The mission of Sterling Montessori is to create a diverse educational community, grounded in the Montessori philosophy and teaching practices, that fosters curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking in its students. We strive to empower each student to become life-long learners who respect themselves, others and their environment.
"Children need to be given the freedom to have experiences, to fail and to explore on their own and within their own term." - Dr. Maria Montessori
On Thursday, January 28, 2021, our Director of Children's House, Fay Masterson, gave a presentation to introduce Positive Discipline to our families, and begane an Parent Education series. Click the link above to hear the virtual introductory presentation.
Sterling Montessori incorporates the Positive Discipline techniques and tools into all classroom environments. The theory is based on the work of Alfred Adler (1870-1937), a Viennese psychiatrist who believed that behavior is not driven by events in the past, but a goal of belonging and significance. That determination influences the choices and decisions human make in their behavior.
Positive Discipline is a program developed by Dr. Jane Nelson. It is designed to teach young people to become responsible, respectful and resourceful members of their communities. Positive Discipline teaches important social and life skills in a manner that is deeply respectful and encouraging for both children and adults (including parents, teachers, childcare providers, youth workers, and others).
Recent research tells us that children are hardwired from birth to connect with others, and that children who feel a sense of connection to their community, family, and school are less likely to misbehave. To be successful, contributing members of their community, children must learn necessary social and life skills. Positive Discipline is based on the understanding that discipline must be taught and that discipline teaches.
FIVE CRITERIA FOR EFFECTIVE DISCIPLINE
Effective discipline…
- Helps children feel a sense of connection. (Belonging and significance)
- Is mutually respectful and encouraging. (Kind and firm at the same time)
- Is effective long-term. (Considers what the child is thinking, feeling, learning and deciding about himself and his world - and wht to do in the future to survive or thrive)
- Teaches important social and life skills. (Respect, concern for others, problem solving, and cooperation as well as the skills to contribute to the home, school or larger community)
- Invites children to discover how capable they are (Encourages the constructive use of personal power and autonomy)
Unique characteristics of the Positive Discipline Model include:
- Teaching adults and students through experiential activities. Creating opportunities to practice new skills and to have fun learning by doing.
- Classroom discipline programs and parent education programs that are consistent. Parents, teachers and childcare providers can work together to provide a secure and consistent environment for children.
- Support to teach skills and language that can be implemented in any environment
Sterling Faculty and Staff are trained in these techniques and are open to discussing with familes the specifics on implementation in the classroom. Sterling will also be offering Parent Education opportunities for incorporating Positive Discipline at home.
Click here for more detailed information on Positive Discipline.