- Use positive language "Lets sit down here on the grass." instead of "Don't run all over the place and yell!".
- Don't get overly emotional about your students behaviour and if you feel yourself starting to lose control of your emotions take a minute to cool off.
- If a kid hits someone make them say they are sorry to their victim. Don't make them run around the building 200 times with no shoes on and take away their food for the day.
I can get on board with these behaviour management techniques and hope that I already am use a lot of them. I must admit that I am going to have to refuse to abide by this articles Character Education techniques. It is not hat it think respect, responsibility, and common sense are not important. On cont rare! It is just that I am never going to say, "Johnny what Lifeskill can you use to help you make a positive decision next time?" The thought of using that language with a child, or anyone for that matter makes me cringe. Better, I think, to rely on good modeling and conversations that are equal parts listening and advising to communicate "character education" to students.
I agree. I wouldn't use that kind of language at all with kids. To me it seems like I would be talking down to them.
ReplyDeleteI understand what you mean about the Lifeskill wording. For one thing it would not work for us, because we do not have such a thing implemented as part of our program. I think they use it because it is an easy way for all of their employees to reinforce the same behaviors. I am more of a modeling conversationalist as well.
ReplyDeleteThe "logical consequences" seems the best way to handle adults and older children as well: if someone steals something, they should give it away. It almost seems more effective than punishing someone to their room. I'm sure it doesn't work in every circumstance, but for most issues it may be the best way to handle a chastisement.
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