When you are responsible for managing a class of children, it can be difficult to meet the needs of every pupil and maintain some control. Many teachers use alternative methods of disciplining and coordinating pupils, for example by creating rules at the beginning of the school year and enforcing them. Another popular pedagogical technique is to use positive reinforcers to encourage them to behave rather than resorting to repressive systems that involve punishment and mortification. Finally, if a bickering arises, it is possible to stimulate them to find a solution by involving the whole class so that everyone listens to the opinion of the other and learns to become self-aware and to rely on their own abilities to solve issues and problems.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Establishing and Maintaining Class Rules
Step 1. Establish the ground rules
Think of at least four or five simple rules that the whole class must follow and write them down. Use them to manage children and set boundaries between them.
- For example, you might include: All schoolchildren must arrive in class on time, be ready to take lessons, be willing to listen and ask questions by raising their hand, but also know the consequences of missing or delayed homework that have been awarded.
- You can also determine that they should play fair and listen respectfully when someone is talking. Make sure you set at least one or two rules that directly affect discipline and classroom behavior.
Step 2. Communicate everything you expect from the class on the first day of school
Start the school year on the right foot by printing the rules you have decided and giving them to all students. You can also write them on the board or post them on the school website's online bulletin board so they are available to everyone. Explain to your schoolchildren that you expect them to follow these four or five principles and to enforce them among their peers as well.
Step 3. Talk about the negative and positive consequences they might experience
You should be clear about the negative consequences of inappropriate conduct in the classroom. For example, if a child interrupts a partner while they are talking, this could be considered unfair and lead to a scolding on your part. Refusal to share something with others could also be seen as a violation of the rules and, therefore, lower the conduct rating. Explain situations that can destabilize the harmony of the class or be at odds with what you have established.
- You should also clarify the positive consequences of following your policies, such as being able to receive honors or earn an award. You could also devise a system where each child can receive a gold star or check mark next to their name on the ledger when they behave well. Class rewards are also effective. For example, you can put a marble in a vase whenever all the schoolchildren interact well and follow the rules. When the container is almost full, you can organize a trip or go to an event.
- Once you have given your directions and explained everything you expect from your pupils, ask each one to agree aloud or raise their hands to show that they understand what to do at school. This way, the whole class will feel compelled to respect him.
Step 4. Give parents a copy of the rules in the first week of school
In this way, they will be aware of the rules governing discipline in the classroom and how you will manage this aspect. You will likely have to involve them if any issues get out of your control, so you may want to let them know during the first week of school.
You can also ask parents to review the material with their children so that everything is clear. By doing so, they will communicate to the children that they approve of your course of action
Step 5. Review the rules periodically
Children adapt to fair and consistent behaviors and often follow the example of others. So, be sure to review the rules that guarantee classroom discipline at least once a week so they don't forget them.
Also, you should ask if they have any questions or concerns. Some may think that a certain rule needs to be more precise or correct. Do not rule out a group discussion on this topic and allow everyone to say what they think about it. Even if you eventually decide to leave everything unchanged, you will show the children that you respect their opinions and encourage them to think critically
Step 6. Implement the rules
If you have any problems or difficulties, refer to the rules and expectations set for the class. Don't be afraid to be strict, as it is the only way to apply discipline. Try to give adequate punishments, without yelling or getting angry. Rather, use them to encourage dialogue and awareness of one's actions, not to mortify or embarrass.
During the school year, you should also give some rewards when a pupil or the whole class is diligent. In this way, you have the opportunity to reiterate that compliance with the rules not only serves to maintain order, but also has positive consequences
Part 2 of 3: Applying Positive Discipline in the Classroom
Step 1. Understand the difference between punishment and positive discipline
Positive discipline is an educational current that uses constructive and non-violent alternative methods thanks to which it is possible to respect and reward children for behaving well and to correct any misconduct. Unlike punishment, it does not involve humiliation, embarrassment, or the use of aggression or violence to discipline them. Those who rely on this pedagogical methodology argue that children react better if they are educated with positive approaches based on the choice between different alternatives, on negotiation, dialogue and a system of rewards.
As a teacher, you will also have greater control of the class thanks to positive discipline because you will be able to encourage each student to make choices and decisions on their own, rather than trying to force them to act correctly. This type of discipline can also foster an atmosphere of serenity, because children will learn to correct themselves and find solutions or settle situations between them
Step 2. Learn the seven principles of positive discipline
Positive discipline is based on seven fundamental principles that the teacher, given his role, can take into account in the overall framework of the rules. In other words, it's about:
- Respect the dignity of children;
- Encourage behaviors that favor socialization and self-discipline;
- Promote class participation by schoolchildren;
- Respect the needs related to childhood growth and the quality of life of children;
- Respect their motivations and the way they view life;
- Guarantee fairness and impartiality through fair, equal and non-discriminatory treatment.
