Does your child always want to be first? Do they always want to win? I see this behaviour a little bit in some younger children but more around children from 5 years and up. Let’s have a look what we can do in our homes when we see competitive behaviour. Montessori and the lack of competition Montessori is known for its non-competitive peer learning environment. In the classroom, even from the youngest ages, we nurture working together as a community. Things that encourage less … [Read more...] about My child always wants to be first – the competitive child and Montessori
Parenting
Beyond rewards, bribes and punishment – a Montessori approach to building intrinsic motivation
In my last article on a Montessori approach to discipline, I mentioned that we don’t use rewards, bribes or punishment in a Montessori classroom. And there is not a teacher at the front telling everyone what they need to do. Yet if you observe in a Montessori classroom, there is a gentle hum of conversation and movement, and a lot of concentrated children who are motivated to work. So, not surprisingly, I received many questions about a Montessori approach to building intrinsic motivation in … [Read more...] about Beyond rewards, bribes and punishment – a Montessori approach to building intrinsic motivation
A Montessori approach to discipline
There is a common misconception that Montessori children are allowed to do whatever they like. And another that Montessori is very strict. In reality, Montessori falls in the middle of these two extremes. The word discipline doesn’t mean to punish. It is actually based on the root word “disciple" which means “to teach" or “to learn." So I like to say instead of getting angry and punishing a child if they do something like hitting or biting another child, we can see it as an opportunity for us … [Read more...] about A Montessori approach to discipline
Staying neutral – how to manage siblings fighting
You know the scene. Two children both want the same thing. Or one of them is hurting the other. Or they are complaining and nagging each other. We can’t help ourselves, we come to the rescue. “Why don’t you go first and then the other one can have a turn next?" “Why are you always picking on your brother?" “Why can’t you two just leave each other alone." When we step in like this we actually make things worse. The children start to get irritated at us, they think that we take sides … [Read more...] about Staying neutral – how to manage siblings fighting