One of the fundamental aspects of Montessori education is Peace Education. This aspect of the curriculum teaches children positive conflict resolution. One very successful tool is use of a Peace Table.
The table is set up in a special area of the classroom, away from the busy work areas. It is usually one small table with two chairs all child-sized. Works are not permitted to be done here, as its sole purpose is for conversation. A Peace Flower, often a rose, is placed on the table with a vase. A child wishing to converse with another may take the Peace Rose to the second child and say, "I invite you to the Peace Table." Both children then assume seats at the table. The child holding the Peace Flower, who did the inviting, gets to speak first. She can tell the second child what he did that hurt her feelings. Then she must give him the flower to let him respond. They pass the flower back and forth, speaking only when holding the flower, until a resolution or compromise is made.
When the concept is first introduced, especially for younger children, an adult may need to help mediate with appropriate language and ideas. Sometimes another child will come over to act as mediator.
The children quickly learn how to use the table appropriately. Some children will get into pretend fights so that they can practice sitting at the table, role-playing.
Teachers can use the Peace Table to discuss behavioral issues with the children.
Parents can also benefit from implementing the process at home. Set up a special, quiet corner in a room of the house. Make a Peace Flower available. Insist from the beginning that arguing siblings sit there to work out differences. Model appropriate conversational skills by talking to your children at the table when you're having a disagreement. Further model appropriate usage of the Peace Table by role-playing with your spouse.
Sometimes a child may refuse to come to the table. A conversation can still occur as long as the Peace Flower is being utilized. The important thing is only one person at a time may speak, and that person is holding the flower.
The table is set up in a special area of the classroom, away from the busy work areas. It is usually one small table with two chairs all child-sized. Works are not permitted to be done here, as its sole purpose is for conversation. A Peace Flower, often a rose, is placed on the table with a vase. A child wishing to converse with another may take the Peace Rose to the second child and say, "I invite you to the Peace Table." Both children then assume seats at the table. The child holding the Peace Flower, who did the inviting, gets to speak first. She can tell the second child what he did that hurt her feelings. Then she must give him the flower to let him respond. They pass the flower back and forth, speaking only when holding the flower, until a resolution or compromise is made.
When the concept is first introduced, especially for younger children, an adult may need to help mediate with appropriate language and ideas. Sometimes another child will come over to act as mediator.
The children quickly learn how to use the table appropriately. Some children will get into pretend fights so that they can practice sitting at the table, role-playing.
Teachers can use the Peace Table to discuss behavioral issues with the children.
Parents can also benefit from implementing the process at home. Set up a special, quiet corner in a room of the house. Make a Peace Flower available. Insist from the beginning that arguing siblings sit there to work out differences. Model appropriate conversational skills by talking to your children at the table when you're having a disagreement. Further model appropriate usage of the Peace Table by role-playing with your spouse.
Sometimes a child may refuse to come to the table. A conversation can still occur as long as the Peace Flower is being utilized. The important thing is only one person at a time may speak, and that person is holding the flower.
- Set up a Peace Table in a quiet area.
- Utilize the Peace Flower while taking turns speaking.
- Maintain conversation until a compromise can be reached.
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