One of Montessori's key objectives is to help the child develop a global perspective, and the study of history and world cultures form the cornerstone of this curriculum. In the 6-9 Program, we study different continents through the lens of how cultures around the world meet their fundamental human needs for food, shelter, clothing, transportation, defense, and spiritual and artistic expression.

This year, our continent studies focused on Asia. Through read-alouds, book clubs and our biome study, the children are developing an understanding of how different cultures in Asia meet their fundamental human needs.  One of the ways our cultural studies are greatly enriched is through the participation of our parents. Each year we are extraordinarily lucky. This fall, one parent visited our classroom over the course of three days to share the traditions of Diwali, explaining the history of the festival, wearing traditional women's clothing, sharing food and performing the ritual of Lakshmi Pooja. The ritual is performed to invite Goddess Lakshmi into the home so that the New Year will be filled with peace, wealth and prosperity. The children created rangoli, an ancient Indian art form in which patterns are created at the entrance to the home using materials such as colored rice, colored sand or flower petals.

Recently, another parent visited with the class several times to share what she has learned about Vietnamese culture through her travels to Vietnam. Focusing on how fundamental human needs are met within this culture, she shared with the class the history, language and details of daily life in Vietnam. Each session, she told stories and brought photos, artifacts and new foods to try. Her last visit was a fascinating presentation on the intricate and extensive underground tunnel system of Cu Chi. The highlight of the morning for the children was crawling through a brilliantly constructed simulation of the tunnels (cardboard boxes and duct tape) in total darkness with only the aid of a flashlight. It was an experience the students will probably never forget.
 

Throughout the year WMS families generously give their time and talents to share their interests, passions and cultural traditions with us. One family this year shared Hanukkah traditions with us and another parent brought in rain forest tree frogs to touch and hold while he skillfully taught them about animal adaptations .  Each experience enlarges our view of the world around us, creating connections, compassion and a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of our world. Parents are a vital part of the life and community of our school and in our classrooms. We celebrate the lessons they share with us.