Honoring Freedom: Montessori-Inspired Ways to Celebrate Juneteenth

At our Montessori school, we believe in nurturing the whole child—academically, socially, emotionally, and culturally. This includes teaching children to appreciate diversity, honor history, and celebrate freedom and justice for all. As Juneteenth approaches, we reflect on how we can observe this important day through the Montessori lens: by engaging in meaningful, hands-on experiences that foster understanding, empathy, and respect for others.

What is Juneteenth?

Juneteenth, celebrated on June 19th, marks the day in 1865 when enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, finally received news of their emancipation—two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed. It is a powerful reminder of the ongoing journey toward equity and justice in our country.

In a Montessori environment, history is not just dates and names—it is the story of human progress. We present history in a way that helps children understand the interconnectedness of humanity, and Juneteenth is a meaningful opportunity to do just that.

Montessori-Inspired Ways to Celebrate Juneteenth

1. Read Real Stories of Courage and Freedom

   • Offer picture books and age-appropriate literature featuring African American voices and experiences. Montessori emphasizes truth and real stories, especially for young children. Titles like Juneteenth for Mazie by Floyd Cooper or All Different Now by Angela Johnson can bring the historical moment to life.

     
     

2. Timeline of Freedom

   • Create a hands-on timeline showing key events in African American history, from the transatlantic slave trade to the Civil Rights Movement and beyond. Children can make their own timeline booklets or add cards to a classroom timeline to visualize progress and ongoing struggles.

     
     

3. Explore African American Culture Through the Arts

   • Montessori supports learning through the senses. Listen to traditional spirituals, jazz, blues, or modern African American music. Explore African textiles, make simple crafts inspired by African art, or cook a traditional Juneteenth dish like cornbread or red velvet cupcakes.

   
   

4. Create a Peace Table Tribute

   • Set up a Peace Table space with Juneteenth-themed books, images of historical figures like Harriet Tubman, Frederick Douglass, and modern leaders, along with objects that represent unity, resilience, and hope. This can serve as a place for quiet reflection and learning.

     
     

5. Invite Guest Speakers or Virtual Storytimes

   • Connect with African American community members, parents, or educators who can share stories, traditions, or personal experiences related to Juneteenth. Montessori encourages connecting children with the real world and real people.

     
     

6. Outdoor Celebration and Reflection

   • Host a Juneteenth picnic or celebration in nature. Include time for storytelling, song, and shared meals. Use this as a moment to celebrate freedom and community in a joyful, peaceful setting.

     
     

Why Juneteenth Matters in Montessori Education

Montessori education is rooted in peace, respect, and global citizenship. Honoring Juneteenth helps children understand the importance of freedom and justice—not just in history, but in our lives today. By providing thoughtful, age-appropriate experiences, we help cultivate empathy and awareness, planting seeds for a more inclusive and compassionate future.

Celebrating Juneteenth in a Montessori setting is more than a history lesson—it’s an opportunity to empower children to understand the past, reflect on the present, and build a better tomorrow. Through hands-on learning, storytelling, and shared reflection, we can help children honor this day with respect, curiosity, and joy.