QUESTION:
I just got Dr. Marshall’s book, DISCIPLINE without STRESS, PUNISHMENTS or REWARDS. How long will it take until I can implement this system in my classroom?

RESPONSE:
You can begin to implement the DISCIPLINE without STRESS approach whenever you feel comfortable that you understand the system well enough to use it. It’s possible to begin even part way through a school year.

To determine your level of comfort with this system, it may be helpful to ask yourself the following questions:

1. Do I understand the difference between CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT and discipline? Have I carefully taught the classroom procedures I expect students to follow, so that efficient learning and teaching can occur?

2. Do I understand the THREE PRINCIPLES that support this approach to teaching? Am I ready to experiment with:

• being POSITIVE in all my dealings with students. Am I willing to look at incidents of
misbehavior as “opportunities to teach and learn”?

• empowering students by helping them to consider their options and CHOICES?

• ASKING QUESTIONS that will lead students to self-reflect?

3. Do I clearly understand the three phases of The Raise Responsibility System – the systematic process used to deal with irresponsible student behavior?

• Teaching the HEIRARCHY

• CHECKING for UNDERSTANDING by asking questions designed to promote self-reflection and self-evaluation.

• Using GUIDED CHOICES with students who continue to operate on Level A or B.

If you feel you can answer “yes” to the above questions, then you are probably ready to implement this discipline system in your classroom.

Please remember that perfectionism interferes with learning. “Implement now; perfect later” should be one’s motto when learning something new. This applies as much to adults as it does to children.

You can learn more about implementing DISCIPLINE without STRESS from other teachers using this approach by joining the DISCIPLINE without STRESS mailring.

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Posted In: B. General Questions
posted On: May 25, 2007: 11:14 pm: By Kerry Weisner
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