>Charlotte Parker Question By: Charlotte Parker  Posted in: Education & Research

What is a Cosmic Task?

Cosmic task, or a cosmic work, is that which anything in the universe does to contribute to the greater good, most often unknowingly. It refers to the decree each living thing comes into this world to carry out. It is built on the idea that everything has its own unique function in the cosmic plan.

Cosmic work serves as an idea to support the symbiosis of all things. Through many lessons and explorations, children learn about various organisms and the impact each has made on the development of Earth and other living things. Teaching elementary children about cosmic work appeals to them because they are beginning to consider their own place in the universe. When we learn about how each organism (and even non-living things) have contributed to the success of others, it’s only natural to make the jump to considering one’s own purpose.

Adults have a Cosmic Task too, of course, to prepare, maintain and nourish the environment.

Understanding about the Cosmic Education:

Start with the Big Picture

Cosmic Education starts with the whole, (i.e. the universe), and works toward the parts, (i.e. individual cultures, history, geography, life forms, etc.). This gives the child a foundational sense of perspective. Within the big picture of the universe, everything the child learns is connected.

The Imagination

The child, who previously had to experience concepts through his or her senses, can now imagine ideas without physically experiencing them. Everything invented by man, physical or mental, is the fruit of someone’s imagination.

The Reasoning Mind

Children transition from the Absorbent Mind stage into the Reasoning Mind stage at about age six or seven. Now learning takes place very differently. Children are less drawn to mimicry and repetition, and are more inclined toward abstract thinking in areas of science, history, geography.

Importance of Cosmic Education Today:

The world was a purposeful place; and that war, poverty and injustice, were deviations from that purpose. By providing children with a Cosmic Education, empowers students with the knowledge to transform the world. This is an awesome duty and privilege, and what ultimately sets experience apart from all other modes of education.

Visit https://counciloakmontessori.org/2017/12/18/cosmic-task/ for more information.

Ava TurnerAnswer By: Ava Turner