Framing the Work
Presentations
on discipline frequently focus on the rules and regulations, and the policies
and procedures necessary to keep children safe. These conversations, however,
have to be more than just about what forms to fill out and who to speak with
about a student’s challenges.
In
our world, the question is not whether you handle the issue in your class or
refer it to the office; it really has to be much more fundamental to our
practice than just a question of paperwork.
Semantics
The
way in which words are used is important. They carry particular weight,
depending upon the time period and culture in which they are adopted. And,
these subtle, commonly agreed upon meanings change as cultures develop.
discipline 1. from the early 13c. meaning
"penitential chastisement, punishment"; 2. from Old French descepline (11c.) meaning
"discipline, physical punishment; teaching; suffering; martyrdom"; 3.
from the Latin disciplina meaning "instruction given, teaching, learning,
knowledge". (Source: www.etymoline.com)
When
we look at the etymological origins of the word discipline, we see that most
recently it has been used to refer to something that is done to someone, a correction,
indicating a necessarily lopsided power-over relationship.
We
can also see, however, that this was not always the case. Look at discipline’s
earliest record of usage: "instruction given, teaching, learning,
knowledge". Perhaps, when taken this way we can come to view discipline as
less of a reactive behavior, and more of a proactive one – one where power is
shared.
So,
let’s reframe our definition of discipline and refocus our energies in a
positive, future-oriented way so that we are building relationships with
children.
The Art of Discipline
The
art of discipline is to mold others in your image: who you are and (most
importantly) what you do. Who and how you are helps to define what kind of
people your students will become.
I would argue that this is
our most important work.
After
all, who has the greatest opportunity for consistent messaging about what it
means to be fully human?
We do.
Discipline
is best viewed as an act of peace education, distilled. As learning to be
peaceful is an active process we need, therefore, to examine our own practices to
ensure that the actions that we model to our students are aligned with this
vision.
Looking Inward
When
we are presented with behavior that flies in the face of our desires and
expectations we need to look inward first. Most of the time it is about how we have prepared ourselves
and the environment to meet the child’s needs that is the root of the child's
actions.
This
can be a challenging proposition for us: it means that we have to be as open to
change and risk as we ask the children to be throughout the school day. To
accommodate this demand, we need to be flexible, spontaneous, dynamic, humble,
specific, direct, and purposeful in our work with children.
How Do We Get There?
It
is important that we recognize our personal limits of behavior:
·
What is it
about certain behavior that really pushes your buttons?
·
What is your
“shark music” (those cues that alert you to a change in a child’s behavior that
will be challenging for you)?
·
How will you
convey that “music” to your assistant(s) and colleagues so to get the support
you need?
Challenging
children are not malfeasant beings created to undermine your every move; they
are waiting for your loving guidance and support.
If
there is a behavior issue, you need to examine what are you not providing the
child:
What is it about your
choices and decisions that have led to this point?
Are you fueling and fanning
the flames?
When
faced with behavior that does not align with your expectations for the moment,
what do you do?
·
Do you give a
little more, loosen the reigns a bit and wait?
·
Do you pull in
tight?
·
Which action
allows for sustained and transformative changes in behavior?
Preparation of the
Teacher
We
must be present to the struggles within us as we make these decisions around
our interactions with children.
It is this mindfulness that will allow for partnerships to triumph over
punishments.
Think
about the children you have worked with. Which students come to the forefront
of your memory? What kinds of memories are these? Do you feel:
Happy?
Bittersweet?
Proud? OR Remorseful?
Fulfilled?
Embarrassed?
Why
do we feel such conflicted emotions?
I
propose that if we feel a mixture of emotions it is because we ourselves know
that our most important work is to “be there” for the children in our care.
And, that because of our own baggage around schooling, or our fears and
pressures of the work we do, or the demands placed upon us by the multiple
stakeholders in public education – we lose our way.
We
lose our focus and prime directive: to be stewards of the Spirit in the
children who gather around us.
So.
Take a few breaths. Think quietly and explore the light and the dark, the fear
and the joy, the clouds and the sunshine of our work with children. As you
think about the year before you:
·
In what ways
are you coming from a grounded and present place?
·
In what ways
can you see yourself growing?
Breaking Old Habits
& Developing New Ones
It
is through the Montessori curriculum that we meet the children in their heart
spaces. As servants and stewards, we worship the child not the curriculum -
children first then content, hearts first then minds.
How
we frame the energy of our classrooms and the work that goes on in there is
truly as important a component to "preparation of the environment" as
is where the shelving is placed.
Discipline is problem
solving.
Discipline is more often
about letting go and giving in.
Our
goal is to become meaningfully attached to the children with whom we work, a
system synergy.
·
What do you
wish for in that relationship?
·
How would it
feel?
·
In five, ten,
fifteen years, what memories would you like to have made of the experience?
So
often with issues of discipline we can get caught up in what the child is doing
or not doing relative to our desires and expectations.
But here’s the thing:
It’s not about us.
It’s about being ready for
them.
Seeing the Child Anew
We can be champions of our students' thirst to learn and experience the universe around them. We can stand beside them as they call out to their muse in search of beauty, liberty, trust, and joy!
Say Yes More
Anticipate the Struggle
Be Uncomfortable
Take Risks
“Sit on Your Hands”
Choose Carefully When,
Where and Why You Intervene
Let It Go
Broaden Your Definition of
Work
Start Seeing “False
Fatigue”
Give it time
Soften
Rethink Your Use of
Consequences
Conclusion
Discipline
re-framed as peace education allows for the chance to teach and experience new
ways of being in the world – both for the child and the adults that serve them.
When we do this, we walk together towards a brighter horizon.
Additional Resources on
Discipline
1.
“On Discipline – Reflections and Advice” by Maria Montessori
2.
“The Montessori Approach to Discipline” by Mary Conroy and Kitty Williams
Bravo
3.
“Freedom and Discipline” by Marcie Hogan
4.
“Liberty and Discipline in the Montessori Classroom”
5.
“Freedom and Responsibility: A Life in Balance” by Seth D. Webb
(This
post includes excerpts from a staff development training given on August 7th,
2013).
