“Within the child is the fate of the future.”
– Maria Montessori

Imagine a world without conflict. It feels like a lofty goal to actualize because in reality conflict exists not only globally but in our everyday lives. Working through conflict to come to a peaceful resolution is a fundamental part of the Elementary program at Lauremont School. As a child begins their Elementary journey their strong desire to collaborate with others and their social nature make relational learning rewarding, but not free from challenges. 

Maria Montessori was an advocate for peace and put her hope and faith in children. Montessori education is about cultivating compassion and empathy. I am so lucky every single day that I have the privilege of seeing our students show kindness, respect, and understanding towards one another. Montessori students across the world make a positive difference in the lives of others. Maria Montessori believed children were change agents who could create a peaceful world through tolerance and appreciation of our human differences. Our classrooms promote respect, celebrate differences and help us understand that our uniqueness makes us special. Part of understanding peace is working through conflicts.

Cultivating empathy and compassion helps us understand the importance of resolving conflicts by talking to one another. Our students use their head, heart and hands to connect with their peers knowing that the simplest act of kindness can make a big difference. They understand that when we treat others with kindness, we create a peaceful environment. Helping them learn that people are different and have unique backgrounds is essential. This helps all of us appreciate diversity and value the richness it brings to our lives.

Talking to one another kindly and seeing things from another’s perspective is important to working through problems together. Like the Montessori philosophy, the IB programme also advocates for peaceful dialogue as a way to resolve our conflicts. The IB Mission statement, “encourages students across the world to become active, compassionate and lifelong learners who understand that other people, with their differences, can also be right.”

As your children progress to the Upper School, you can be confident that the values instilled in them during their Elementary years will carry them all the way to the Graduation stage and beyond. Being an upstander ensures our students understand the importance of helping our friends when they face challenges with others. In Elementary we understand that kindness inspires kindness. Being kind in our thoughts, actions and interactions with others is important to ensuring we have a peaceful and inclusive community. 
 

The Elementary program fosters the development of social-emotional skills through direct experiences and meaningful opportunities for growth. Students participate in regular wellness lessons and community circles which incorporate activities designed to develop skills such as empathy, communication and conflict resolution. These experiences allow children to practise essential interpersonal skills in a supportive environment while guided by their teachers. Through regular reflection and feedback, students develop self-awareness and learn to navigate social situations with confidence and respect for others.

Grade 6 students explore the concept of peace through their studies in history where they learn about the courage of individuals who promoted understanding, resilience and unity. Through literature and guided discussions, they deepen their understanding of empathy and the power of kindness. These learning experiences encourage students to reflect on their role in building inclusive and compassionate communities within their classrooms and beyond.

As our students grow and develop through their Elementary years they become advocates for peace and social change. They are guided by a deep understanding of our interconnectedness. They cultivate self-awareness and a commitment to social responsibility, as they become advocates for human rights and champions for positive change in their local and global communities.