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After observing in a Primary classroom, many parents are amazed by how peacefully the children are working, both individually and in small groups. Our Primary environments are designed to be microcosms of real life, and as we well know, real life is not always peaceful and conflict-free. In fact, conflict seems inherent in any environment occupied by more than one person, and Primary environments include 20+ young students coming together to share space, materials, work and ideas. Furthermore, at this age, each child envisions himself/herself as the star of the show and everyone else as a supporting actor. When all these lead actors share the same stage, why doesn’t less-than-peaceful chaos ensue?
 
Enter stage right, the Montessori Teacher. This highly-trained individual is armed with knowledge of child development, psychology and Montessori philosophy. Her job is to gently open the eyes of the children to the other actors and their needs, helping them to see the joy and value in supporting each other and working together as a community.

In practice, it looks like this: One child wants to work with the golden bead materials. Using the Grace and Courtesy lesson provided by the Teacher about how to invite friends to work with her, she politely finds two or more other children willing to work with her. Next, they find floor space for five rugs, taking into consideration walkways and other children’s work. Finally, they negotiate what type of math problem to do, what each person's role will be, and who gets to count the thousands. This happens because in addition to math instruction, the Teacher has taught the children how to have respectful conversations, negotiate and resolve conflict if it arises. Building these skills requires opportunities for repeated practice with room for failures and do-overs.

Primary classrooms are peaceful because from a very young age, students learn to navigate conflict independently and are methodically prepared, both academically and socially, for collaboration. These skills contribute to life-long happiness and success and hopefully to a more peaceful world.