“…the history of human achievement is real, a living witness to the greatness of man, and the children can easily be brought to thrill to the knowledge that there are millions of people like themselves, striving mentally and physically to solve the problems of life, and that all contribute to a solution though one may find it.”
Maria Montessori, To Educate the Human Potential p. 51
History is in many ways the backbone of Montessori education. Human activity on the planet is viewed by Montessori as the unfolding story of human potential and human contribution set against the backdrop of the dramatic tale of the history of Earth itself. Coming to know the stories of people from different places and times lays the foundation in our children for empathy and gratitude. We all have contributions to make. Together throughout time and space humans have constructed a tapestry of interdependence on the planet. In this complex fabric each has a Cosmic task, a role to play.
Scaffolding the discovery and study of people in their historical contexts can be an engaging, purposeful endeavor for adolescents. Laurie Ewert-Krocker will discuss strategies for setting the stage for adolescents to step into the study of History and the Humanities with consideration of the three-stage learning cycle.
Laurie Ewert-Krocker (she/her) is Director of Training at the International Montessori Training Institute of Ohio. She is an AMI 12 - 18 Trainer and currently directs one of the first AMI 12 - 18 Diploma Courses offered by AMI. She was a presenter and Course Director for the AMI-NAMTA Orientation to Adolescent Studies for 15 years and has consulted with Montessori adolescent programs around the world. She holds AMI diplomas at the 3-6 and 6-12 levels. Laurie was the founding head teacher of Hershey Montessori School’s Adolescent Community in 1996 and served as both Middle School Program Director and Upper School Program Director at Hershey where she worked for 28 years.
