lasting change in society. The power to impact the lives of the change-agents and difference-makers for tomorrow is the human capital upon which we deposit. 

Nevertheless, we have so much more to learn from the child! The breadth of knowledge that underpins the foundations of our beliefs is the peace for tomorrow and the peace we achieve through the child.   Montessori says: We must gather around [the child] to learn the mystery of humanity. To Discover in  [The Child] the mystery of the fundamental goodness that our outer lives and acts belie. That is the source of knowledge that intersects us most of all. If we truly yearn for brotherhood and understanding among men, there must be brotherhood and harmony between the adult and the child!

Our great responsibility is to raise awareness of much-needed diversity, equity, and inclusion. Although there is much work to accomplish, let us not overlook the importance of the daily work of the child within the prepared environment. The student begins with the work of their hands, as the child learns to care for themselves, others and the environment, leading to an internal evolution, inspiring them to become active contributors to social justice and the pursuit of peace.  Montessori education for peace and social justice weaves itself throughout a child's experience. 

Social justice and peace education entail all aspects of the classroom! Montessori educators provide the weft hidden in the complete work, while the children weave with the weft to create a beautiful tapestry of diversity. 

Wondering how to promote inclusion, provide more access, or, through teaching, help children embrace the beauty of diversity?  This blogger believes we serve our community best when we remain in dialogue with each other about these issues, always seeking to create a better place. "The secret to good teaching is to regard the child's intelligence as a fertile field in which we can sow seeds of learning" (Montessori, 1948, p.15).

References

Montessori, M. (1948). To educate the human potential. Madras India: Kalakshetra Publications, P. 15.

Montessori, M. (1972). Education and peace (H.R. Lane Trans.) Chicago, IL: Henry Regenery Company, P. 142.