My aim is to build an environment in our classroom where everyone experiences joy, support, challenge, and an assurance of safety. I maintain high academic and behavioral expectations for all my students, and will encourage students to have these same expectations for themselves. As third graders our students have moved beyond the need for clip charts and Class Dojo avatars. Instead, our class plan for behavior management will be based on the Positive Discipline program developed by Dr. Jane Nelson, Ed.D. This well respected program focusses energy on guiding students, rather than managing them, so that they can develop the skills needed to become positive members of our community. Students will gain skills in self-regulation, responsibility, and interacting with others respectfully. When students struggle with problems that our class meetings and established interventions are not able to resolve they will be asked to complete a written reflection to be shared with and signed by parents. Chronic &/or significant misbehavior will be addressed with parents as needed on a case by case basis.
Positive Discipline teaches students to focus on solutions. For example, through the use of class meetings, children learn to give compliments and recognize the good in each other. This approach teaches them how to verbalize what they appreciate about others. This is a skill that guides students toward solving problems by looking for solutions rather than someone to blame. The Positive Discipline approach in parenting has been around for more than 25 years. Positive Discipline in the Classroom empowers children and creates a teaching environment that encourages communication, self control, and success. Positive Discipline is not about permissiveness, punishment, control, or power. Instead, Positive Discipline focusses on being both kind and firm at the same time. Positive Discipline helps children feel a sense of belonging and significance.. Find more information about the Positive Discipline approach for both home and school at: http://www.PositiveDiscipline.com.
Click below for a brief video on Positive Discipline.