Montessori Grace and Courtesy: Not Just for Children

“The training of the teacher who is to help life is something far more than the learning of ideas. It includes the training of character; it is a preparation of the spirit.” —Maria Montessori, The Absorbent Mind.

From the time children enter the Montessori environment, we teach them about grace and courtesy. We use soft voices and gentle words to help direct children to make appropriate choices. We never belittle, ridicule, or use sarcasm. We teach manners and develop empathy in our young charges. We teach conflict resolution. But what happens when we are not with the children can sometimes be something altogether contrary to what we teach in the classroom.