View source for Ground Rules (Montessori)

<languages/>
<translate>
The term '''"ground rules"''' is often used in Montessori education to refer to the guiding principles that dictate appropriate behaviour within the classroom. These rules provide a framework for classroom conduct and play an essential role in establishing a respectful and collaborative learning environment<ref>Kendall, P. C., & Marcmzak, M. (1994). Ground rules of cognitive-behavioral therapy: An examination of client and therapist agreement. Cognitive Therapy and Research, 18(6), 605-620.</ref>.

At every age level, the '''ground rules''' in a Montessori setting are straightforward: children are free to engage with any materials or activities available in the environment, provided they do so with respect. They are expected not to harm the material, themselves, or others. By setting these boundaries, the ground rules promote an atmosphere of mutual respect, self-regulation, and responsible freedom<ref>Montessori, M. (1995). Absorbent mind. New York: Henry Holt.</ref>.

== Montessori Quotes on Ground Rules ==

{{Blockquote|text="Discipline must come through liberty... We do not consider an individual disciplined only when he has been rendered as artificially silent as a mute and as immovable as a paralytic. He is an individual annihilated, not disciplined."|author=Maria Montessori|source="The Montessori Method"}}

== Research and Critiques ==

=== Pro ===
* Ground rules foster a sense of responsibility and self-regulation in students<ref>Lillard, A. S. (2017). Montessori: The Science Behind the Genius. Oxford University Press.</ref>.

* By fostering mutual respect, ground rules create a positive learning environment<ref>Montessori, M. (1995). Absorbent mind. New York: Henry Holt.</ref>.

=== Cons ===
* Some critics argue that this approach might not provide enough structure for some children who might require more explicit behavioural guidelines<ref>Chattin-McNichols, J. (1992). The Montessori controversy. Delmar Publishers.</ref>.

* There is a risk of children misusing materials without sufficient guidance<ref>Lillard, A. S., & Else-Quest, N. (2006). The early years: Evaluating Montessori education. Science, 313(5795), 1893-1894.</ref>.

== Comparison to Other Methods ==
* Traditional classrooms often impose more explicit and detailed rules for classroom conduct. In contrast, the Montessori approach with its ground rules provides children with more freedom while still setting clear expectations for respectful behaviour<ref>Montessori, M. (1995). Absorbent mind. New York: Henry Holt.</ref>.

{{Glossary of Montessori Terms}}

== References ==
<references/>
</translate>