|
Dear Families,
As you step through the front doors of Wilmington Montessori School, you will see a quote scrolled across the front desk: “Establishing lasting peace is the work of education.” It’s said that Dr. Maria Montessori wrote this sentiment in a letter to Mahatma Gandhi while she was living in India during World War II. In her educational philosophy, peace is not simply a state of being or a lofty aspiration for a world devoid of strife; rather, it is an active, dynamic process woven into the very fabric of learning and community.
At its core, Montessori education emphasizes the cultivation of an environment that encourages children to engage in critical thinking and self-reflection, fostering a sense of inner peace that allows them to navigate the complexities of both thought and emotion. In the classroom, children are guided to explore not only academic concepts but also the ethical implications of their actions. They learn to articulate their thoughts, analyze diverse perspectives and engage in respectful dialogue—a foundation for rational discourse that is essential for peace in both personal and societal contexts. This empathetic way of engaging nurtures connections that bridge differences, fostering a sense of shared humanity. By learning to appreciate diverse viewpoints, students develop the capacity to find common ground, an essential element in resolving conflicts and promoting harmonious relationships.
No matter the age of the student, conflict resolution is approached with intentionality, providing them with tools to navigate disagreements constructively. Through role-playing, discussion and guided reflection, they learn that conflict can be an opportunity for growth rather than an endpoint. This experiential learning is crucial in shaping their understanding of peace as an ongoing practice, rather than a distant ideal.
On Saturday, September 21, people and organizations across the world will celebrate the International Day of Peace. This day, first established by the United Nations in 1981 and then designated as a day calling for non-violence and cease-fire in 2001, is honored at WMS annually and naturally ties to the peace curriculum that is at the heart of the Montessori Method. As a school community, we will celebrate this year’s theme of Cultivating a Culture of Peace, something we at WMS strive to do each and every day, at our Peace Assembly on Thursday, September 26 when most of our students are present. Echoed on the United Nations’ website for the International Day of Peace are Maria Montessori’s words, again emphasizing the need for education around peace both within ourselves and for the world around us: “Education is one of the principal means to build a culture of peace.”
Warmest regards,
| 
