Maria Montessori believed good education should bring happiness to children. What drives happiness? According to Harvard researchers, who have conducted the world’s longest study on the topic since the 1930s, strong, positive relationships are the primary source of joy and well-being.
As children learn, they form various kinds of relationships—with others, with the world around them, and with themselves. How do these connections influence their well-being? If meaningful relationships are the key to joy, as research suggests, how can we promote them in harmony with Montessori education?
Echoing the Montessori learning triad, we will explore the impact of relationships on well-being through three dimensions: social, environmental, and intrapersonal. Along the way, we will examine various elements of Montessori pedagogy, such as community, movement, independence, nature, and concentration. And we will see how fostering meaningful connections as part of the Montessori learning experience can enhance children’s happiness and well-being.
