Here’s a sneak preview of my visit to Abintra Montessori School in Nashville, Tennessee. Abintra is located in West Tennesee on a ten-acre campus. The school serves 150 children ages 3 to 15, from Primary to Middle School.
My interviews focused on finding out more about Abintra’s school song, “From Within.” The song was written by Upper Elementary students in 2006. You can hear the song and watch its music video on Abintra’s Facebook page. This song is a true expression of the peace and respect that are built into the Montessori approach. These elementary students were able to recognize and write about the community values that make their school a unique and positive place to learn. The project is a demonstration of the collaboration and creativity that are possible in a peaceful, community environment.
For teachers, parents or students who are interested in learning more about “the making of the video”, look for the full We the Peacemakers video out in May!
A Sunday drive took me across the state of Tennessee, from Knoxville all the way to Henderson, TN. I spent Monday and Tuesday mornings at Parkview Montessori Magnet School, in Jackson, Tennessee. Parkview is a public school serving students in Preschool through Grade 8 from Jackson-Madison County School System. Students enter the school by applying through a lottery system.
The motto at Parkview is “Peaceful Children, Peaceful School, Peaceful World.” This influence of the school motto is demonstrated throughout environment and in the interactions between students and teachers. The external environment features a peace garden where students plant and build. A peace pole greets students and guests who pass through the main entrance doors. Inside, the hallways are filled with student artwork, as well as educational exhibits about the Montessori philosophy. I visited classrooms that had a familiar hum of students actively engaged with materials.
On Tuesday morning, I had the opportunity to speak with middle school students from Peggy Smith’s classroom about Parkview’s approach to peace. These 7th and 8th graders held small group Socratic dialogues to discuss their understanding of peace and the impact of Montessori schooling on their lives. The students also shared about a unique project to study about Nobel Peace Prize winners. What an articulate and caring group of young people! I was excited to be able to interview Ms. Smith and School Principal Melinda Harris, as well.
Central Montessori School (VA)
Posted on: February 24, 2010
My first school visit was a whirlwind of excitement. Central Montessori School, is located in the downtown Church Hill neighborhood of Richmond, Virginia. In its third year, Central Montessori School offers a full-year, full-day Montessori program for children from toddler through lower elementary.
I had the opportunity to visit all of the classroom environments and meet the dedicated staff. The school founder and director, Anita Pishko, sat down with me for an interview about Central’s approach to creating a peaceable community among the children and the larger community. Our conversation was thought-provoking and really got to the heart of what I might describe as a “whole child, whole world” approach to peace. I can’t wait to share the video!
Skyline photo credit: Jim from Richmond, VA
INTRODUCING THE PROJECT
Posted on: February 15, 2010
Hello! Please view the video below to find out more about the We the Peacemakers project. The video also describes how you and your school can participate and explains my approach to filming at a school.
Questions? Opinions? Leave a comment!
THE ROUTE
Posted on: February 14, 2010
- In: Maps | Travel Journal
- 2 Comments
I made a map that VERY roughly follow the route I will drive cross-country.
Here’s where I would like to ask for your help. If you have a connection to a Montessori school along the route, please let me know. I am actively seeking schools that would like to participate anywhere along the route. I would be willing to drive a few hours drive out of the way.
I am eager to get the show on the road and will be making a lot of phone calls and sending emails this week to set up plans. I would love to hear from YOU.
You can reach me at carolyn@wethepeacemakers.net.
PLANNING MY DEPARTURE
Posted on: February 8, 2010
A road trip with a purpose.
You know when “people” tell you to “do what you love”? Folks, I’m attempting that.
I love Montessori, I love travel, I love story telling.
I love meeting new people, I love learning new skills, I love being challenged to dive headfirst into the unknown.
Love peace? That’s too basic. It is more that I yearn for peace. I know life is difficult. I know suffering cannot be erased from the world. What I’ve realized, though, is that difficulty, suffering and unfairness do not have to be passively accepted.
Human beings can, and do, work to ease suffering, prevent violence and bring peace. Many aspects of the Montessori curriculum work towards this end. This blog will showcase what Montessorians are doing to actively bring peace to the child, the classroom, the community and the world.
I can only plan to film at a handful of schools, so it is my hope that visitors will use this website to share acts of peace at their own schools.
We the Peacemakers: How Montessori Makes Peace 