Creating a Holistic Morning Routine Chart for a Montessori Classroom and Home
A well-structured morning routine chart in Montessori classrooms and homes aligns with Montessori principles and can benefit from incorporating the Positive Discipline theory. Positive Discipline emphasizes developing respectful and empowering relationships with children while guiding them toward responsible and respectful behavior. Combining Montessori and Positive Discipline approaches in the morning routine can create a holistic and enriching experience that supports children's independence, self-discipline, and emotional well-being.
Positive Discipline theory highlights the significance of respectful communication between adults and children. Parents and teachers can use positive language and encouragement in the morning routine chart to guide children through the activities. Instead of commanding children to do something, offer choices and involve them in decision-making. For example, ask, "Would you like to water the plants or set the table for breakfast first?"
Montessori and Positive Discipline emphasize empowering children by encouraging their contributions and acknowledging their efforts. In the morning a warm welcome, and a routine, include activities that allow children to take on meaningful responsibilities. For instance, they can be responsible for feeding pets, tidying up their cubbies, shelves, or helping to prepare snacks. Acknowledge their contributions with positive feedback, fostering a sense of accomplishment and responsibility. When we prepare the environment for children to function independently, they begin to explore and contribute.
Positive Discipline encourages respectful communication and empowers children. In the morning routines at home, replace telling children what to do and how to do it with choices and involvement. For instance, instead of saying, "Brush your teeth now," you could say, "what do we need to do to keep our teeth clean or what would you like to start with putting your clothes on or brushing your hair?" This approach respects the child's autonomy while ensuring essential tasks are completed. Montessori principles align with this by emphasizing children's independence. Include tasks in the morning routine that allow children to take on meaningful responsibilities, like setting the table, preparing their snacks, or offering snacks they have prepared to classmates. Acknowledge their efforts with positive feedback such as, I noticed that your bananas disappeared quickly, and everyone loved having something to eat while they could continue with their work. Nurturing a sense of accomplishment and responsibility. When we provide opportunities for children to function independently, they eagerly explore and contribute.
Positive Discipline emphasizes creating respectful and empathetic relationships. Incorporate this into the morning routine chart by including a moment for sharing feelings. Ask children how they feel that morning and if there's anything special they'd like to share. This practice helps develop emotional intelligence and allows children to express their emotions effectively. In the school I led, we shook children’s hands each morning and called them by their names while looking into their eyes with curiosity about their morning and asking how they were doing. Often, emotions were shared, and teachers were invited to guide the children towards the feeling they could not identify yet. Montessori recognizes the importance of emotional well-being in a child's development. Consider including mindfulness activities in the morning routine, greeting their classmates as coming in, placing their lunch box on the shelf, hanging their jackets, asking for help from others when needed, helping their friends, changing shoes, washing hands, and independently choosing materials of interest that they have had a lesson on. These practices align with Montessori's focus on the child's holistic development, promoting intellectual and emotional growth.
Positive Discipline teaches problem-solving and conflict resolution skills. Incorporate this into the morning routine by encouraging children to resolve minor conflicts independently. For instance, if two children want to use the same chair, guide them to find a solution together, such as taking turns. This approach teaches valuable life skills while promoting cooperation and teamwork. We often use I feel __ when _____ and I wish_____ to articulate their needs. Dr. Montessori emphasizes respecting the child's developing personality daily in homes and schools. The morning routine chart can allow children to make choices and decisions, fostering their problem-solving abilities. Whether it's choosing their clothing or planning the order of their tasks, these decisions empower children to think critically and make responsible choices.
Resources
Montessori, M. (1967). The discovery of the child. New York: Ballantine Books.
Nelsen, J., Lott, L., & Glenn, H. S. (2006). Positive Discipline. New York: Ballantine Books.
