It’s very easy for “experts”
to find fault with different discipline approaches. I’ve been at this rodeo for over 40 years and I’ve seen many
behavior management systems come and go.
The bottom line is that YOU have got to do what works for you and your
students. Consistency, love, and
making the child responsible for his or her behavior always shine through.
Now, I know some people are
opposed to positive reinforcement, but it has certainly worked at our house
this week. Our 8 year old grandson
is visiting and I found an old “treasure” box and a bag of fake jewels. I let K.J. make up his own task card with
jobs that he thinks he should be his responsibility. He makes his own check marks and puts a jewel for each mark
in the box at the end of the day.
He’s LOVING this! I don’t
have to remind him to brush his teeth, pick up toys, or put on sunscreen. He eagerly does it and then rewards
himself with a check. (We haven’t
actually decided what the jewels are worth. He doesn’t seem to care about the reward as much as he does
with his accomplishment.)
Several months ago I wrote
an article for my website on the “Executive Function.” Task initiation, task completion,
delayed gratification, and self-regulation are all incorporated as K.J.
reflects on the natural consequences of his behavior.
Last week when I was in
Canada they explained the importance of using the “inquiry approach” in the
classroom. Instead of answering
children’s questions and explaining the meaning of words, let them try and
figure it out on their own. It’s
the process of getting them to THINK and explain their thoughts that is valued
above a test score. I’ve been
experimenting on K.J. this week – poor kid! When he asked, “What does courageous mean?” I said, “What do
you think it means? Why?” I’m afraid I’m not very consistent with
this, but it could be a powerful strategy for parents and teachers. Hmmm! Might be a good blog in the future!
Here’s a cool craft that
K.J. made at a pirate exhibit in Charleston last weekend. (How they get adults to dress up in hot
pirate clothes and walk around with parrots on the shoulders in 95 degrees is
amazing to me!) Anyway, I know
most of you could NOT do this at school because it would be considered a
weapon. However, if you have kids
of your own, grandchildren, or need an idea for a birthday party, it’s really
fun. All it takes is a sheet of
newspaper, tape, and an oval with a hole cut out of heavy paper. Start rolling the newspaper
diagonally. It has to be rolled
tightly. Meanwhile, let the child
decorate the oval. Tape the
newspaper and insert one end in the oval.
Bend up the newspaper roll to create a handle as shown. Touche’! 
My little pirates!
P.S. We saw SMURFS 2 yesterday and it was ADORABLE!!