Nurturing Faith, Respect, and Moral Values in Early Childhood
At JMS International Montessori, we believe that a child’s spiritual and moral development is just as important as their academic and social growth. That’s why Religious Knowledge is a gentle yet meaningful part of our early education approach.
We recognise and honour the faith background of each child, offering a foundation rooted in love, respect, and understanding, while guiding them to explore their own spiritual identity with grace and curiosity.
A Dual Faith Approach: Catholicism & Buddhism
In line with the diverse communities we serve, JMS offers religious education in both Roman Catholicism and Buddhism, depending on each child’s family background.
- For Catholic children, we share the love of Jesus through songs, Bible stories, simple prayers, and values like kindness, forgiveness, and gratitude.
- For Buddhist children, we teach basic Dhamma principles, meditation practices, Jataka tales, and values like compassion, mindfulness, and respect for all living beings.
Children are guided gently in age-appropriate, non-doctrinal ways that help them build a strong moral compass and a peaceful spirit.
Why Religious Education Matters in Montessori
In Montessori philosophy, the child is seen as a whole being—mind, body, and spirit. Religious education supports the spiritual part of the child by:
- Encouraging a sense of wonder and gratitude
- Teaching respect for others and all living things
- Building empathy, peace, and moral awareness
- Creating a calm, reflective space for inner growth
Through daily rituals like morning prayers, story time, or songs, children develop a natural rhythm of reverence and reflection.
What Religious Activities Look Like at JMS
- Prayer and Reflection Time: Children start or end the day with a short prayer or moment of silence.
- Stories with Values: Bible and Dhamma stories teach kindness, sharing, honesty, and forgiveness.
- Songs and Action Rhymes: Faith-based songs reinforce joy, rhythm, and memory in a fun way.
- Celebrating Faith Traditions: Christmas, Vesak, and other festivals are introduced with art, food, music, and meaning.
- Peace Education: Children learn conflict resolution and empathy through stories and circle discussions.
Respecting All Beliefs
At JMS, we honor each child’s faith journey. Whether they are Roman Catholic, Buddhist, or from another background, our goal is not to impose, but to support families in nurturing their children’s spiritual roots in a safe and respectful way.
Building Character with Faith and Love
Religious knowledge at JMS is not about rules—it’s about relationships. Relationships with God, with others, and with oneself. In these formative years, we plant seeds of compassion, reverence, and truth that children will carry for life.
Here, faith isn’t separate from learning—it is gently woven into the fabric of each day.