Discipline Policy

Discipline means training

We want to help the child learn how to behave in a civilized society.  At Overland Montessori we believe that this goal can be attained without punishment.  We never spank any child, or use any form of physical punishments.  This way the child maintains a positive self image, and understands respect.  We will always treat the children in a respectful manner, and will encourage them to make good choices.  All discipline shall be of a positive nature and have as its’ goal the safety of the child, and the collective peace of the classroom group.

Logical Consequences

Every action has a consequence, and we do our best to let the children know what consequences may occur if they make poor choices, i.e. one of the playground rules is ‘no throwing the toy cars’, if you choose to throw a car then you will not be able to play with the cars for some time.  When the consequence is revealed in advance the choice then rests on the childs’ shoulders.  By giving the child the information ahead of time it then allows him to make a choice for himself. 

Rules

Rules are everywhere.  We need them in our society to keep us all safe, and rules apply at school for the same reasons.  We will often remind the children of the school rules, and also demonstrate to them how to behave in the school.  This will be done through group discussion, and also group demonstrations, thus reinforcing what is expected of them at Overland Montessori.  If a child does do the wrong thing we will  ‘practice’ what should have been done.  If he repeatedly does the same behavior he may be asked to spend some time alone at a ‘thinking’ table, and a teacher will later discuss his behavior with him, and give suggestions on how to change it.  We do not use the term ‘time out’.  A child may be isolated from the group, but this will just be a change of environment to give the child time to settle down, or re-direct himself.  It is not a negative thing.

The idea of logical consequences is to train for the future, not to punish for past behavior.

If a child repeatedly has a severe problem behavior then parents may be called in to school for a meeting, and some consistent methods of discipline will be discussed.  If all efforts fail to help the child then he may be asked to leave the school and counseling may be recommended.