Cincinnati Kids Learn About Peace

Mahatma Gandhi once said…If we are to have real peace in this world, then we shall have to begin with the children.

And, at the Kennedy Heights Montessori Center a small silk flower is teaching young impressionable minds how to take responsibility for actions and solve conflict in positive ways.

I saw that silk flower in a vase on a table and couldn’t help but want to learn its purpose. I am so glad that I asked. I absolutely love the lesson behind the Peace Rose.

The Peace Rose Ceremony

This is how the lesson goes. Whenever two children are having some sort of conflict, one will go to get the Rose (there is one in each classroom) and present it to the other. Each child says what happened, how he/she felt about what happened, and what he/she thinks should be done. Only the child holding the rose can speak. They declare ‘peace’ when they both feel the issue is resolved, and one brings the rose back to the vase…to continue on with their day.

Gosh, there are SO many reasons to love this approach that was originally developed by Karla Crescenta, a teacher at the Giving Tree who has extensive experience in mediation. What better, more empowering way to teach children than to give them the responsibility for coming up with their own solutions? This encourages them to talk freely and honestly about their emotions; and to speak with understanding and empathy rather than violence. Additionally, those kids who got great reinforcement from tattling to a teacher about a problem now see greater reinforcement from working things out on their own.

A+ to the staff of Kennedy Heights Montessori Center, and every other school, who teaches children about acceptance, peace and love.

Please watch this video

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