Presenter: Name: Natasha Carty

Organization/School: Albuquerque Public Schools/Tres Volcanes Community Collaborative School

Program Description
In this session, participants will explore an innovative approach to teaching students conflict resolution and peace-building in the school library. By integrating the Montessori Peace Table, Montessori-inspired peace lessons, and curated books that promote empathy, communication, and respect, this session will offer practical strategies to transform the school library into a peaceful, restorative space where students can actively learn and practice the skills necessary to resolve conflicts, manage emotions, and build positive relationships.

This program will delve into the Montessori Peace Table as an effective tool for conflict resolution. This system promotes active listening, empathy, and self-regulation. By setting up a Peace Table in the library, students can engage in peer mediation, practice conflict resolution, and learn to understand and express their emotions in a constructive way.

In addition, the session will provide book lists that serve as springboards for activities that help students reflect on and discuss important topics related to conflict resolution and personal growth. Attendees will leave with practical ideas for using these books to promote respectful communication and problem-solving skills.

This session emphasizes the central role that the school library can play in supporting social-emotional learning (SEL) across the curriculum. Libraries are increasingly recognized as places that support not only academic development but also personal and emotional growth. By using the Montessori Peace Table, peace lessons, and books focused on SEL, librarians can help students develop the skills they need to navigate complex social situations with confidence and respect.

This program aligns closely with the AASL Standards for the 21st-Century Learner, through helping students developing critical thinking and reflection, ethically communicate, and and be responsible citizens of their community.

Learning Objectives
The Learning Objectives of this session are:
To demonstrate how to create a peaceful learning environment in the library.
To provide practical strategies for integrating Montessori principles of peace education in the library setting.
To curate a collection of books that foster empathy, kindness, and conflict resolution.
To equip educators and librarians with tools to teach students how to handle conflicts using the Montessori Peace Table.
To empower students with the skills to communicate peacefully, solve problems collaboratively, and build a positive school community.

Program Outline
1. Introduction to the Montessori Peace Table and Peace Lessons
Overview of Montessori Peace Education: Brief explanation of Montessori principles focused on peace, including respect, conflict resolution, and emotional regulation.
Importance of teaching peace in educational environments.
What is a Montessori Peace Table?: Discuss the Peace Table as a tool to resolve conflicts, promote communication, and encourage peaceful problem-solving.
Show how this tool can be adapted for use in the school library.
2. Incorporating Montessori Peace Lessons into Library Programming
The Role of the Library in Teaching Peace:
How the library can be a space for fostering social-emotional learning, supporting students in developing mindfulness, empathy, and responsibility.
Examples of lessons that can be integrated into library programming, such as teaching students how to use the Peace Table and developing mindfulness practices.
Practical activities for students: Conflict resolution role-plays and collaborative problem-solving.
3. Using Books for Peace Education
Selecting Books that Promote Peace and Conflict Resolution: Books that support themes of empathy, kindness, respect, and peaceful conflict resolution.
4. Practical Implementation of the Montessori Peace Table in the Library
Setting Up the Peace Table in the Library:
Guidelines on how to set up a Montessori Peace Table in the library: creating a calm space, selecting peace objects, and ensuring a welcoming environment.
Tips for facilitating the use of the Peace Table with students: How to initiate conversations, encourage reflection, and guide students in resolving conflicts.
5. Role-Playing Conflict Resolution Using the Peace Table:
Demonstration of how students can use the Peace Table for role-playing conflict resolution scenarios.
6. Discussion and Q&A:
Open the floor to participants to share experiences, challenges, and questions regarding peace education in their libraries.
Group discussion on adapting the Montessori Peace Table and lessons to fit various school environments and age groups.
7. Conclusion and Next Steps
Action Plan:
Encouragement to start small: set up a Peace Table, introduce a peace book, and begin with simple conflict resolution activities.
Teaching Students to Make Peace in the School Library: Integrating Books, the Montessori Peace Table, and Peace Lessons for Social-Emotional Learning

Grade Level: Prek-2

Session Strand: Teaching & Learning

Presenter
Natasha Carty

Natasha Carty is a K-8 National Board Certified Teacher school librarian at Tres Volcanes Community Collaborative School in Albuquerque, New Mexico with experience as a Montessori teacher and children’s librarian in public libraries. She is actively involved in the library community, currently serving as Chair of New Mexico School Librarians and as AASL Chapter Delegate. Natasha is also on the New Mexico Land of Enchantment Book Award Committee, is a member of the AASL Bylaws Committee and the AASL National Conference Planning Committee, and has participated in ALA’s Advocacy and Law for Librarians workshops to further support school libraries and librarians.


Description: This program will empower librarians to transform their libraries into dynamic spaces where peace education thrives. By incorporating the Montessori Peace Table, peace lessons, and carefully curated books, we can guide students in developing essential life skills such as empathy, mindfulness, and the ability to resolve conflicts peacefully. The school library can become a cornerstone of social-emotional learning, creating a supportive, peaceful environment for all students.