Are Montessori Schools Religious?
The Montessori Method of education is a century-old pedagogical tool that promotes children to indulge in auto-didactic education and hands-on learning.
As a widely accepted pedagogy, the Montessori method of education integrates a plethora of unconventional principles that allow children to become confident, self-reliant, and independent from a very young age.
With a unique teaching style facilitated by Montessori materials and activities to eccentric concepts such as the absorbent mind or cosmic education, the Montessori Method of education is more than educational philosophy.
After acknowledging the key principles of the Montessori Method, one can say that it is an auto-didactic spiritual expedition that promotes holistic development.
The eccentric nature and unconventional approach adopted by the pedagogy may lead to speculations of the Montessori Method incorporating religious values.
When talking about religious elements and ideology integrated into educational institutions, the Montessori Method of education does not follow or include any kind of religious teachings.
The Montessori Method of Education allows children to learn about their own religious and spiritual values with the help of the Montessori Cultural Curriculum.
To clear the confusion and allow you to draw conclusions, here is everything you should know about religious education in Montessori Education.
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A Brief description of Maria Montessori’s Religious Beliefs:
Dr. Maria Montessori was born on August 31st, 1870, in a small commune called Chiaravalle, Italy to a Catholic, middle-class, and well-educated family.
Although being born a 20th Century catholic, Dr. Maria Montessori’s spirituality and persistent beliefs in human spirituality are evident in her works.
Her beliefs in human spirituality, sanctity and fraternity were the product of extensive traveling across the globe.
Through her traveling Montessori was able to encounter several religious figures, artists, doctors, scientists, and educators who contributed to her works and ideology.
The exposure to different ideologies allowed Dr. Maria Montessori to develop an interest in non-European religions and dive into the world of eastern spirituality.
Montessori’s belief in humanism and human spirituality is evident even in her pedagogy the Montessori Method.
The Montessori Method of education celebrates humanity, promotes unity, and allows children to develop a sense of resort for others.
Montessori Education and Spiritual Learning:
Spiritual Learning and Spiritual education in Montessori are the key aspects of Montessori philosophy.
In fact, Spirituality is listed as one of the Human Tendencies observed by Dr. Maria Montessori and her son Mario Montessori.
The Human Tendency of spirituality works in conjunction with the other four human tendencies, mathematical mind, work, group behavior, and exploration.
When the five human tendencies in children work simultaneously, the child is able to reach both academic and social milestones.
Spirituality in Montessori is developed in children with the help of cultural subjects such as arts, music, religion, and dance.
The four subjects: arts, music, dance, and religion incorporated into the Montessori Cultural curriculum, are relevant in the contemporary ages as well as throughout history.
When given the opportunity to independently explore the four cultural subjects children are able to develop an intimate understanding of humanism and spirituality.
Humanis like Spirituality is also an important aspect of the Montessori cultural curriculum. Children are acquainted with the concept of humanism with the help of the Fundamental Needs Chart.
The Fundamental Needs Chart systematically divides materialistic requirements such as food, shelter, safety, or communication and spiritual requirements such as love, religion, or culture possessed by humans.
Through spirituality and humanism, Dr. Maria Montessori through her curriculum is beloved for bringing children from different religions together.
How is Religion Taught in Montessori:
Religion and spiritual values in Montessori are incorporated into the Montessori Cultural curriculum.
Education of religion, culture, and spirituality is facilitated by materials as well as the active involvement of student organizations.
Cultural education in Montessori is not limited to just one religion, children are taught about different religions and cultures from across the globe.
Exposure to diverse cultures and different religions allows children to develop respect and appreciation for their fellow humans.
The Montessori Method of education encourages children to develop an understanding of different languages, and cultures, as well as celebrate each other’s heritage.
Some Montessori schools also set up exciting fairs that celebrate different religions and display artifacts, paintings, and pictures of cultures from around the globe.
During such fairs, ambassadors are elected to display and discuss their cultural heritage including their religious faiths.
Another fun way to celebrate and learn about different cultures is by collaboratively enjoying each other’s festivals.
Whether it is Christmas, Hanukkah, Diwali, or the Chinese New Year, children in the Montessori School are encouraged to celebrate different festivals in peace and harmony.
So, are Montessori Schools Religious?
Montessori Schools can either be independently run, operated by the public, or faith-based.
It is up to the parents to perform rigorous research regarding Montessori Schools and choose the institution that accommodates their religious beliefs.
While independent Montessori Schools have the autonomy to customize or determine their culture and religious policies, there are some funded institutions that are often specifically oriented to one religion.
The Montessori Educational institutions that merge both the Montessori principles and Religious faiths allow children to develop holistically as well as spiritually.
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