New Phrases That Make Big Differences in Your Montessori Classroom

If you find yourself repeating “walking feet!”, “inside voice!”, “be careful!” over and over again to your students – try these purposeful phrases next time and see what happens!

Instead of “walking feet”, try –

• We walk inside.
• You are inside, please walk.
• At school, we walk in the classroom.
• I want you to be safe, so please calm your body down.
• If you are running, you may not see someone’s work on the ground. Please walk.

Instead of “inside voice!”, try – 

• I can understand you better when you speak softly.
• When you yell, I think you are hurt. You can just say, “I’m feeling upset”.
• At school, we cannot yell.
• You are allowed to be sad, but you need to stop screaming.
• The voice you are using is better to use outside when no one is close to you.

Instead of “be careful”, try – 

• Use two hands to carry that, please.
• We always carry glass with two hands.
• I need to make this safe, then you can carry it.
• Sit down to put your shoes on.
• If you need help, say “help please”.

Instead of “you’re okay!”, try – 

• I see that you are upset. I’m here to talk about it when you’re ready.
• Do you feel startled or sad? Sometimes falling can shock us but not hurt as much.
• I get sad too when I’m away from my family, but they love you so much and know that you are safe at school with me.
• I can read a book to you or give you a hug if you are ready to feel better.
• I understand you are upset. I can see your tears and hear you crying. Can you take a breath with me and pretend you are blowing out a candle?