4Real Forums: Discipline

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Nurturing the Years of Wonder
4Real Forums : Nurturing the Years of Wonder

Topic: Discipline

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Cheryl
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Joined: Feb 20 2005
Location: Massachusetts
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Posts: 978

Posted: Oct 12 2006 at 9:26pm \| IP Logged

Reading this post on Kim's blog has brought some of my many questions about the Montessori Method and general discipline to the surface. I wonder if you can answer some of these for me.

Do you have specific time scheduled for presentations and observing the dc?

If so, how much time do you spend? What do the older dc do during this?

How do you keep the younger dc quiet and busy while the olders are doing their work? For example, when ds 7 is reading aloud to me, we are constantly interrupted by the other dc. On one hand I think they need to have consequences for their behavior, but then on the other hand I think that maybe they need more attention in the morning.

Another example: today ds 5 and dd 4 were using pattern blocks with pattern animals while ds 7 was doing his math. They hum, sing and make noise. Is it reasonable to expect them to work quietly or should I have ds 7 do math alone at another time or in another room? Is it a matter of teaching them self control or should I adjust my schedule?

My indecisiveness is making it hard for me to be consistent, and I think consistency is really what my dc need. I'd appreciate your thoughts on this. I'm also interested in knowing how you structure your day. Do you have a schedule?

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Cheryl
Wife to Bob ('97)
Mom to Matthew 13, Joseph 11, Sarah 10, Rachel 6, Hannah almost 4 and Mary 1

Becky Parker
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Joined: May 23 2005
Location: Michigan
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Posts: 2582

Posted: Oct 13 2006 at 9:45am \| IP Logged

Cheryl,
I always feel like you and I have similiar situations and questions. I can try to tell you what has worked for me through trial and error. Some things that you asked about I still am struggling with though.
One thing that has worked very well for us during times when everyone is working are the "school boards" I made for each child. I don't know why we call them this because they are not really boards but that is the name they have been given. They are actually the cardboard, tri-fold display boards that people use for Science Fairs. Each child has their own and I have decorated them using stickers, scrapbooking papers etc so each is "personalized". When the kids are doing quiet work, they put their board up to create a sort of "study carrol (spelling?)" and it really helps them stay focused even if there is some noise going on. They really have come to love their "school boards" and are quite protective of them.
I don't have a specific "time" for presentations, but his year I am finding that having a specific slot in our routine helps. For instance, when we start our school work I do math and reading activities with my 5 yo first. (He has ADHD "symptoms" and I try to get these in while he is the most focused.) During this time the 3 and 7 year olds are working independently (actually, the 3 yr old is often making messes but I have to let that go.) Then, we do what I call "table time". They all come to the table in our school room and we do something together. This is usually a presentation of a science, geography, art, sensorial or practical life activity. Then I work individually with the 7 yo while the 3 and 5 yo kids work independently. Finally, I try to have a little time for just observation or for helping my 3yo with something. I don't worry too much about not having an actual school time slot for the 3yo because he is my early riser and I do a lot of cuddling, reading etc. with him early before the other kids get up.
I should add that our "school room" is in the basement. We have an Atrium upstairs. We do prayer and religion first thing in the morning before coming down to the school room. Religion for the 5yo and 7yo is either a presentation from Moira's Album, a story/activity from Catholic Mosaic, or a Bible story. I then go on with my 7yo daughter and do Baltimore Catechism or saints stories while the two little boys play quietly. My 13 yo is doing MODG and uses this time to read for his religion assignment. He and I will spend time going over his work after religion, before the younger kids and I go to the school room. Wow, this is confusing! It actually flows quite well I'm just not doing a very good job of explaining it. If you don't understand just say so and I'll try to explain it better.

I'm not sure if this is helping much. I do know though, for us, the routine is vital. When my younger children know what is coming they are more peaceful, but I have to keep on the schedule too. I'm wondering if I have ADHD! I get so distracted and want to vere off from the plan, then I wonder why my kids are bonkers!

One other thought, if something like the "school boards" doesn't give your dd enough quiet for her work, is there an ajoining room she could go to for Math? My ds is older - 13, but he does most of his work upstairs while I am downstairs with the littles. He is trustworthy to do this and I can't expect him to concentrate when the younger kids are making noise.
Hope that helps a little.
Becky

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