Children of the Universe

"Children of the Universe: Cosmic Education in the Montessori Elementary Classroom." by Michael and D'Neil Duffy

Chapter 1 of this book is called "Cosmic Education" What it is and why we teach it." The Duffy's have done a fantastic job of answering that. Cosmic Education is the method of education that guides the child toward the examination of the questions "Who am I?" "Where do I come from?", "Why am I here?" and "Where am I going?" When the child understands their place in the world, they can understand the contributions of the human species and their individual contributions. This is the first step towards Maria Montessori's vision of education for peace. Maria then extended this idea with a series of "Great Lessons."

If you think of a series of concentric circles... "The Story of the Universe" (The Creation Story / The Big Bang) are the outer most circle with the Individual, Montessori and the Future and peace Education as the innermost circle.

The circles as described by the Duffy's in their book on Cosmic Education, related lessons and areas studied in the elementary program are as follows. (I am not elementary trained, so I'm not going to elaborate on the Great Lessons specifically. They are generally experiment and drama driven and designed for the older child.)

1. The story of the Universe
- metaphysics, astronomy
2. The story of the Stars and the Solar System
- physics, chemistry
3. The story of the Earth
- geology, geography
4. The story of Life
- biology
5. The story of Humans
- archaeology
6. The story of Civilization
- history
7. The individual, Montessori and the Future
- peace education


The elementary children have a coherent curriculum with organization behind it. Children from 3-6 are still learning with an absorbent mind- the conscious phase of the absorbent mind. Their actions are influenced by their minds. They also learn are willing and excited about learning many things. It is the time to "Follow the child."

Practical realities for most teachers and schools however, dictate a "curriculum." Schools or directors need a schedule of what is taught that they can plan materials for, show parents or demand teachers "teach to." (Unfortunately...) The presentation of different material, activities and interests can be what sparks a child's interest. Often in the 3-6 age it is merely one thematic unit after another with no connection between them.

Some themes are fantastic. The children always seem to love dinosaurs, oceans, solar system, nature, etc. I've seen "Californa" presented and the only interest was the art project. I watched one class spend an entire month on groundhog Day. Many themes can actually be taught under a coherent curriculum that approaches Cosmic Education at a younger level.

The initial question of "Who am I" can be a unit at the beginning of the year. "I am a child. I am part of a family. I am part of a class. I am part of..." This unit would include ground rules and grace and courtesy. It can also be an introduction into different people and respect for them.

Stars and Solar System can include many different units on space travel, planets, possible life on Mars, Europa or Io. Earth includes information about volcanoes, land formation, rocks, continents, Pangea etc... The story of Life. You can obviously introduce the dinosaurs. What about Mammoths and other extinct animals. Life began in the ocean. This might lead to an entire unit on the ocean. Etc.

My questions to you...
1. What are the themes that your kids have just loved the most?
2. What do you see as ideas to integrate the ideas of a child's place in the universe and connected education.

Thanks to everyone that is interested in this subject!