A Montessori Approach to Discipline

“If we could say, ‘We are respectful and courteous in our dealing with children, we treat them as we should like to be treated ourselves,’ we should have mastered a great educational principle and be setting an example of good education.” Maria Montessori

“The first idea that the child must acquire, in order to be actively disciplined, is that of the difference between good and evil; and the task of the educator lies in seeing that the child does not confound good with immobility, and evil with activity, as often happens in the case of the old-time discipline.” Maria Montessori

A Montessori approach to discipline consists of a delicate balance between freedom and discipline. Like any part of Montessori education, it requires respect for the child.

I’d like to share some Montessori articles that give more insight into Montessori discipline, which by nature is a form of gentle discipline.

Helpful Articles on a Montessori Approach to Discipline

On Discipline – Reflections and Advice by Dr. Maria Montessori at Association Montessori Internationale

The Montessori Approach to Discipline by Mary Conroy and Kitty Williams Bravo at The Montessori Foundation

Liberty and Discipline in the Montessori Classroom from Montessori for Everyone

Freedom and Discipline by Marcy Hogan at Maria Montessori

Discipline – A Montessori Perspective from At Home with Montessori

Gluing and Redirecting Behavior in the Montessori Classroom from North American Montessori Center

Discipline in the Montessori Classroom: Part One of Two— The Theory: What is Discipline and How Do Children Achieve It and Part Two of Two— Lack of Skill or Unmet Needs, not Badness: How We Handle Discipline Problems in Montessori by Heike Larson at LePort Schools

Freedom and Discipline from e-Montessori

Freedom within Limits in Montessori Education (my post)

The Beauty of Using Montessori Principles of Freedom and Consistency (my post)

A Montessori Approach to Praise (my post)

How to Manage Interruptions in Your Montessori Classroom or Homeschool (my post)

How We Used Gentle Discipline in Our Homeschool (my post)

Videos on a Montessori Approach to Discipline

Here are two helpful videos on a Montessori approach to discipline by Miss Donna from Aldea Montessori School.

“Discipline in Montessori with Miss Donna (Part 1)”

“Discipline in Montessori with Miss Donna (Part 2)”

What impresses you most about discipline in Montessori?

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