I had the pleasure of joining Tamara Sheesely Balis and Greenspring Center for Lifelong Learning for the Voices in Montessori podcast to discuss the importance of holding regular class meetings as a tool to build students’ leadership skills. We discussed how class meetings are essential to developing a sense of community and belonging for the students in your classroom. We also highlighted the structure and processes involved in successful class meetings.
Through the class meeting process, children learn empathy and to see things from other people’s perspectives. They practice advocating for themselves and others, problem solving, collaborating with others, and making amends.
Class meetings encompass Grace and Courtesy, SEL education, conflict resolution, and peace education all in one elegant bundle. When we trust children to solve their own problems, students are invested in the solutions and help remind one another of the class’ shared agreements. This becomes shared leadership!
