What does the term ‘Grace and Courtesy’ mean?

Recently I have been asked about the Montessori method, how it came to be the curriculum used at the school, and what does the term “Grace and Courtesy” mean. 

In this article, I will address grace and courtesy, with other articles covering tidbits on the Montessori method and why it was chosen for SUIMA. Grace and courtesy is what we would typically call manners, etiquette, being considerate, and how to show respect to those around us. There’s a quote by children’s advocate, Marian Wright Edelman, where she says, “Being considerate of others will take your children further in life than any college degree.”

I can neither confirm or deny that this quote has been studied in regard to getting children further in life, but I can, after 34 years in the educational field, agree that consideration of others does go a long way in school and in life. Young children crave knowing how to do the right thing. As they grow out of the toddler phase, they enter the bigger world and want to understand what they are supposed to do, and they need the adults to show them how.

An example of showing them how to respect elders is when we enjoy community meals together, in the traditional Ute way, the elders are served first. The older children will then often serve the elders and clear their dishes for them. When out in public, in a community that is as diverse as ours, we help the children know when to say thank you to those who help them and teach them how to welcome others into our school, classrooms, and homes.

Our children adore us, whether we are the guides, teachers, or parents. They love us with 100% of themselves and want to do whatever we do. They want to be close to us; watch us, listen to us, learn from us, and be loved by us. They want to be just like us. 

So, the next time you see your toddler, or older child, copying what you are doing I hope they are showing the respect and consideration that you demonstrate. One of the most important jobs guides, teachers, and parents have are to be role models for our children, instilling positive behaviors – a.k.a. Grace and Courtesy.

Positions advertised

If you are interested in working with children, increasing your Ute language, and having a sense of community, apply for one of SUIMA’s positions. We have openings in the infant/toddler level, the primary level, and the elementary level. You can find applications by going to: Southern Ute Indian Tribe Jobs, click on Career Portal – Government, then click on View Current Jobs. It’s as easy as that!

Nuu’apaghapi (Ute phrases and sentences)

To help our families continue using Ute language at home, refer to these sentences next week. 

• nʉvwavʉ – snow
• Yʉvʉpʉ – Pine tree
• Káatisi nʉchiˈnapʉ – candy cane
• Núurugwapʉ – gift
• Paraˈsi – icy
• Krismis – Christmas

Upcoming events

• Sept. 17 – Tribal Christmas program
• Sept. 10 – Elem. classes, ice skating at Chapman Hill
• Sept. 20 – PAG meeting, via Zoom – 6 p.m.
• Sept. 23 – Jan. 6, 2023 – No school for students: Professional Development Day for staff