Connecting the Dots: Geometry, Culture, and Community

What a year it’s been! 2024 was packed with exciting geometry adventures as I had the chance to connect with Montessori educators at the Hope Montessori Conference, IMC, and the Celebrating Our Montessori Children Conference. I shared how geometry isn’t just about shapes—it’s a universal language that can connect cultures, tell stories, and even solve problems.

At each event, we dove into the fascinating world of geometry, exploring everything from ancient Egyptian pyramids to the intricate patterns in Islamic art. It was so exciting to see educators discover how geometry can be used to uncover the beauty and history of different cultures. They learned that geometry isn’t confined to a textbook; it’s all around us—in the buildings we live in, the art we create, and even the natural world.

The best part was watching teachers light up as they realized how geometry could be a tool for deeper connections—connecting students with their cultural heritage, their creativity, and each other. Whether it was discussing the symmetry of Celtic knotwork or the precision of Gothic architecture, there was a shared excitement about the power of patterns to bring people together.

It was inspiring to meet so many educators eager to bring geometric design into their classrooms in fun and creative ways. We explored hands-on activities, clever tricks with compasses, and geometric storytelling. The energy and enthusiasm from these teachers made each session a vibrant exchange of ideas, and it reminded me how important it is to keep the conversation going.

As I reflect on this year, I’m more excited than ever to continue this geometric journey. Geometry is a language that connects us, sparks curiosity, and encourages creativity. I’m looking forward to the future, helping more teachers and students see the world through the lens of geometry and discovering new ways to use this universal language to bring us all closer together.