The word discipline connotes a negative image of a strict caregiver enforcing rules upon a child to instill order. It gives one the impression that discipline has to be exerted forcefully upon a person. This differs greatly from the Montessori perspective of discipline being created from within a child rather than being imposed from the outside. . Discipline rises naturally within a child when she or he is given freedom with limits. Montessori says that freedom in intellectual work is found to be the basis on internal discipline. Montessori believed that the first dawning of real discipline comes through work. When a child becomes engaged in work (such as reading) with great interest, the intensity showing in his/her face and preservers in repeating. the activity, the child has set foot upon the road to discipline. (Montessori, 1967). “The discipline we are looking for is active …. We claim that an individual is disciplined when he is a master of himself and when he can, as a consequence, control (How is this discipline fostered?)
The word discipline has a harsh connotation in today’s society. It conveys images of strict teachers with canes and authoritarian figures laying down the law. It is something enforced by external forces and maintained by fear of repercussions or punishment. But this kind of forced discipline only appears from the outside to be effective. Rather like a regiment of soldiers on parade. It is really a form of acting on the part of the submissive child to play by the rules and to either be rewarded for this or to be punished for doing the opposite. This is sadly a serious deviation from the natural way of life. In this essay, I intend to write about how discipline and obedience play a vital role in the mak ...