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Illustrated as it must be by fascinating charts and diagrams, the creation of earth as we now know it unfolds before the child’s imagination... —Maria Montessori To Educate the Human Potential, p. 2. The Montessori timelines in the NAMC History manual are beautiful presentations that naturally continue the excitement and awe the children experience during the presentation of the Five Great Lessons. These timelines can be made using directions from the NAMC manuals, printed from the Curriculum Support Material or purchased through Montessori suppliers. History Timelines in the Montessori Lower Elementary Classroom Before beginning the First Great Lesson and introducing the timelines, I like to present activities related to the concept of time as well as lessons about making and reading simple timelines. Both of these topics are presented in the NAMC Lower Elementary History manual. Many of the students also worked with simplified timelines in the Montessori early childhood environment. ...

I'm not concerned with your liking or disliking me ... all I ask is that you respect me as a human being. — Jackie Robinson (1946 Montreal Royals, the first professional Black baseball player in the major leagues) February is Black History Month in Canada and the United States. This year marks Canada’s 20th anniversary of celebrating Black History Month. (In the United States, Black History Month has been officially recognized since 1976.) This year, another milestone has been reached as Ontario passed legislation on February 16, 2016 to “formally recognize February as Black History Month on an annual basis.” This makes Ontario the third Canadian province, along with Quebec and British Columbia, to officially recognize the achievements and contributions of people who have defined Canada’s Black history. Black History Month 2016 poster , courtesy of the Government of Canada Black History Month in the Montessori Classroom: An Important Part of Canada, The US, and the World In the Mon...

Throughout the year, Montessori teachers introduce themes that can guide the learning and exploration of the students. When possible, they work to integrate the theme across the curriculum. One of my favourite themes in the Montessori elementary classroom focuses on peacemakers and influential leaders. I introduce the theme to the students through books. We begin by reading inspirational books and stories together as a class and in small groups. We read the stories of Terry Fox, Martin Luther King, Rosa Parks, Anne Frank, Maria Montessori, Craig Kielburger, and others. Because lower elementary students are in a developmental stage of understanding and relating to justice, these stories are very meaningful to them. They ignite a spark of curiosity in the students that center on justice and compassion. They feel empathy for these amazing people, many of whom had to deal with harsh circumstances and injustice. The students are even inspired to make changes in their own lives based on thes...