In all schools, it’s important to have a behavior management policy in place. In Montessori schools specifically, it’s crucial because of the independent nature of the environment. Conflict is natural, and it’s bound to cause some rifts in the peaceful nature of the classroom. Our goal is to keep environments as harmonious as possible, so we have a few procedures in place to help minimize disputes. Students can become peer mediators, talk out their problems at the peace table and observe their peers working out their problems.
In our elementary environment, students can sign a peer mediator’s contract. This is a pledge our students take to bring peace to our environments. They choose a partner who they trust to help them handle any issues and are held accountable to their pledge. Here’s a sample of what this contract includes:
We pledge to try to do the following things:
1. Treat others with kindness.
2. Help other people.
3. Listen to others solve their problems.
4. Reduce the problems in the class.
5. Set a good example for others.
6. Try to solve our own problems.
7. Spread peace.
Part of our goal to incorporate this into our environments is to encourage talks at the peace table. Conversations at the peace table have a few key steps to follow to help resolve any issues.Ask about the problem.
Ask about the problem.
Everyone at the table has a chance to explain what happened from their perspective. We ensure only one student is speaking at a time, and everyone at the table is paying attention to what their peers are saying.
Ask about feelings.
After students have explained their issue, we give them the opportunity to explain how it made them feel. Again, we make sure everyone is focused on whomever is speaking.
Work on a solution.
We ask our students what they can do better the next time the same problem arises. At this stage, we let students work together to find a solution instead of speaking one at a time. The guides understand now is not the time to get involved in the conversation unless asked by the students.
Try to make sure everyone leaves feeling better.
After these steps, usually everyone at the table feels more comfortable. Everyone just wants to be heard, and we try our best to give everyone their chance to explain and problem-solve on their own.
At the peace table, no one is forced to apologize for what they did. Most of the time, students apologize on their own after coming to a mutual solution. However, we do not influence students to say sorry if they do not mean it. We want students to learn the weight of their words and encourage them to mean what they say.
If you would like to learn more about the peace table and our behavior management at MMS, feel free to reach out!