Welcome!
Positive Discipline in the Montessori Classroom is the natural expression of Montessori principles through practical application. It reflects our deep commitment of respect for the child, belonging within community, and the development of purposeful independence. Grounded in Adlerian psychology and Montessori pedagogy, this approach to Montessori classroom management moves beyond rewards and punishments to cultivate intrinsic motivation, responsibility, and social awareness.
Through consistent, respectful guidance and thoughtfully designed structures, educators strengthen children’s sense of capability while fostering a supportive and connected classroom community — creating environments where freedom and responsibility grow together.
“There is a great sense of community within the Montessori classroom, where children of differing ages work together in an atmosphere of cooperation rather than competitiveness. There is respect for the environment and for the individuals within it, which comes through experience of freedom within the community.” ~ Dr Maria Montessori
Eloping: A Positive Discipline in the Montessori Classroom Approach to Student Elopement
“The first aim of the prepared environment is, as far as it is possible, to render the growing child independent
Passivity: Supporting Withdrawn and Shy Children in the Montessori Classroom
It is our object to train the child for activity, for work, for doing good, and not for immobility or
Peer Conflict
Since we have the means to guide the child, it is clear that the formation of man is in our
Live Online Courses
The Practitioner’s Class (Level 1) is an eight-session foundational online course for Montessori educators, based on Positive Discipline in the Montessori Classroom by Jane Nelsen and Chip DeLorenzo. This Montessori teacher training introduces the core principles and tools of Positive Discipline in the Montessori Classroom through a child-study approach grounded in real classroom experience. In an experiential, collaborative setting, participants learn practical strategies for Montessori classroom management and how to implement a respectful, time-tested approach that builds responsibility, independence, motivation, and empathy within classroom communities.
The Advanced Practitioner’s Class (Level 2) is an eight-session online course for Montessori educators who have completed the Practitioner’s Class (Level 1) and are ready to deepen their practice of Positive Discipline in the Montessori classroom. Based on Positive Discipline in the Montessori Classroom by Jane Nelsen and Chip DeLorenzo, this advanced Montessori teacher training builds on a child-study approach with a focus on classroom management, adult alignment, and navigating complex student behavior. Participants are introduced to new Positive Discipline tools and refined strategies, and through real case work, reflection, and collaborative dialogue, strengthen their ability to create respectful, consistent, and responsive Montessori classroom communities that foster responsibility, independence, motivation, and empathy.
Whole School Courses
Whole-School Courses are designed to help schools develop a consistent, respectful, and research-based approach to classroom discipline that is fully aligned with Montessori principles. This course, using a case study approach, focuses on helping teachers and administrators learn and implement the principles and tools of Positive Discipline in the Montessori Classroom. Contact Chip for more information and scheduling availability.
Self Paced Video Course
The PDMC virtual course is a practical and thorough adaptation of the Positive Discipline in the Montessori Classroom approach to classroom and behavior management, and fully aligned with Montessori principles and practices. It provides an invaluable set of tools that expands on the skills introduced in Montessori teacher education programs and is a perfect refresher for experienced Montessori guides who want to improve their classroom culture, strengthen their relationships with children and families, and create ever more peaceful and harmonious learning communities.
The Book
Positive Discipline in the Montessori Classroom is designed to help young people become responsible, respectful, and resourceful members of their classroom communities. In this book, Chip DeLorenzo and Jane Nelsen
bring together Montessori and Positive Discipline for the first time,
offering a methodology for addressing behavior in the classroom
that is consistent with the core Montessori belief of respect for the child. Nelsen and DeLorenzo argue that preparing the social-
emotional environment is just as important—and as critical to normalization—as preparing the physical environment, and provide
tips for creating that environment, one that engenders cooperation,
contribution, and mutual respect. You’ll learn how to:
• effectively set and maintain limits with children
• foster children’s self-regulation and responsibility
• encourage open communication with your students
• help children attain a sense of belonging and significance
• And much more!
