What is the Montessori concept of discipline?
The goal is to achieve “inner discipline”, or control which the child develops over his or her own behavior. To achieve inner discipline, children need to understand what is acceptable and what is not. Children are redirected to an acceptable activity or are given a choice. The teachers also give the children tools necessary to work out their own problems. For example, children need to learn the proper vocabulary and expressions needed to communicate dissatisfaction with another or to apologize. Children also need to learn what alternatives are acceptable to modify their own behavior or make a situation acceptable to all in the community.
Montessori discipline is an “inner discipline” – control which the child develops over his own behavior through his interest in the Montessori environment and materials. Dr. Montessori noted that many so-called undisciplined children were really frustrated by lack of proper stimulation and would become happier and self-controlled after a period of time in a Montessori class.
