How can I make the levels meaningful?
QUESTION: I am still waiting for my Discipline without Stress book to arrive, but this morning I introduced the system to my class anyway. Even though it’s almost the end of the year, I have such big behavior problems that I decided I had nothing to lose and everything to gain! However, I must have [...]
SETTING UP CONSEQUENCES PROACTIVELY
Initially, some teachers new to DISCIPLINE without STRESS, have difficulty visualizing what is meant by the practice of “setting up consequences proactively” in a discipline situation. Here’s an example of “eliciting consequences ahead of time” with a group of boys in my own primary class. My teaching partner and I had a group of boys [...]
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 [...]
USING THE HIERARCHY TO UNDERSTAND INTEGRITY
Just this past week, I had a situation in which I was able to use the Hierarchy to help a child named Sarah, feel a bit better about her dealings with a difficult desk partner. I thought I’d share because I think it’s helpful to hear stories of classroom experiences. Additionally I want to encourage [...]
I need an overview of the three phases of the Raise Responsibility System of discipline.
QUESTION: Can you give me an overview of how the Raise Responsibilty System is implemented in a classroom? RESPONSE: The Raise Responsibility System, an important part of the DISCIPLINE without STRESS Teaching Model, has three phases: 1. Teaching the Hierarchy, 2. Checking for Understanding, and; 3. Guided Choices. Phase 1 – TEACHING THE HIERARCHY Dr. [...]
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 [...]
How can I use this approach to motivate students academically?
QUESTION: Can you give me an example of how I can use the DISCIPLINE without STRESS system to motivate young students academically? RESPONSE: Here is an example from my own grade one classroom: Before beginning a journal writing session, I might put two examples of writing on the board. On one sample, I would write [...]
A couple of years ago one my students made a little gift for every child in the class. It was a tiny figure made from little plastic beads. She was keen to give them out and so as the class started to eat their morning snack, I agreed with her that this would be 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 [...]