- Promote solidarity in the classroom.
Step 3. Follow the four steps of positive discipline
Positive discipline is based on a four-step process through which it is possible to propose appropriate behavior and reward those who adopt it. You can apply this method when addressing a single pupil or the whole class.
- First, describe what you expect. For example, if you want the children to stop talking, you might say, "Please shut up now."
- Then explain the reasons why they have to behave in a certain way. For example: "The English lesson is about to begin, so it is important for everyone to listen carefully."
- Ask the children to recognize the importance of such behavior, for example by saying, "Do you understand why it is essential to be silent?"
- Encourage them to behave correctly by looking them in the eye, nodding or smiling. You can also promote discipline by giving an extra five minutes to play or by placing a marble in the reward jar. If it is a single pupil, try to give him a few more points on the conduct or put a star next to his name.
- The reward for good behavior must be given clearly and immediately. You need to make the class feel like a winning team and praise each one personally when they perform well.
Step 4. Apply positive discipline in the classroom
In these cases you have to follow a 4 to 1 ratio. In other words, every four correct gestures or behaviors you point out should highlight one that is wrong. Try to be consistent to show that you are more interested in giving rewards and recognizing when they do well than punishing them.
- Keep in mind that positive discipline is not effective if a pupil or the whole class does not receive a reward quickly and clearly. So, don't hesitate to reward those who deserve it.
- Always emphasize the goal to be respected, not the wrong behavior they may be taking. Put a positive emphasis on what they need to do, such as respecting silence and being considerate of others, rather than negative behaviors, such as not talking or shouting. For example, you could formulate a request like this: "It is important to be silent to respect the speaker" instead of saying, "You must stop talking and concentrate."
Part 3 of 3: Encourage Problem Solving and Class Participation
Step 1. Create a problem log and one of the solutions
Get two notebooks and label them in the aforementioned way. The first will contain any type of problem or obstacle encountered during the school year, while the second will be devoted to solutions. You will need to ask for the cooperation of the whole class to deal with the problems listed in the relevant log and write any ideas provided by the children in the other notebook.
This form of discipline, called democratic, helps promote critical thinking in the classroom and actively involve pupils in finding solutions to problems. As a teacher, you can make suggestions and facilitate comparison, but also encourage children to express ideas and opinions
Step 2. Clarify the purpose of the two notebooks on the first day of school
Introduce them to your pupils. Begin by explaining that the classroom will be a space where all opinions will be respected and considered. You can also reiterate that they will have to work together to find solutions to the obstacles they will encounter during the school year. This way, you can guide them in discussions, but also encourage them to confront and solve problems on their own.
For example, you could mention an incident that happened last year. Suppose some children had had a hard time managing themselves when they were in line at the cafeteria: they were annoyed or mortified by other classmates who passed or pushed them as they tried to respect their turn
Step 3. Help the class find a solution by giving an example
Ask for some suggestions for standing in line while respecting your turn. Write on the board the ideas that the children begin to express. Write them all down, even those that seem trivial or unlikely.
For example, the teacher could line them up by calling them alphabetically, allow the boys to take their seats first, make everyone run as fast as possible to form the line, or call the desks in no particular order
Step 4. Analyze possible solutions
Tell the class that you will analyze the pros and cons of each proposal and that you will adopt one every week. Explain to everyone that: "The choice of the solution is up to whoever exposes the problem." Examine aloud each way to resolve a situation so that the whole class can hear your reasoning.
- For example, you might start by saying, "If I pick the boys before the girls, the sissies will lag behind and that's no good. If I call you in alphabetical order, the ones starting with A will always be first. hurt you. So, I think I call each dealer at random."
- The following week, when the children have to line up for the cafeteria, apply your chosen solution and ask the class before lining up: "Who remembers how we decided to get in line?" or "Raise your hand if you remember how we chose to line up". This way, you will solidify the decision and show your pupils that you are willing to put it into practice.
Step 5. Use the two notebooks (problems and solutions) during the school year
Once you have explained their use to the children, encourage them to write down each difficulty and discuss possible solutions in class. Check the problem book every day and share what has been written.
- Invite the student who has reported a difficulty to ask the class how they can resolve it. Once you've come up with three or four feasible ideas, guide him in choosing which solution to try for a week. Communicate it by asking everyone to accept it and contact the partner who has chosen it.
- At the weekend, call him at the desk and ask him in front of the class if it has been effective. If he thinks it worked, ask him if he would use it again. If, on the other hand, it wasn't helpful, work with him to find a better one or correct some aspect of the decision he made.
- In this way, you will allow your pupils to solve a problem on their own, develop critical thinking and be more aware of their abilities. Plus, you'll be able to discipline them openly and productively and demonstrate that there are various ways to resolve a complicated situation.
