People do not argue with their own statements, and once a statement is made there is a natural desire to defend it. Here is a simple question for opening the gate to have the person reconsider: "If I share with you a better approach to achieve your objective, would you be willing to change your mind? Additional effective questions are outlined in the book … [Read more...]
Decisions and Responsibillity
July 28, 2009 By Leave a Comment
Just as young children don't want to be carried while they are learning to walk, adolescents don't want adults making decisions for them. The only way we can learn to walk is to practice walking. Similarly, the only way to assist maturation for responsible behavior is to practice decision-making. Each time you make a decision for another person, you … [Read more...]
Free Books for USA Schools
July 23, 2009 By Leave a Comment
Although learning is itself self-renewing, a new school year is doubly so for classroom teachers because of greeting a fresh crop of students. Even in schools where classes "loop" (have the same teacher for more than one year), the summer break offers respite and renewal. A summer "break" reminds me of what Stephen Covey refers to as a "paradigm" in his "7 … [Read more...]
Parenting Without Stress
July 17, 2009 By Leave a Comment
"Parenting Without Stress - How to Raise Responsible Kids While Keeping a Life of Your Own" is an award-winning book that is worth viewing at Piper Press. … [Read more...]
Magnificent Success with the System
July 14, 2009 By Leave a Comment
"This is the best year I have had in the 25 years of being a principal. Behavior has not been a problem this year. Our students are learning to solve their problems in a positive way. We find that with the proper instruction, students can monitor their own behavior and make responsible choices without the use of punishment and rewards." Phelps Wilkins, … [Read more...]
Discipline Without Stress Mailring
July 8, 2009 By Leave a Comment
Here are some additional ideas from Kerry of British Columbia. Note: More of Kerry's and other posts have been categorized by her at Discipline Answers. As part of your sessions you could do some role playing. Students love drama activities. You could also read and discuss stories, identifying levels the characters play. Here are a few messages from the … [Read more...]
Using the Hierarchy of Social Development
July 7, 2009 By Leave a Comment
Kerry of British Columbia shows how to use the the Hierarchy of Social Development. Discussions held with individuals can also be held with entire classes of students. By referring to the hierarchy, you can help kids understand the difference between pseudo-self-esteem (an over-inflated ego!) and true self-esteem. Often it's the person with the … [Read more...]
Creative Use of the RRSystem
July 3, 2009 By Leave a Comment
QUESTION: I am very interested in using this system in counseling students individually and in classroom guidance. My question is: Will the system work, even though I only see the students for 30 minutes every other week, and even if the classroom teacher is not using the system? From your experience are there any hints or suggestions to make the system … [Read more...]
Motivating Students/Westminster High
July 1, 2009 By Leave a Comment
Jim wrote me the following regarding his teaching: I am a returning math teacher who has worked in business most of my life. Had a tough time teaching last year. Thought I could just teach the subject and didn’t give any thought to managing the classroom. Got a rude awakening. I figure if I can guide the students into being courteous to one another, we … [Read more...]
