Oak Farm Montessori

April 2023

Do you believe everything your parents taught you? What about the theories your college professors lectured or your high school teachers mandated you memorize?

Each of us have learned, through life experiences and personal study, what we believe about a myriad of cultural topics and social norms. Is it such a wonder then that our own children question our rules, both at home and in the classroom?

Dr. Maria Montessori believed that moral beliefs come from within the child; that adults in their life either nurture or hinder that development in their interactions. In the first years of life, a child learns by watching and mimicking the behaviors of those around them. In our early childhood classrooms, students learn the importance of the guiding principles: care of self, care of the environment and care of others. These lessons are practiced daily and older students often are seen reminding younger children if they forget.

In the second plane, children are exploring, asking questions and making their own decisions about what is right and wrong. The beauty of this trial and error in the Montessori setting is that the teachers and the students work together to establish the norms of the classroom. Because this community must work together, the importance of established group rules is decided and maintained by all.

Finally, in the third plane, our high school students are now testing out their own cultural and social justice beliefs on those around them. During Socratic Seminars or Family Time they are encouraged to share their personal perspectives and are given freedom to do so freely. While no one opinion is seen or accepted as fact, all are treated equally.

The world we live in today is not the same as yesterday. These students will be faced with moral and integrity questions that we can only imagine as technology and science expands at lighting speed. The decision making skills, confidence building and valorization that a Montessori education provides will prepare these young adults for whatever future moral issues arise.