Montessori and Class Rules
Before we can dive into the rules, it's important to understand that Montessori elementary classrooms rely on class meetings. Class meetings are an integral part of the classroom. This is the time when the children can work together to make their classroom peaceful for everyone. It is thrilling to watch class meetings evolve during the year; the first class meetings led predominantly by the class guide/teacher, and by the end of the year are almost entirely student-led. It’s magic.
The first week of school focuses on how class meetings are run, and the expectations of both students and guides. These first meetings will be largely guide led, with help from all the students in varying degrees. It is during these meetings that we will discuss the type of rules that keep a class room running smoothly. The students will come up with great ideas. Ideas like: “No running!”, “No hitting”, “No yelling”, “Be nice”, “Eat your own food!”, “No frogs inside!”. All of these are fantastic, but we will distill all of these suggestions into 3 simple rules.
Rules that work for the classroom, at home and worldwide.
Take Care of Yourself. In a Montessori classroom, each child is encouraged to develop a strong sense of self-respect. This first rule encourages children to understand their own needs, recognize their abilities, and take responsibility for their own learning. This understanding leads to a deep sense of responsibility.
Take Care of Others. The second rule encourages children to listen when others are speaking, to share materials, and to help each other. This rule is important for second plane children who are learning the art of equity. Taking care of others creates a collaborative space where children learn to work together, resolve conflicts peacefully, and value the contributions of others.
Taking Care of the Environment. The Montessori classroom is the students' space. It is a space created to encourage and nurture children’s learning and development. Students learn to care for their immediate environment(their bedroom, their classroom), and that care grows to caring for the natural world around them and beyond.
Once our class rules have been established, students start to recognize that these rules apply not only to the classroom, but to home, playgrounds, and everywhere else.
But why? Why do we encourage our students to create their own rules? Rules and expectations that are student created and agreed upon, are rules that are more easily understood and followed. Also, when a rule is not being followed, a simple question can be asked, “Are you taking care of yourself, others and the environment?” This reminder is often enough for the students to recognize their mistake, and find a way to fix it. When children help create rules, or expectations, they have a sense of ownership and a strong desire to work together.
Finally, bringing a similar discussion into your own home can empower your child/ren to take care of themselves, others, and the environment, outside of the classroom as well!