In
Montessori classrooms we go to great lengths to make connections between
cultures and countries across the globe and throughout time. Rather than
isolating people through their differences, we celebrate the commonalities we
all share.
One way
that this is accomplished is by using the Fundamental Needs of People to
compare how such diverse cultures meet their basic needs: nutrition, shelter, clothing, belonging, defense, transportation, communication,
self-expression, the healing arts, and spirituality.
On this
last need, our class discussions become especially rich. We ask questions that
provide opportunities for deep reflection: Why is it that so many cultures from
so vastly different regions of our planet have celebrations this time of year
that involve light? Our conversations reflect an understanding of the need for
sunlight for warmth, as well as energy for growing crops for sustaining a
community. We discuss the literary image of light as being one of hope and
possibility, and of darkness one of wasting and despair.
What
children take away from these conversations is that humans develop practices
that are grounded in their most basic needs. If we look first to these needs as
we approach understanding our various ceremonies, we may find that we’re not
that different after all.
(A similar piece to this one was originally posted on December 9, 2011).
Well said.
ReplyDeleteYou make your mother proud.