What can I suggest to these kids to help them stop talking?
QUESTION: The biggest problem I have in implementing this discipline approach is kids talking when they’re not supposed to. We go through the questions about what level that behavior is and whether it’s appropriate, which they are able to answer just fine. But when I ask them what can they do next time (or when [...]
Improving the quality of homework
The following post was originally shared on the DWS mailring. It highlights an important DWS teaching attitude––that of choosing to view a negative situation (students doing a poor job of completing and returning homework) as an opportunity to help students take responsibility. In addition to demonstrating the Principle of Positivity, this post also illustrates the [...]
Inattention during our Morning Meeting is causing discipline problems!
QUESTION: I am a student teacher in a 1st grade class. Love the kids but I have a really hard time getting them to listen during our morning meeting time! At least three are ADD but some are just immature. The kids seem to enjoy the activities and greetings I present but their inattention creates [...]
I am trying to use DWS but my students will not listen to me!
QUESTION: I have recently taken over a classroom, as a substitute for three weeks. The teacher of this classroom has been on leave for some time and the students have had many temporary teachers. I feel that I am using all the correct educational practices but the discipline problems in this class are extensive. I [...]
Non-verbal Cues for Procedures
In discipline situations, Dr. Marshall suggests that before moving to the second phase of the Raise Responsibility System—Checking for Understanding—effective teachers will first try to make use of various “unobtrusive techniques.” These are explained in detail on pp. 90-93 of DISCIPLINE WITHOUT STRESS, PUNISHMENTS or REWARDS. The use of very simple techniques involving body language, [...]
In just two weeks, I’m completely overwhelmed with discipline problems!
QUESTION: School has been in session for just two weeks. This is my first year of using the DISCIPLINE without STRESS approach. Already I find myself completely overwhelmed with discipline and behavior issues. I’m actually feeling quite a bit of stress about discipline! What should I do? DR. MARSHALL’S RESPONSE: Revisit the four-part DISCIPLINE without [...]
The Importance of an Attention Management Signal
Dr. Marshall encourages teachers at any level, to establish classroom procedures as the first step in using the DISCIPLINE without STRESS Teaching Model. Regardless of the age of the students, an important procedure to teach on the first day of school, or a term, is one that allows the teacher to quiet the students and [...]
I’d like more ideas for effective attention management signals.
QUESTION: I have just finished reading the section of Dr. Marshall’s book, Discipline without Stress, Punishments or Rewards, dealing with the importance of creating, teaching and practicing procedures for attention management (p. 206-7.) I’d like some more ideas for how to effectively get the attention of students in the classroom. RESPONSE: Yes, it is a [...]
My teaching partner and I have always provided a home reading program for our grade one students. We give each one a ziplock bag in which to store their home reading books and every morning they make an exchange, taking two new books home. Well, that’s the theory of it anyway! In reality, we have [...]
How can I get immature students to listen and behave themselves?
QUESTION: I am a student teacher in a 1st grade class. Love the kids but I have a really hard time getting them to listen during our morning meeting time. At least three are ADD but some are just immature. The kids seem to enjoy the activities and greetings I present but the inattention/etc is [...]
