Children have the opportunity to try on traditional clothing and eat delicious snacks. Parents also help to supervise special art projects. Other parents bring in traditional food to share. Parents read books, teach some words in their language, or explain some of their traditions using objects or pictures. Teachers welcome parents to participate by volunteering to share some of their cultural traditions. Diwali, Chinese New Year, Hanukkah, Eid, Ramadan, and other celebrations are honored. Cultural celebrations are a regular part of the Montessori classroom. A Montessori teacher is aware of the importance of having multicultural books and posters in the classroom. Montessori provides young children with a unique opportunity, the early exposure to the concept that children around the word are different but the same. This book and the Montessori maps inspired by my son’s interest in learning more about the world. Each page featured a photograph of a child and what his life was like in his country, with pictures of his family, his school, and his favorite foods and games. The book was called Children Just Like Me, by Anabel & Barnabas Kindersley. I remember when my son 3 years old and became fascinated with a book that his teacher had in her Montessori classroom. In the 3 to 6 classroom, Montessori teachers use the continent maps and globes as well as atlases, pictures and books for their geography and cultural lessons. The journey continues in the Elementary curriculum with lessons in Cosmic Education. Through continent and cultural studies, children learn about the interconnectedness of all life on earth. These lessons include how people have adapted to different climates, their homes, clothing, food, and customs. Montessori cultural lessons expose children to different people and their cultures.

Young children learn to identify the continents and many countries. Through geography lessons, children become aware of where they live in the world.

This understanding begins with geography and cultural lessons. Maria Montessori’s goal was to promote global understanding and international peace. Children begin to realize that they are part of a larger community. Maria Montessori wrote, “The child is both the hope and a promise for mankind.” Montessori children gain a world view from a young age. Montessori education is unique and groundbreaking in that it incorporates cultural and peace education.

Celebrations anabel kindersley