In this video we explore Montessori in 5 minutes, breaking down the core understandings to help you better apply the principles of Montessori in your home. In that case, you may start to see a pattern if you observe and jot down notes about your day and when the biting happens. Traditional School: Comparison ChartContinue, The Montessori language approach is a very specific, structured approach to language learning that varies from many traditional methods. Montessori discipline avoids the typical because I said so response and instead emphasizes the need to help children understand. You may have to hold their hand and keep them close. Often, Kindergarteners are still developing at the second level, processing what figures of authority expect and connecting both positive and negative actions to consequences. There is a common misconception that Montessori children are allowed to do whatever they like, and another that Montessori is very strict. The part of the brain (pre-frontal cortex) that controls emotional regulation, reasoning, aggression, and self-control has not yet developed. Not using bribes and rewards or punishment - Bribes, rewards and punishment are all extrinsic motivations. Once your child has calmed, acknowledge what they were feeling and why. * Create beautiful Montessori activities for their age hand." Montessori wrote, "What is generally known as discipline in traditional schools is not activity, but immobility and silence. Remind yourself that children are usually only acting on what they know. However, thats not to say that we need to be perfect in order to use Montessori discipline methods. Never assume that a child understands what it means to be respectful of authority. Tantrums or meltdowns are nearly inevitable with children, as they are experiencing big emotions for the first time. This is so informative thank you for sharing! amzn_assoc_search_bar = "true"; Individual play yards for different age groups with age appropriate play equipment. Just one example of this is Practical Life Skills. If you havent already, please join us on ourLiving Montessori Now Facebook pagewhere youll find a Free Printable of the Day and lots of inspiration and ideas for parenting and teaching! Stronger emotions need more expressions and your child is learning to vent strong feelings, albeit in the wrong way. The Montessori approach to discipline is simple, but it can be a challenge to strike the delicate balance between freedom and respect that it requires. These lessons are presented through demonstration and then practiced through role-playing, and modeled by teachers and older students. To find your states services, follow this link. Upon visiting a Montessori classroom for the first time, one might wonder what magic spell has been cast upon these young children making them so calm and self directed. amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; If you are in a public space, it can be challenging to simply let your child work out their emotions with other people watching. amzn_assoc_search_bar_position = "bottom"; If they love to move around, provide more opportunities for motor skills activities, and create safe spaces that they can move around freely. Children enrolled in schools that utilize the Montessori Method will be encouraged to develop into self-respecting and self-disciplined individuals. This is why its important to not show big reactions whenever your child exhibits such behavior, or they may repeat the behavior to get that kind of attention from you. Here are 8 tips for a Montessori approach to discipline. here regarding this topic and for better wording. So, for children of all ages, it is crucial to give them the maximum freedom possible within their range of choices. Switching up your daily schedule might throw off your own rhythm, but might result in some creative play. In a Montessori environment, children are told yes whenever possible. The children love these lessons. Worse, your child may explore other ways to get those big reactions from you. Children who have trouble learning social expectations might be required to stay near the teacher or parent so that they are part of the action while being aware that their actions are under supervision. There are many times when your child's behavior warms and embraces your heart. Unfortunately, our children are not born with an owners manual. Consider setting up a separate portion of your home where your child can play with books and toys. 1) Take care of all people and living things in our environment, and 2) Take care of all of the material things in our environment. Not using bribes and rewards or punishment Bribes, rewards and punishment are all extrinsic motivations. This of course, is a wonderful philosophy, but can Montessori truly deliver these results? When the child can do things for herself, she will feel confident and in control. Practicing self-regulation. Im a proud mom of two and Montessori enthusiast. by such means as pulling hair, grabbing, pulling, hitting . Modern, clean, safe and beautiful infant facility. Children under the age of three, i.e., children who are not yet in preschool, are unable to obey outside of their vital urges. My child bit someone at school last month and I was so lost with how to handle it! Whether youre a teacher in a Montessori classroom or a parent looking to bring these practices home, discipline in the Montessori system can help children to grow and learn. Preschoolers can understand how another person wants them to behave and can process that information enough to express it through their own behavior. Still, it is just as important that parents practice the Montessori Method of discipline at home as it is to practice it in the classroom. Ruby Red LLC is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Traditional School: Comparison Chart, Montessori Language: Curriculum and Materials for Success, The 24 Best Montessori Books for Parents and Teachers, Montessori Letters: Using Sandpaper Letters & the Moveable Alphabet. Regardless of how well you understand and know the pillars of Montessori discipline, youll never be