BBM Global Education
At BBM, we believe in nurturing a sense of global citizenship from the very start. Our Global Education curriculum introduces children to cultures, traditions, and celebrations from around the world in a way that is age-appropriate, inclusive, and rooted in understanding and respect.
These experiences are not taught from a religious or political perspective, but rather as opportunities for children to explore the beauty of human diversity and to learn that while we may have different customs or celebrations, we all share the same hopes for peace, kindness, and connection.
Our goal is to help children see themselves as part of a global community and to develop a lifelong appreciation for the world’s many cultures.
International Peace Day
Each year, our students take part in International Peace Day. This is a time to reflect on kindness, friendship, and the ways we can create peace in our everyday lives. Through stories, songs, and art, children learn that peace begins within themselves and extends to others. The celebration connects naturally to Montessori’s vision of “peace education,” helping children recognize that their actions can make a positive difference in the world.
Diwali
During our Diwali celebration, children explore the “Festival of Lights” as a joyful cultural event that celebrates light overcoming darkness and good triumphing over challenges. Our focus is on the universal themes of joy, hope, kindness togetherness, and gratitude; values every child can understand and connect with.
Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos)
Our Day of the Dead activities honor this Mexican tradition as a celebration of love and remembrance. Children learn that many cultures have special ways of remembering family and friends who have passed away. Students experience the beauty of how families around the world express love that lasts beyond a lifetime in a warm, comforting, and child-centered way. We recommend the Disney movie Coco, a wonderful representation of this celebration.
The Story of St. Valentine: A Lesson in Kindness and History
In February, our class will explore the history of Valentine’s Day through a storyteller’s lens. We’ll focus on the values of courage, friendship, and standing up for what is right. Here is an abbreviated story we are sharing with the children. We like to tell them that you may not even know this story!
About 1800 years ago in Rome, Italy, an Emperor named Claudius ruled that no one was allowed to get married because he wanted all the men to focus only on being soldiers. A man named Valentine believed this was unfair because he valued love and family.
Valentine began performing weddings in secret, often in gardens by candlelight, using a special ring with a cupid on it to identify himself to couples. When the Emperor found out, Valentine was sent to jail. While there, he didn’t give up on kindness; he befriended the jailer’s daughter, Julia. They shared little notes of encouragement and friendship to brighten their days. This is one reason we share little Valentine cards on this holiday. Before he left, he sent her one final note signed, “From your Valentine.”
In our classroom, we are using this story to discuss:
- Geography: Locating Rome, Italy, and Europe on our maps.
- History: Understanding how people lived 1,800 years ago (tunics, stone buildings, and life before technology).
- Social Skills: How we can be “messengers of kindness” like Julia and Valentine by writing notes of appreciation to our friends and family.
- Grace & Courtesy: Valentine’s Day is a day to celebrate the bravery of being a good friend.