Introducing the Montessori Peace Place

The Montessori Peace Place – A special place of peace in the classroom

September is an important month each year to celebrate peace, especially when we can be a part of celebrating the International Day of Peace, just like many thousands of people across the world.

For this blog post and in celebration of world peace, I would like to introduce an important concept within every Montessori classroom, the Peace Place.

Dr. Montessori recognized children as the hope and promise for humankind. The Peace Place is a designated space in the classroom environment where children can go to take a moment, calm themselves and work out a problem in a peaceful way.

Materials for the Peace Place

Each classroom designs their own unique Peace Place, creating an inviting, calming and beautiful and special place that helps our children to find peace within them.  Some examples to equip that special Peace Place may include a Peace Rose, a basket full of a collection of beautiful rocks, stones or marbles, sensory materials, emotions cards, a mirror, books about emotions and peace, gel and glitter bottles, a table water fountain.

The importance of the Peace Place location

The location of the Peace Place is important.  It should be selected carefully, to be away from the busy work area, by a window, and just in an area that reflects calm energy.

What important work is done in the Peace Place?

While the Peace Place can be that special place for one of our friends to find inner peace and come to terms with his/her own emotions, it is also that special place for two friends to resolve a conflict.  The Peace Rose is a tool for two friends to pass back and forth while they work through their disagreement until they find a way to a peaceful resolution together.  It is beautiful to watch our Montessori children find their way to celebrate peace with each other, solving their issues honestly and fairly.

The Montessori Peace Place truly helps to maintain a harmonious and cooperative atmosphere in the Montessori classroom community.