The Peace Rose

In a quiet corner of a Montessori preschool classroom,
 is a small table covered by a beautiful cloth.
 
On the table is a book called The Peace Rose by Alicia Jewell.
 
Next to the book is a clear vase with a
long stemmed pink rose in it.
 
When two children have a conflict or disagreement,
one of them will go and get the Peace Rose.
 
They stand or sit facing each other.
Each child in turn will hold the rose and share.
 
Here’s an example:
 
Friend #1: “I felt sad when you didn’t choose me to eat lunch with you.”
Friend #2: “I’m sorry. Would you like to have lunch together tomorrow?”
Friend #1: “Yes!”
 
Both children then place a hand on the stem of the rose.
They look into each other’s eyes:
 
“Friends?”
“Friends.”
 
End of conflict.
 
This simple ritual reverberates outward.
 
Is this not the essence of democracy?