Back

How Do Tribeca Montessori Preschools Enforce Discipline?

How Do Tribeca Montessori Preschools Enforce Discipline? - Playgarden NYC

One of the most common misconceptions about Montessori preschools in Tribeca is that the “Montessori style” means allowing children to run wild without discipline or control.  This is not the case!  Probably the best single description of Montessori discipline is “freedom within limits.”  Montessori-style schools try to give children as much freedom as is reasonable while still maintaining controls on their actions and encouraging positive behaviors.

These are some of the principles of Montessori-style discipline that we feel are particularly important and help emphasize the power of this style of teaching.

How Tribeca Montessori Preschools Encourage Proper Behavior

1. Encouraging intrinsic motivation

Montessori schools avoid using bribes to encourage good behavior because that’s an extrinsic motivation – something external to the child.  There’s no direct relationship between getting a good grade, and getting a treat, so this is considered poor teaching.  Instead, the focus is on helping children understand how they, themselves, are improving through successes, and encouraging them to develop self-discipline.  

2. Avoiding arbitrary/unexplained rules

“Because I said so!” is not an acceptable way for a Montessori-style teacher to assert authority.  Rules are in place for reasons and explaining the reasons for the rule will make it easier for children to follow those rules.

3. Offering alternatives

Another unhelpful form of discipline is to discourage one activity, without giving the child a viable alternative.  For example, taking a ball away from a child, but not giving them something else to do instead.  This invites misbehavior and acting out.  So, Montessori-style instructors always try to control through redirection, taking away on one hand, but giving something new on the other.

4. Respectful communication

Respect should be a two-way street.  Every child, no matter how young, is still an independent thinking person with feelings and motivations.  So, Montessori teachers are encouraged to remain positive and respectful in their interactions with the children.  This makes it feel ‘fair’ to ask for respect in return, as well as modeling positive interactions.

5. Working together to solve problems

If a child is facing a challenge, from a difficult worksheet to a temper tantrum, Montessori-style teachers look for cooperative solutions.  “Let’s work on this together!” is a common phrase.  It encourages children to look for others to help, as well as reinforcing the idea that different people can have different approaches to problems.

Playgarden Prep is a lauded Tribeca Montessori preschool.  To learn more about our programs and curriculum, Visit Preschool program.

Popular

After-School Enrichment Classes and Activities Help Early Development - Playgarden NYC
August 26, 2021

After-School Enrichment Classes and Activities Help Early Development

Give Your Child the Tools They Need to Handle Their Big Emotions - Playgarden NYC
August 24, 2021

Give Your Child the Tools They Need to Handle Their Big Emotions

Preschool Art Programs Teach More Than Just Drawing - Playgarden NYC
July 09, 2021

Preschool Art Programs Teach More Than Just Drawing

Hi, I'm Miss Charlotte!!

Miss Charlotte is an Education Director by trade, and a mom by heart. All 200+ of our DIY projects were created by Miss Charlotte, with the help of her expert DIY assistant—Her 4 year old daughter! With a MST degree in Early Childhood Education and 15 years of teaching experience, her blogs and DIY projects have been an incredible resource for our Playgarden Prep schools. We hope that your family loves them as much as we do!