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When
Montessori spoke about freedom, she invariably emphasised
its close relationship to responsibility. To be free
means to be in control of self, to be able to do what
one chooses, rather than be a slave to impulse. In order
for children to develop this self-discipline, adults
must be firm, fair and consistent in setting limits
from the child's earliest years, but in a relaxed and
free climate.
'The
child's liberty should have as its limits the interests
of the group to which he belongs. We should therefore
prevent a child from doing anything which may offend
or hurt the others ... but everything else, every
act that can be useful in any way whatever, may
be expressed. It should not only be permitted but
it should be observed by the teacher. This is essential.'
Maria Montessori |
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Montessori
classrooms are largely free of the discipline problems
which arise in schools where order is normally maintained
by the teacher. As Montessori children settle in at
the beginning of each year, they quickly become industrious
and absorbed because they are able to choose their own
work, and schedule their day's activity. Children take
a break when they need to, but many take such delight
in being able to pursue their own interests that they
may freely concentrate on work for three hours at a
time.
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'We
do not believe that one is disciplined only when he
is artificially made as silent as a mute and as motionless
as a paralytic. Such a one is not disciplined but annihilated.
We claim that an individual is disciplined when he is
the master of himself and when he can, as a consequence
control himself when he must follow a rule of life.
Such a concept of active discipline is not easy to understand
nor attain. But it certainly embodies a lofty principle
of education that is quite different from the absolute
and undiscussed coercion that produces immobility.'
Maria Montessori
At
Cockatoo Montessori School, our way of interacting with
children promotes a teacher-child relationship based
on flexibility and mutual trust. High academic standards
can be achieved without the need for punishments or
rewards. A strong sense of responsibility and good work
habits also develop without set homework. The natural
consequences of their behaviour bring children to the
highest form of obedience: self-discipline. |
