Erin Marsman Response to Second Article in partial fulfillment of Basic Skills: Work & Life 12/1/98

I chose to read on article from the Home & School Connection. The article was entitled ^SThe Balancing Act Discipline with love and limits^T. I believe that a lot of what this article has to say can also be applied to the classroom. The first point they make is that the rules at home should be posted and explained as to why they are. The second point they make is to ask your kids for their input into the rules. The third point is letting your child know what will happen when they break a rule and then following through with it. The article states that they will usually cooperate when they see the parents mean what they say. The last point they make is that limits gives kids a sense of security and let them know your expectations. I have seen first hand how important it is to let kids know your expectations and your limits. I have a very difficult group of students this year. The students where not involved in the decision making of the rules because they are school wide rules. They are clear on why we have them and the consequences of breaking them. I have the rules posted all over the classroom. The students have learned that I mean what I say and am consistent in my actions. A class that started out the year out of control has since made great gains in their behavior and are a much more enjoyable group to work with. Even the students have noticed a difference in their behavior. The article gives good advice to both parents and teachers on how to effectively work with children.

-- Anonymous, December 01, 1998

Answers

I agree that well defined and enforced rules will create a productive environment both in school and at home. As the mom of a seven month old, I am beginning to see the grind of enforcing the word "no" to my little guy. It is really difficult to see him with such a tormented look on his face -- even though playing with electrical cords is a really bad thing. I know he is too small to understand "no" but I am hoping that someday (after the billionth time I say no and move him away) he will think, "OH, no means do NOT do what I am doing."

I am hoping that teaching him certain behavior is not acceptable, he will have an easier time once he begins school. I agree that rules must be tempered with compassion. I also believe the groundwork for dealing with rules should be started in the home -- then the transition from home to school would be easier on the student (and on the teachers).

-- Anonymous, December 09, 1998

Erin, The article you read reminds me of what Glasser included in his book, The Quality School. He also stated that students should be involved creation of the classroom rules. One of the most difficult aspects of teaching is the development of expectations and consequences. As a media generalist, it took awhile to instill this with so many students each week. Since I see almost the entire school population, I did not develop the rules with classes. Did you find that students already had a fairly good concept regarding what rules were needed? Deb Berntson

-- Anonymous, January 03, 1999