Supporting Cultural Diversity in the Montessori Classroom

 

Our Montessori Classroom always reflects diversity and connection to the world through hands-on activities. The children receive an opportunity to learn the cultural foundations of other peoples and nations, respect their traditions, and appreciate cultural differences. Maria Montessori was a truly passionate advocate for peace in the world. Promoting diversity, understanding, and implementing the value of different cultures teaches children to accept and respect people and their traditions from all over the world.

Visual prompts, display of symbols that represent different countries, practical activities allow children to open up their minds and hearts towards someone who may be a little different and appreciate them.  We celebrate cultural events together, like Chinese New Year, invite people from different backgrounds to make presentations of their folk music dances, read their stories, and listen to native music in different languages. We encourage parents to come and share about the places they have come from and introduce children to their foods, show photos, etc. We always cook foods together that come from different countries, like making sushi, pizza, cakes, fried rice, salads.

 

 (photo credit: Janette Dunne)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A note of gratitude to the wonderful teachers of Indooroopilly Montessori Children’s House, for their gorgeous room setups,  and their endless love and dedication to working with children