If you have been looking into the Montessori curriculum or want to learn more about Montessori activities, then you are in the right place.
Learning about the foundations of the Montessori philosophy is instrument to your success in the method.
The topic of discipline is a big one in Montessori circles because it is so different from traditional schools’ practices.
Let’s discuss three things about this very important topic.
It will open your eyes to a new way to determine freedoms, limits, boundaries and more.
#1 Be more aware of the words “encroachment” and “permissiveness.”
These are two complete opposites and both are wrong for children.
Please pay attention on where the pendulum swings.
Both extremes are going to affect children in a negative way.
Because encroaching is being a helicopter parent or teacher, not letting the child make their own decisions or letting them move into more independence.
And the other side, permissiveness, will give the child free rein without guidance without helping them learn the correct process to move into independence and confidence.
From the Montessori Method:
“He never has time or opportunity to test himself, to estimate his own force and his own limitations because he is always interrupted and subjected to our tyranny, and languishes in injustice because he is always being bitterly reproached for not having what adults are perpetually destroying.“
Help the child be a master of himself.
If they are controlled by another, then they are not controlling themselves.
Again, the child is not going to be able to learn from their mistakes if we don’t let them have some of the control.
Would you rather do option A or B below?
A. Let the child try new things in a safe environment, under your supervision, even if they make mistakes.
B. Always tell the child what to do, micro manage them and not provide freedom to try things.
Option A. will help the child develop courage, confidence, a sense of wonder, an openness to try new things and be more successful in the future.
Option B. will do a great disservice to the child because they will not be prepared for the real world, to make decisions on their own and to learn from their mistakes.
From the Montessori Method:
“We call an individual disciplined when he is master of himself, and can, therefore regulate his own conduct when it shall be necessary to follow some rule of life.”
#3 Make a list of freedoms you can let go of.
Give yourself some grace. I know it is hard, but start with one or two things and work your way up.
Children want to be free.
You want to have less stress.
How can these two reconcile?
It is tough, yes, but it is worth letting go of some things.
You might think, and rightfully so, that letting the child be free to make some decisions will be stressful.
It will be, for a time.
But if you do it right, you will help the child become independent and learn how to make the right decisions.
That is when you get to sit back and enjoy.
In other words, work hard at first and enjoy later.
From the Discovery of the Child:
“The first glimmerings of discipline appear as the result of work. At some given moment it happens that the child becomes deeply interested in a piece of work; we see it in the expression of his face, his intense concentration, the devotion to his exercise… We find therefore that discipline comes by an indirect route, by developing activity in spontaneous work.“
I hope that you found this training helpful!
Let me know what you think in comments.
I would love to know how this has helped you, what you are planning on trying and especially, what are the things that you have decided to let go of, like I suggested in point #3.
HERE ARE THE RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
Maria Montessori books (click on the images to learn more):
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