Extending the DWS Hierarchy into learning
Gradually, as I experienced continued success with using Dr. Marshall’s Discipline without Stress approach to help students develop self-discipline and a sense of responsibility, I realized that there was enormous potential and value in using his Hierarchy of Social Development to inspire young people in all areas of their lives. One day I decided to [...]
A few years ago, I posted some ideas regarding good intentions that Darlene and I had learned in our workshops with Dr. Gordon Neufeld, a well-known Canadian developmental psychologist. Gordon’s ideas about attachments and relationships are quite unique and extremely helpful to anyone interested in using DWS. Here’s the gist of his ideas regarding good intentions: As [...]
Making learning an option – The “Principle of Choice” at work!
After first reading Marv’s DWS book more than ten years ago, I started to become conscious of the importance of deliberately planning for “choice” in my teaching. Certainly, as I took on a job at a local Alternate High School six years ago––working one-on-one with sullen, illiterate and often, ashamed teenagers––providing choice was a [...]
10-15 students are arriving late – every day!
QUESTION: I am currently in a situation where I am the permanent teacher, taking the place of another teacher. I have been in this position for about 3 weeks now, and I have noticed that many students arrive late every day. Not just one or two but 10-15 students are arriving late to my class! [...]
Intermediate/High School – Goal Setting and “The Last Lecture”
Last week I spent an evening with Teresa, an old friend of mine who just happens to be a fabulous grade six teacher at a nearby school. As it always does, our talk eventually turned to two of our favorite subjects––teaching and whatever good books we’ve read lately! One thing I always admire about this [...]
Without rewards, how can I encourage neat work habits?
QUESTION: I don’t want to use stickers to motivate my primary students to print more neatly. Any suggestions to encourage them to take more care with their school work? RESPONSE: Here are some things that my teaching partner and I do in order to help build neat work habits over time: 1. We talk a [...]
Some “evidence” that DWS really gets kids thinking!
This week I had a neat experience while teaching a grade 7 student at my newest job at the middle school. I just thought I’d share. For those who don’t know me, I have three teaching positions, all of which are shared with the same partner. Darlene and I share a grade 1 classroom, each [...]
Using DWS to deal with younger siblings visiting in the classroom
Throughout this summer, I’ve been emailing back and forth with one teacher in my province who wants to learn how the reading program my partner and I have developed, works in our grade one classroom. She is also quite interested in a program our K-6 school has instituted called “The Whole School Read,” in which [...]
How can I motivate my students to take care in their schoolwork?
QUESTION: I am a high school Social Studies teacher. As a teacher of a content area, I don’t penalize my students for spelling errors on their assignments as an English teacher would, but at the same time, I don’t want to give them the impression that spelling isn’t important. I’m not having much success. Once [...]
I want to encourage some very low students.
QUESTION: I work with very low math students. Part of my plan for next year is to convince them that things can be different. I want to convince them that they can find success and not be so frustrated! The worst behavior cases seem to be the kids that have given up. But then I [...]
