Maria Montessori called the cultural studies a “window to the world” for good reason. Through rich and stimulating cultural studies, the children have opportunities to experience beyond our classroom and to realize many aspects of the wonderful world around them. These lessons cover a variety of subjects all intertwined; geography, zoology, botany, history, art and even music. Specific unit studies spotlight a region, and then children are immersed in that region’s people, culture, flora and fauna making distant lands come to life.
We had an opportune time to explore the rich culture of India and celebration of Diwali. The children were captivated by the melodious Indian music, the aroma of indigenous spices, beautiful handmade artwork and they even enjoyed the traditional ceremonial Indian attire worn during this special time of thankfulness and joy.
One delightful boy proclaimed, “I want to celebrate Diwali at my house!” His mother later thanked me for providing this rich experience to her son.
Through our Montessori lessons, children gain a sense of their own place in the world and our interconnectedness to each other, promoting awareness and peace.
