[Lisa Stolzer]

I work with Lower Elementary children (ages 6-8). I agree with Gwen Shangle’s point about the structure of Cosmic Education experiences that move from the “big picture” perspective to the personal and local. Lower Elementary children are moving out of the egocentric stage of their lives, and it is truly meaningful for them when their first impressions are of what it is that we all share as members of the human race–that we all began from that same instant in time, that we all live under the same stars, that we all have particular needs as living creatures. Maria Montessori spoke of the absorbent mind, and I think it is true that children of this age have absorbent hearts as well. They are so ready for the lessons of humanity, and to discover their roles in it. Their sense of social justice is so strong at this time. The Lower Elementary classroom seems a perfect place and time to guide children in becoming global citizens as their social selves emerge.

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