The Implementation of an Early Childhood Montessori Peace Curriculum to Mitigate Traumatic Events

Abstract

This purpose of this action research project was created to study the effects of a peace curriculum and how it can help mitigate a pandemic or a traumatic societal event. The study took place in a public Montessori School located in the Midwest. There was a total of 15 children in the classroom that consisted of both pre-k and kindergarten aged children. This was a six- week study that included a peace curriculum, strategies, and tools for children to gain an understanding of peace and how it can be achieved during traumatic or stressful situations. The Peace Curriculum included discussions on natural disasters and our current COVID-19 virus as means to familiarize traumatic events and the use of coping strategies in promoting self-care. The children were provided with different group activities, strategies, and techniques to use, such as breathing techniques, visualization, yoga/movement, and discussions on peacemakers and how we all have the power to make a difference in the world and become global citizens. Quantitative and qualitative data collections were used to both determine their understanding of their emotions and develop ways to find their inner peace, peacemaking and peace keeping skills. The results showed that the children developed an awareness of others, their environment, and their abilities to be change agents and peacemakers. The outcome proved to have been effective providing children with an environment where they feel safe to share their thoughts and apply the strategies when coping with their own traumatic experiences.