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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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Since I am an ESL teacher, I teach small groups. Discipline for behavior hasn’t been a big issue for me. The main issue I face, is a few student who do not do their work or homework. I try to talk to the student to find out why. Often they say that they forgot. If this happens more than once, I try to help them get better organized. Depending on the students age, I might give them an incentive sticker chart and reward when they remember. If they are older, I help them learn to use their planner and check it. I see this as restorative rather than punitive.
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At our school we do try to keep things simple and easy for the students to follow. We have five school rules and I try to not add a whole lot to that. I really believe that before discipline can be effective, you must have relationship. I work hard to build a classroom climate that is supportive and friendly and feels like family. When student behavior becomes disruptive, I usually give a verbal warning. If it continues then we have a private conversation to discuss how the issue has become sinful because he/she made a choice to not obey the warning. The desire is for them to recognize the break in fellowship and be restored into a right relationship. If problems are persistent then I involve parents and then administration. I also believe having an orderly and peaceful classroom is part of the discipline process. The students need to have ownership in this so they have jobs to help contribute to that order and peaceful environment. This really helps control the chaos that can happen in an elementary classroom. I do also have a ticket system and students may have to pay tickets for smaller infractions such as a mess they left on the floor or talking when they are not supposed to be. This is effective because they really love being able to spend those tickets on special coupons or prizes I have established.
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We start the beginning of the year by defining the classroom policies and procedures. Nothing in the classroom is done without following a procedure. When a student chooses to not follow the procedure, they receive consequences. I am attempting to implement Dr. Paul Tripp’s model: Culture of Grace, into my discipline policy. It is difficult to find the time and to make the connection with the student. However, that is the point — make the attempt, get any kind of connection.
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I have certain discipline policies spelled out in my classroom for students to have a guide to right and wrong behaviors. One of these is to listen when it is my turn to talk. I try to teach good traits to students and have a quiet learning environment so they will be able to learn. I know I need to bring those who are disobedient back into the fold, to get right, to be restored and held accountable with love.
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At my school, students are held accountable for their actions. They are always pulled aside to discuss the behavior at hand, point to God in the situation and given the opportunity to correct the behavior, etc. It is a model of God’s grace and redemption.