For many traditional schooling environments, discipline is associated with sitting in a Time Out corner or being isolated from other students. In the Montessori preschool of Winnetka, forced isolation is not used. Rather, they balance freedom of movement with discipline to show children they are respected, but will be held accountable for their actions. Montessori discipline focuses on relearning behavior
Instead of disciplining children through punishment, Montessori schools teach them the consequences of their actions. A child who insults another child will be plainly told the effect of their words. They’ve offended a classmate and made themselves into bullies. Most children don’t want to be seen as bullies or antagonists, and will reflect on their actions. By turning reflection on the child, they learn to realign their behavior. This child-led correction is at the center of the Montessori philosophy and approach. Montessori discipline doesn’t involve power struggles Power struggles reward children for acting out. It shows that they have the power to take up people’s time with what could come off as a game. Children who witness the struggle might be inclined to replicate the behavior to gain the teacher’s attention. They also might view the teacher to have less authority. If a child tries to rope a teacher into a power struggle, the teacher will sidestep and redirect the focus back onto the child. You can support your Montessori preschooler at home by using the same discipline method. Instead of struggling with your child, give them the opportunity to reflect on their behavior, and don’t argue back. Show that you’ve given your piece, and let them decide if they’re going to follow up. Montessori discipline focuses on positive reinforcement In a study conducted by the University of Iowa, researchers found that students in a traditional education setting each receive about 400 negative comments a day. Only 30 instances of positive feedback were reported daily, showing that students are surrounded by negative reinforcement. The Montessori school in Winnetka combats this by using positive reinforcement. Instead of saying what not to do, Montessori teachers tell students what to do. They show and teach proper behavior, so children focus on the positives instead of the negatives. This also puts children in a more positive environment, making them more likely to enjoy returning to school. Montessori discipline gives children responsibility At the Montessori school of Winnetka, students are responsible for correcting their behavior. They’re given opportunities to reflect on incorrect behavior, brainstorm ways to improve, then implement corrective actions. While teachers act as catalysts for change, it’s ultimately the child’s responsibility to take action. This sets them up for self-determined success as older children and adults, a key element of Montessori education. Comments are closed.
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