Before entering daycare, most children have spent most of their lives in the company of parents and siblings. Starting an early development program means learning how to interact with a broader range of people, developing communication skills and the vocabulary to voice new ideas, and more. In addition to all of that, children also have to learn to interact in new ways and follow special rules like how and why they should share a popular toy with others.
1. Avoid Temptation
The best place to begin learning self-control is to put items and distractions away when they aren’t appropriate. In Montessori infant care, discovering that there are limits and restrictions is often a new experience in interaction and may lead to all sorts of inappropriate behavior. Much of that could be completely avoided by maintaining an orderly, prepared environment without easy access to distracting materials.
2. Communicate Expectations
Consistency is important when you are teaching children to exercise self-control. Explain the rules or discuss the current behavior calmly but firmly. It is important for children to understand what is expected of them, and that “no” always means “No!” Consistency counts among the adults as well. Parents and teachers should communicate often, discussing developments and maintaining a coordinated effort to address issues as a team rather than taking opposing approaches between the school and home.
3. Establish Routines
Regular routines are another form of consistency. Picking up things when they are no longer in use is a good habit that helps keep the room organized. It is also a great way to help young children build a sense of self-esteem, and that contributes to better self-control. Learning to follow routines also encourages critical thinking, and that is beneficial when children are confronted with more than one course of action.
4. Model and Practice
In the end, the best way for adults to help the children in their care is to provide exceptional role models for the children. Children pay more attention to what the adults in their vicinity are doing and saying than you may believe, and they will mimic the language and behavior they are presented with as an example of how they should act.
Self-control is an important part of learning in the daycare environment, and a critical part of the Montessori Method. It may still be a few years before your child begins to understand how others feel, but learning the basics of grace and courtesy should begin as early as daycare to provide a great learning experience for the whole class.
The best way to learn more about the Montessori prepared environment is to see it in action. Schedule an appointment for a tour today to see Montessori in action.
