Montessori Grace and Courtesy in Lower Elementary Classrooms

Social peace and harmony can have only one foundation—man himself. This is the task of education. We must make it possible for the individual to be free and independent. ~ Maria Montessori, The Absorbent Mind.

To be graceful is to be pleasing, agreeable, and demonstrate goodwill. The Montessori elementary classroom is ripe for teachable moments in grace and courtesy that will help a child in situations throughout his life. With these lessons, the Montessori environment is productive and supportive.

The Montessori academic course of study in the lower elementary classroom revolves around the idea of Cosmic Education, or the idea that everything is connected and interdependent upon one another. Just as the universe is seen as a whole community, the lower elementary Montessori classroom is a community of learners which follow very clear ground rules that ensure the success and freedom of all students.

The mantra to “follow the child” is ingrained in the Montessori teacher. The Montessori environment is specially prepared with focus on the individual. Students have the freedom to move about the classroom, exploring and learning as their interest is piqued. Even so, individuals find themselves in the center of the Montessori community. To ensure success, Montessori teachers establish very clear ground rules.