able to incorporate these methods without practice, adjustment and real life experience. Sharon Caldwell of The Montessori Foundation, FREE Golf Cutting Strips (Montessori-Inspired Instant Download) . Big reactions like this, however, do more harm than good. This is not blind obedience at all, but is a fully informed choice by a personality which has grown in freedom and developed to its fullest potential. Every parents dream for their child is to grow up and become an independent adult one day. How Can a Real Montessori Classroom Be Identified. Your email address will not be published. Obviously, your child may get upset or even mad at you, but this is far better than seeing them hurt other kids. Once you understand the why', now you can figure out the best ways to correct the behavior. You can offer a pillow to hit, kick, or punch, or a teether to bite to help satisfy the urge. To have any meaningful discussion of these questions, it would seem that our first priority should be to define this thing called discipline. Cempaka Putih raya No:21, Jakarta 10510 Indonesia, Jl. Surprisingly enough, Montessori found that it was through the very liberty inherent in her classrooms that the children were given the means to reveal their inner or self-discipline. For one, its embarrassing your childs behavior and character is a reflection of your parenting. There is a classic story about the mother who believed in spanking as a necessary part of discipline until one day she observed her three-year-old daughter hitting her one-year-old son. Encourage those activities to which they take naturally rather than engaging them in activities because you think they need to learn something. The Oxford English dictionary defines discipline as "the practice of training people to obey rules or a code of behavior, using punishment to correct disobedience.". Treat others with respect; if you cross a boundary in any relationship make it right. Children are constantly being told no in our society. Most adults ask only that children obey. Even so, parents and educators can guide toddlers to be open to Montessori discipline by encouraging freedom of choice and movement from a young age. Their little life experience combined with a developing brain can cause them to make the wrong choice every once and a while. Montessori reading tactics might seem a bit foreign if you are used to the traditional preschool educational methods. Children dont have the critical thinking skills to understand the natural consequences of their actions, which is why conversations about consequences are so important. A Montessori approach to discipline works both in the classroom and at home. Im going to put the ball over here. Ive updated this post and added more articles. Parents generally rely on the wisdom of grandparents and doctors educators, as well as their own instincts to determine the right parenting style for their family. Two ground rules guide discipline in most Montessori classrooms: that students take care of themselves and others in the environment, and that students care for the material things in the environment. A childs home environment and parents love are the most critical factors in his development. Explaining to them why certain activities or actions are not allowed helps build their understanding. Rather than using a timeout, the Montessori Method encourages gluing in both the classroom and home. The magical spell that enables the Montessori Child to become disciplined is his love for meaningful activity. When they are melting down, its impossible to rationalise with them. These everyday living skills such as pouring, scrubbing tables, dish washing, and polishing, also help the child learn to focus his attention and complete a task. Below are some discipline strategies you can employ to protect yourself and them from harm while teaching them better ways of handling their feelings and managing their behavior. amzn_assoc_title = "Related Products"; They will be prepared to meet any challenges that the real world may present, and will hopefully bring to that world a bit of the peace and joy they experienced in the Montessori environment. Your email address will not be published. Parents are often concerned that the Montessori childs freedom to choose activities presupposes that discipline is something alien to our classrooms. link to Montessori School: Is It Right For My Child? 1. In reality, Montessori falls in the middle of these two extremes. Kind and clear limits When we are clear on the house rules, the children are too. These lessons require the child to follow an orderly step by step process, which will further develop both self discipline and logical thinking, thus laying a foundation for the more abstract academic activities offered within the other areas of the classroom. 5. Probably one of the most worrying things to witness as a parent is seeing your perfect little angel turn into a mean machine that bites, kicks, and hits playmates. They are learning that we see them and value them, and sometimes its our job to keep them safe and we will support them if they are having a hard time. Your email address will not be published. Montessori discipline is likely going to feel a bit unnatural or challenging when youre just getting started, but with a little time and practice, youll find that both you and your child adapt quite well. The Montessori discipline approach focuses on positive reinforcement instead of punishment, helping children to learn desired behaviors. Inner discipline is something, which evolves. To understand and absorb a Montessori approach to discipline, its helpful to read and re-read the basic concepts. It is this level which Montessori termed the first level of obedience. When these moments do arise, rather than immediately reprimanding or punishing, Montessori discipline methods suggest providing time and space for the child to calm down. Montessori when done well, however, is a beautiful blend and perfect balance of freedom and structure. Typically, toddlers hit or bite, not because they are angry, but because they are trying to explore a physical impulse.