I found this invaluable article through another blog (Teach, Train, Love) written by the legend Katharine Kersey in the positive psychology/ behaviour management world. It is fantastic for all teachers, parents and caregivers and any one who works with children. The link for the full article can be found here and I highly recommend this fantastic resource for all. The top ten priniciples for positive discipline that Katharine Jersey recommends however, are as follows;
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The Top Ten Principles of Positive Discipline
1. Demonstrate Respect Principle - Treat the child the same way you
treat other important people in your life - the way you want him to treat you
- and others. (How would I want her to say that to me?)
2. Make a Big Deal Principle - Make a big deal over responsible,
considerate, appropriate behaviour - with attention (your eyeballs), thanks,
praise, thumbs-up, recognition, hugs, special privileges, incentives (NOT
food).
3. Incompatible Alternative Principle - Give the child something to do
that is incompatible with the inappropriate behaviour. "Help me pick out
6 oranges" (instead of running around the grocery store). If your
husband is annoying you by playing his Gameboy, instead of berating him,
simply ask him to help you by drying the dishes.
4. Choice Principle - Give the child two choices, both of which are
positive and acceptable to you. "Would you rather tiptoe or hop upstairs
to bed?" (“You choose or I’ll choose.”) This can be used with spouses.
“The garage needs to be cleaned out. Would you rather do it tonight or
Saturday?”
5. When/Then - Abuse it/Lose it Principle - "When you have
finished your homework, then you may watch TV." (No homework - no TV.)
6. Connect Before You Correct Principle – Be sure to “connect” with a
child – get to know him and show him that you care about him – before you
begin to try to correct his behaviour. This works well when relating to
parents, too. Share positive thoughts with them about their child before you
attack the problems!
7. Validation Principle - Acknowledge (validate) his wants and
feelings. "I know you feel angry with your teacher and want to stay home
from school. I don't blame you. The bus will be here in 45 minutes."
8. Good Head on Your Shoulders Principle - Tell your child –
frequently – especially as s/he reaches the teen years – “You have a good
head on your shoulders. You decide. I trust your judgment.” This brings out
the best in the child and shows him/her that eventually he will be in charge
of his own life and responsible for his/her own decisions.
9. Belonging and Significance Principle – Remember that everyone needs
to feel that s/he belongs and is significant. Help your child to feel
important by giving him important jobs to do and reminding him that if he
doesn't do them, they don't get done! Help him/her feel important by being
responsible.
10. Timer Says it’s Time Principle - Set a timer to help children make
transitions. “When the timer goes off, you will need to put away your books.”
“In five minutes, we will need to line up for lunch.” It is also a good idea
to give the child a chance to choose how long he needs to pull himself
together. “It’s okay to be upset, how long do you need?” Then allow him to
remove himself from the group and set the timer. You may offer the child a
choice (and set the timer) when it's necessary for him to do something he
doesn't want to do. “Do you want to pick up your toys/let Susan have the
wagon/take your bath -in one minute or two?”
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I employ a variety of techniques for behaviour management, including some of the following. These are all fantastic ideas I have used with success and have contributed to a positive classroom environment.
* Create a picture. Each table gets one feature for their picture as reward for good behaviour. I found this on a fantastic blog and the details can be found here
* Reward Ladder such as the one I use (There are many variations!)
* Raffle
* Table points
Enjoy!!
Jaide xx
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