We all want our children to be peaceful and accepting of others. We can teach them that, while there are so many ways humans can be different from each other, those differences (and our similarities) should be celebrated.
Setting an Example
Our children constantly look to us as models for their own behavior. We can take the lead by embracing the values we hope to see in our children. This starts by educating ourselves. We can learn about different cultures and groups of people. We can confront our biases and consider how they might be coloring our view of the world. We can read about current issues in social justice and decide what responsibilities we have as individuals to make the world a more equitable place for all people.
Read Together
There are many quality books written for children about this very topic. Below are but a few.
Last Stop on Market Street, by Matt de la Peña (Illustrated by Christian Robinson)
This book was the 2016 Newbury Medal Winner. It also received a Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor and a Caldecott Honor. It’s about a little boy rides the bus with his grandmother after church each Sunday. His grandmother’s laugh guides him through the journey as they meet a wide variety of people.
The Ugly Vegetables, by Grace Lin
Award-winning author Grace Lin wrote this charming book for young children. A daughter helps her mother in their garden but becomes dismayed when she sees it is full of “ugly vegetables” while the neighbors are all growing flowers. The soup her mother makes, and the gathering of neighbors, teaches her the value of differences.
The Sandwich Swap, by Queen Rania al Abdullah & Kelly DiPucchio (Illlustrated by Tricia Tusa)
Salma and Lily are best friends. One day, a conflict arises over their sandwiches at lunchtime (pita with hummus, and peanut butter with jelly). The food that threatens to end their friendship ultimately binds them together again.
The Family Book, by Todd Parr
Todd Parr’s books are simple, yet his bright illustrations and straightforward story are perfect for young children. The Family Book highlights many different types of families and ends by saying, “There are lots of different ways to be a family. Your family is special no matter what kind it is.”
You Hold Me Up, by Monique Gray Smith (Illustrated by Danielle Daniel)
Smith says that she wrote You Hold Me Up “to prompt a dialogue among young people, their care providers and educators about reconciliation and the importance of the connections children make with their friends, classmates and families.”
Experience Together
There are so many ways a family can have fun together while encouraging curiosity, understanding, and empathy with different groups of people. Think about the activities your family already enjoys and find ways to make those activities learning experiences.
Do you and your family enjoy cooking? Try whipping up new recipes from different cultures around the world. Preparing and sharing a meal is one way we all bond, so why not explore other cuisines?
Many cities and towns hold festivals celebrating the cultures of the various people who live there. Music, food, traditional crafts, and performances can be a fun way to learn about another culture.
Does your family love music? Visit your library to borrow CDs or find some audio clips online. Music from around the world can inspire your child to sing and dance. Grab any instruments you may have on hand (or make your own!) to join in on the fun.
Share Your Own Experience
Each family has its own unique history, heritage, and traditions. Teach your child about their ancestors, where your family originated, and what makes your family special. Offer to share these traditions at school. We love to have parents come in for special presentations. Whether you teach the children to prepare a snack, sing a song, or read them a traditional story, every new bit of cultural learning gives them a broader view of their world.
Let’s open the world for our children so that they may share it peacefully with each other.
Share This
Recent Articles From Our Blog
A Deep Dive Into How We Teach Handwriting
Children in Montessori schools often learn to write before they can read—an approach that strengthens their path to literacy in remarkable ways. In this article, we’ll explore why handwriting is so essential, how it’s taught in Montessori, and why this skill serves children as they progress into elementary school and beyond.
Unlocking Learning with Knobless Cylinders
Knobless Cylinders are a key material in the Montessori Sensorial curriculum, helping children refine their visual discrimination skills, develop coordination, and prepare for later mathematical concepts. In this article, we explore the significance of this material, how it fits into the Montessori preschool program, and why it’s an invaluable tool in fostering independence and learning.
Fun Montessori-Inspired Activities for Fall Learning
After a fantastic field trip to the pumpkin farm this past week, we’re inspired to bring the joy of pumpkins into our Montessori activities at home! From simple kitchen activities to seasonal songs, we explore creative ways to use pumpkins for hands-on learning that will help your child build math skills, improve fine motor coordination, and engage in sensory exploration.
10 Amazing Podcasts for Curious Kids and Families
Looking for a screen-free way to entertain and educate your kids? Podcasts are the perfect solution! Whether you're driving, sitting in a waiting room, or simply want a break from screen time, podcasts offer a wonderful alternative. These ten podcasts are fun, engaging, and full of learning opportunities for kids and families. So get comfortable, grab a snack, and start listening!
The Montessori Approach to Motivation
In Montessori classrooms, children are excited and driven to learn, not because of external rewards or punishments, but because they are fueled by a powerful sense of intrinsic motivation. In this article, we explore how the Montessori method fosters this unique, self-sustaining drive for learning that lasts a lifetime.
Prepare your child for life.
Is your child a dreamer? A builder? A thinker? A storyteller? An explorer?
At Pearlily Montessori, we educate children 3-6 years old and support them in becoming independent, responsible students who love to learn. Learn more about:
Our Mission
The Prepared Environment
Our Early Childhood Program
To grasp the essence of a Montessori education, just step inside a classroom.
Explore Pearlily.
Please fill out this form to learn more about the school, tuition, or to schedule a visit. We will contact you at the first opportunity.