Montessori discipline is an inner discipline — control which the child develops over his own behavior, through his interest in the Montessori materials, positive social orientation, and in caring for both the learning environment and other individuals. The Children's House. Montessori School offers an educational program with freedom of movement for children, and freedom within limits for work choices. Some children are more successful in an environment with a more direct instructional method of teaching. Parents of children who experience impulsive or aggressive behavior may be advised to seek a school that specializes in direct instruction.
If the ground rules are consistently followed and positively reinforced, the necessity of external discipline will be diminished. When such external discipline is deemed necessary, the following guidelines will be observed:
- Rules are stated on the child's first day of school. Daily reminders are given, if necessary, to the group as a whole.
- Inappropriate behavior is stopped by the teacher or assistant/aide.
- If possible, work/activity is offered as preferable to isolation if the child appears to be 'in control'. However, if the child needs to regain control, he is isolated from work/classroom activities for a short time to re-think his/her behavior; the child is then asked if he/she is ready to return to the class.
Problem-solving skills are reinforced as well as suggestions for alternative behavior choices.
- Continued misbehavior may mean the child is isolated from the group with adult supervision.
- Parent will be called to discuss the child's continued behavior.
- Parent will be called to take the child home immediately. A conference will follow If the inappropriate, unwanted behavior persists, suggestions will be made that an alternative school may better meet the needs of the child in question.
Policy regarding biting: Biting is normal behavior for some toddlers. Toddler bites are not intentional. Our staff supervises closely at all times. Everything possible is done to keep all the children at our school safe and secure.
Just as falls and other minor mishaps cannot always be prevented, neither can all bites. Injury reports are completed on all bites that leave a mark.. The parents of the children involved are informed of the incident. When older children bite intentionally, the above guidelines are followed. Parents who have further questions about biting are invited to discuss the matter with our Director.
Please sign where indicated, confirming you have read the above Discipline Policy. This signed document will be kept in your child's file.