Maria Montessori did not believe in the concept of a "naughty child," but rather saw behaviour as a manifestation of the child's inner state. She believed that children act out because they are seeking something they are missing, whether it be attention, love, or a sense of purpose.
Montessori's perspective on behaviour and discipline
In her book "The Absorbent Mind," Montessori writes, "The child who has gone astray is a child who is looking for his own way. He may not know what he is seeking, but he is searching, and he needs someone to help him." Montessori believed that it is the role of the educator to provide guidance and support to help the child find their way.
Montessori also believed that punishment was not an effective way to deal with "naughty" behaviour. She saw punishment as a way of imposing adult authority on the child, rather than helping the child develop self-discipline and self-control. Instead, Montessori believed in creating an environment that supports the child's natural desire to learn and grow, and in helping the child develop self-discipline through their own experiences and interactions with their environment.
Montessori's methods for supporting positive behaviour in children
- Montessori believed that children learn best through hands-on experiences, and that they should be given the freedom to explore and learn at their own pace.
- She also believed that children should be given opportunities to make choices and decisions for themselves, as this helps them develop a sense of independence and responsibility.
In summary, Maria Montessori did not believe in the concept of a "naughty child," but rather saw behaviour as a manifestation of the child's inner state. Montessori's approach to education is still widely used today, and has helped millions of children around the world develop a love for learning and a sense of independence and responsibility.