A Piece of Peace

Today is International Peace Day. As I walked through the school, I heard stories of the great peace keepers, how to resolve conflict and explanations of what a "cease fire" is. While these lessons go on throughout the school year, this is a special day filled with celebration and sadness. As the children listen to these stories and explanations, they are frustrated by the way that adults behave. "Why can't they just be nice?" was overheard in the Primary classes more than once and an Elementary child wanted to know "if the people fighting can stop for 24 hours, why can't they stop for longer or forever?" (Referring to the 24 hour cease fire order observed by the United Nations today). Another Elementary student was doubtful that it would even be observed at all. "What about the terrorists?" he asked. "I don't think that they will stop at all".

There were many happy moments throughout the day. The Primary children gathered outside this morning to sing peace songs, recited the Pledge Allegiance to the Flag and to the Earth, and recited a peace offering by Mahatma Gandhi (who worked with Dr. Montessori in the early 1930's). Later in the afternoon, we gathered as a school community to discuss Montessori's work with Gandhi. The Primary children made a peace wreath and we had a piece of peace. The Elementary class made cookie cakes in the shape of the peace symbol, everyone had a piece of peace. (This always spurs work with homophones and homonyms, don't you just love how that works?) 

Dr. Montessori was profoundly aware of the problems of war and throughout her lifetime was in search of answers about our own humanity. She came to the conclusion that the answers were in the child. "Within the child lies the fate of the future" she wrote. These are powerful words. We, as educators, ponder them. We have come to realize how important our lessons are, what an effect they have not only on these children now, but on the adults they are to become.

"If a person were to grow up with a healthy soul, enjoying the full development of a strong character and a clear intellect, they could not endure to uphold two kinds of justice—the one protecting life and the other destroying it. Nor would they consent to cultivate in their heart both love and hate. Neither could they tolerate two disciplines—the one aimed at building, and the other at tearing down what has been built."~ Maria Montessori.

I saw this come to light today. Under all the festivities, the happiness, the hopefulness of the child, I saw a sadness in them, too. These children who Montessori called us to follow, have such a pure and honest outlook on our world. They cannot understand they hate and fighting in mankind. When does this change? When did we as adults become tolerant or complacent? Does it start with those early realizations and the subtle sadness I saw today?

I talked to the Elementary class on the power they have within themselves. We talked of them going into the world as adults, taking it by storm, changing it for the better. We also talked about the slower, more subtle changes we can make in ourselves today, right now. They realize that small changes and actions impact others in so many ways. It's truly beautiful to see these realizations unfold right in front of you. It's a gift. 

A note: Dr. Montessori was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize three times. There is a collection of speeches she delivered at international congresses and peace councils entitled, Education and Peace. It offers insights into her philosophy on peace and the child. I hope all of you read and enjoy it.