Season 2 Episode 25: Montessori and Community – Teaching Social Responsibility and Global Citizenship

25/06/2025 7 min Temporada 2 Episodio 25

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Episode Synopsis

The Role of Community in Montessori Education : Welcome back to Montessori Pathways! In today’s episode, we’re exploring an important aspect of Montessori education—building a sense of community and social responsibility. Montessori classrooms are not just places of academic learning; they are microcosms of society, where children develop a deep understanding of cooperation, responsibility, and global awareness.Dr. Maria Montessori believed that education should prepare children to be responsible and compassionate citizens of the world. She said, 'Establishing lasting peace is the work of education.' This philosophy is embedded in Montessori classrooms, where children are encouraged to think beyond themselves, contribute to their community, and understand the broader world.In traditional schools, students often follow rules because they are imposed upon them. In Montessori, children create, discuss, and uphold their own community agreements, which fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility. From the classroom environment to global citizenship, Montessori students learn that they are part of something greater than themselves.Think about a time when you felt truly connected to a community. What made that experience meaningful? Montessori education provides children with these moments from a very young age.Montessori classrooms are intentionally designed to foster a sense of belonging, empathy, and responsibility. Let’s look at some of the ways this happens.Grace and Courtesy LessonsIn Montessori, even the youngest students learn grace and courtesy—how to respect others, engage in polite conversation, and resolve conflicts peacefully. These lessons help children develop strong social skills and emotional intelligence.Children practice saying ‘please’ and ‘thank you,’ greeting others respectfully, and making eye contact.They learn how to listen actively and take turns in conversation, building foundational skills for collaboration.

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