PEACE & SERVICE
What is peace education?
Peace studies have long been a part of the Montessori system. Montessori has been seen as peace education and we believe that the peaceful nature of the method is the reason. Therefore the understanding of “peace” will be disseminated not only by teaching facts and figures but by being peaceful and acting peacefully.
What is servant-leadership?
Robert K. Greenleaf, an AT&T executive, coined the phrase servant-leadership in 1970. The servant-leadership philosophy stresses increased service to others, a holistic approach to work, promoting a sense of community, and the sharing of power in decision making.
Servant-leadership supports people who choose to serve first, and then lead as a way of expanding service to individuals and organizations. In June 2007, the Kingwood Montessori School was invited to be the first Early Childhood and elementary Montessori school in America to participate in a national pilot program to develop the integration of servant-leadership principles and civic engagement into the school curriculum. This is sponsored by a collaboration of the Greenleaf Center in Indianapolis and Manoa Partnerships of the University of Hawaii.
Peace and Service at Kingwood Montessori School
At Kingwood Montessori School, we believe education goes beyond academics; it nurtures character, fosters compassion, and builds a strong foundation for a peaceful and service-driven future. Through our emphasis on Peace and Service, we empower children to grow as thoughtful, respectful, and engaged individuals who positively contribute to their communities and the world.
Peace Education in Montessori Learning
Peace has always been at the core of the Montessori philosophy. Dr. Maria Montessori believed that children are naturally peaceful and can be guided to resolve conflicts, embrace diversity, and develop empathy. At Kingwood Montessori, we integrate Peace and Service into daily learning by creating environments where respect, kindness, and understanding flourish.
1. Creating a Peaceful Environment
Our classrooms are designed to promote peace and harmony. Children are encouraged to work collaboratively, communicate respectfully, and resolve conflicts peacefully. By fostering mutual respect, we create a calm and productive space where every child feels valued.
2. Teaching Peaceful Practices
Peace education is a natural part of our curriculum. Students practice mindfulness, gratitude, and self-reflection, which helps them develop emotional intelligence and resilience. Activities such as peace tables, reflective discussions, and peer mediation teach children the importance of acting peacefully and understanding others.
3. A Focus on Diversity and Respect
We celebrate diversity and encourage children to appreciate different cultures, perspectives, and backgrounds. Promoting inclusivity and respect prepares students to thrive in a global society.
The Concept of Service and Servant-Leadership
At the heart of Peace and Service is the concept of servant-leadership. Coined by Robert K. Greenleaf, servant-leadership is a philosophy that prioritizes serving others, fostering a sense of community, and sharing responsibility.
1. What is Servant-Leadership?
Servant leadership is about serving first and then expanding service to individuals and organizations. It encourages children to act selflessly, think beyond themselves, and make decisions that positively impact their peers, community, and environment.
2. A Nationally Recognized Program
In June 2007, Kingwood Montessori School became the first Early Childhood and elementary Montessori school in America to participate in a national pilot program integrating servant-leadership principles into the curriculum. Sponsored by the Greenleaf Center and Manoa Partnerships of the University of Hawaii, this program enables our students to develop leadership skills rooted in compassion, integrity, and service.
3. Service in Action
Service learning is a key component of our school culture. Students engage in meaningful community projects, volunteer activities, and initiatives that promote kindness and social responsibility. These experiences teach them the value of helping others, leading by example, and creating positive change.
The Benefits of Peace and Service
Integrating Peace and Service into education provides lifelong benefits for students, including:
-
Building Empathy: Children learn to understand and appreciate the needs and feelings of others.
-
Strengthening Leadership Skills: Servant leadership fosters collaboration, problem-solving, and ethical decision-making.
-
Creating Responsible Citizens: Students develop a sense of social responsibility and a commitment to helping others by engaging in service projects.
-
Enhancing Emotional Well-Being: Peace education promotes mindfulness, reduces stress, and encourages self-awareness.
Yoga and Mindfulness: Tools for Peace
Kingwood Montessori integrates mindfulness practices like yoga into the curriculum as part of our commitment to peace education. Yoga aligns with the Montessori philosophy by promoting unity of body, mind, and spirit. Weekly yoga lessons, led by a local specialist, help children build self-awareness, focus, and inner peace. These purposeful movements empower students to center themselves and approach challenges calmly and thoughtfully.
Inspiring Tomorrow’s Leaders
At Kingwood Montessori School, peace and service are essential for future leaders. By providing children with the tools to cultivate inner peace and serve others, we prepare them to contribute meaningfully to their communities and the world.
