Commonsense Do’s

Desirable Discipline Devices:

1. Do make the rules clear. Keep the rules simple and few.
2. Do review the rules frequently.
3. Do create a loving atmosphere where kids feel accepted “just the way they are.”
4. Do memorize the names of your students and use them frequently.
5. Do remember that you’re discipling children through discipline.
6. Do be fair and consistent in dealing out consequences.
7. Do train children to be quiet when someone else has permission to speak. This is probably the problem you will deal with the most.
8. Do move around the classroom.
9. Do confiscate little “treasures” that become a distraction.
10. After a discipline scene, do reassure sensitive children that things are okay.
11. Do use silent clues and signals to help active kids stay on task.
12. Do be a calming force in the classroom.
13. Do use attention-getting signals. Once you’ve given the signal, don’t start talking until you have every child’s attention. Make your signals fun and change them from time to time.
14. Do give children ample warning when it’s time to move on to the next activity.
15. Do find something to praise each child.
16. Do try to “get inside the head” of a child who requires constant discipline. In other words, carefully observe the child you are having to discipline regularly to better understand him/her.
17. Do mix children of different genders. Boys and girls do better in mixed groups most of the time.
18. Do surprise kids with spontaneous celebrations for good behavior.
19. Do offer kids some choices, both in activities and in consequences.
20. Do work at finding special connections with challenge students.
21. Do be realistic in your expectations of your students.
22. Do be realistic in your expectations of yourself. Remember that kids are works in progress and so are teachers. God isn’t finished with any of us yet.
23. Do rely on the power of prayer. God is faithful—pray and look for the answer.