One of the best things about sending your child to a Montessori school is the social curriculum that is embedded in every aspect of the day. Whether children are playing together, sitting on circle to greet one another, working on an assignment or choosing what work to do, our classrooms are filled with what Maria Montessori called grace and courtesy  – teaching children to be kind, caring and work together. When my son entered his first Montessori classroom, I was struck by the courteous manner of not only each adult I encountered but also by the children. They greeted classroom visitors in a polite manner. They interacted with each other, noting differences but also embracing them. Yes, they may have also been a bit mischievous at times, but they also respected and cared for one another.

In this article the author notes the similarities between the social curriculum in the Primary Program and what is demanded in the modern workplace, stating that the skills learned in preschool are essential in our changing world. The job sectors that are growing are those that demand social skills. Machines replace the non-human element; they can’t replace a friendly smile or a conversation. At Wilmington Montessori School we know that children cannot learn until they feel accepted and safe. Our social curriculum is central to all that we do; it is not an “add-on.” If there is a problem it is addressed. Sometimes that can be messy… especially with children involved as they learn to deliver and accept a well-placed apology. As humans we are all works in progress, learning and growing along the way. At WMS the opportunities to refine these skills are available all day every day.