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Describe one or two discipline policies in place in your classroom or at your school that adhere to the model discussed in this lesson. Have they been effective?
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1. Students are not allowed to talk when another student is sharing with the course. I am trying to teach the students to not only be patient and respectful, but also actively engage is listening to what other people have to say. 2. I try to model grace. Every so often, when I notice several of my students have folders filled with unfinished work, I will say, “Okay… I am going to show you Grace today. Do you deserve to miss recess because you didn’t finish your work? Yes, but today I am going to let you throw out your unfinished work and enjoy recess.”
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Our school rules for each classroom are identical and are Biblically based. “Be patient. Be obedient. Be loving. Be diligent. Be self controlled.” Any discipline or reward directly relates to keeping these rules and each has a Bible verse connected to it. They all are also fruits of the Spirit. They are effective and furthermore, they show that we are not asking anything other than what God wants for us.
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Discipline is handled with write ups. Typically these writeups are for minor offenses and are handled with a simple conversation. Detentions have a Scripture capacity to them where students have to look up and write reflections on bible verses related to what landed them in detention. For serious offenses or for repeat customers we have a two pronged approach. The principal handles the discipline side of things and I as the spiritual life director come alongside the principal and the student to try and find the heart issue behind the behavior and encourage the student in their spiritual walk.
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One such rule, unfortunately broken from time-to-time, would be plagiarism. Such an infraction carries a hefty penalty. While the assignment, project, or assessment is graded a zero. The parent is notified, and a detention, or suspension (multiple offense) is then served. The student is informed that stealing is not to be tolerated and out of bounds for the Believer.
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I try to discipline through positive encouragement as much as possible. Teenagers are easily embarrassed, and treating them with dignity and respect goes a long way. When there are more serious discipline issues to address, I try to handle that privately and begin by asking what’s up. Giving students a chance to talk first often eases the tension and provides information that is important for deciding on next steps.