Very young children are typically focused on themselves; however, they like to be contributing members of their family and community. The community that exists in each Toddler and Children’s House classroom at Lauremont School naturally develops empathy and care for others. The children learn how to understand and accept the perspective of others.

In our classes, understanding, compassion and attention to others is demonstrated by the adults in their environments. Young children emulate this behaviour and they can often be seen independently obtaining a tissue for a classmate who is crying, reassuring a peer that their parent is coming back soon or helping a classmate to put on his/her shoes.

These attributes lay the foundation for positive, kind, caring and concerned members of society. Service for young children begins at home and school. Similar to the Montessori pedagogy, we move from the concrete to the abstract when presenting the children with opportunities for service – first in the classroom, then within Lauremont School, followed by the broader community and then globally.

In our classrooms, our students maintain their environments, inside and out; for example, recycling, gardening, sweeping, watering plants and helping carry or fold laundry. They are responsible and capable citizens of the world. 

From their close knit classrooms they branch out to contribute to school wide initiatives; for example, the children walked and raised funds for the Canadian Cancer Society during our Terry Fox Walkathon; they recognized the importance of Truth and Reconciliation on Orange Shirt Day; they collected food for 360Kids; they wrote letters to Veterans at Sunnybrook Health Centre in honour of Remembrance Day; they donated toys and gift cards to the Salvation Army Toy Drive; they collected small toiletries for an Upper School student initiative; and they donated books for the Friends of the Community Book Sale.

I am sure many of our families are also contributing to broader community needs with their families, which may include helping to shovel a neighbour’s driveway, picking up garbage, planting for Earth Day or donating used clothing and toys to charities.

In our classrooms, our older students become role models and mentors for others. In these leadership roles they model confidence and develop patience as they provide care and service for others. They also experience the joy that nurturing others brings! This leadership is observed when they check the work of a classmate, help to fasten a zipper in the cloakroom or attend Physical Education classes with the CH1’s. Everyone benefits from serving one another in our community.

Being in service of others is demonstrated through gracious and courteous acts. Grace and Courtesy are an essential part of the Montessori curriculum. During these lessons and the running of the daily classes, we focus on teaching children social skills in a positive and supportive environment. It is vital for all to act in this manner to ensure our society is functioning well.

Dr. Maria Montessori said, “grace is the child’s ability to use their will to show comfort and respect in themselves. Courtesy is showing that same grace and respect towards others.” We lay the foundation for academics, arts, athletics and citizenship in our young students at Lauremont School. We know that from this strong foundation the students will grow in all areas and be remarkable humans who understand the importance of being in service of others.

As we serve others we are working on ourselves; every act, every word, every gesture of genuine compassion naturally nourishes our own hearts as well”
– Mahatma Gandhi