The Montessori model views discipline as a means of guiding and teaching rather than exercising control over the child. We utilize the positive discipline approach, where there are no bad children, but rather bad actions. Our classroom environments are positive, accepting and encouraging on all levels, and all Trillium teachers and staff are trained in this approach.
Trillium’s curriculum and teacher-child interaction support each child’s development of the four Rs:
Respect: including respect for self, others, materials, and environment.
Responsibility: reflected through choices, actions, daily care of the environment and initiation of ideas.
Responsiveness: embraces children as contributors, thinkers, participators, and caring friends.
Resourcefulness: includes learning to be creative and inventive, to be problem solvers and to use skills effectively.
Teachers encourage children to use words to express feelings and resolve conflicts. To reach this goal, they calmly communicate with the students at eye-level. Firm but respectful intervention is employed if a situation escalates. Our ultimate goal is to develop self-discipline and self-motivation as the drivers of good behavior and positive attitudes, rather than through fear or outside motivators.
Physical rewards such as stickers or treats are not used, and we do not employ time-outs or punishments. The Montessori method revolves around the notion that rewards and punishments prevent children from developing decision-making skills, and they do not foster the child's sense of responsibility for their own actions. Our goal is to teach students how to analyse a situation, make the appropriate decision, learn from any mistakes, and experience resulting consequences.
We believe that the sky's the limit when it comes to your child. We celebrate their creativity. We nurture their curiosity. We promote their independence. They are one-of-a-kind. They are respected. They are loved.
Preschool is just the beginning. And we all know that habits learned as small kids stay with us for a lifetime. Once they move on to "big-kid" schools, Montessori students are ready to face what is ahead with skills like concentration, self-discipline, a love of learning, and social skills that make adjusting much easier. Learning never stops, and they are eager to do so.