Embedding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Perspectives in the Montessori Classroom
Introducing a culturally inclusive, holistic and authentic curriculum that aligns with key Montessori lessons across the 3-6 and 6-12 age groups.
We live on the land of the world’s oldest continuous living cultures and yet, across Australia, many teachers avoid including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives in their classrooms for fear of being culturally inappropriate. Given the lack of education about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures it is unsurprising that teachers feel unsure about how and what to include in their programs. However, the ongoing omission of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices in our education system desperately needs to be redressed.
Dr. Montessori’s founding belief was that education is the key to social change. As Montessori educators living and working in Australia, we have a responsibility to help close the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.
This workshop will equip Montessori teachers to feel more confident in embedding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives in their classrooms by introducing a culturally inclusive, holistic, and authentic curriculum that aligns with key Montessori lessons across the 3 - 6 and 6 - 12 age groups. Participants will reflect on their own colonial mentality and privileges by engaging in a process of truth telling. They will then learn how to integrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives within some of the key Montessori lessons and Great Stories as well as in their everyday classroom practices.
