Quiet spray

Our hallways have been notoriously noisy (for years, I understand) when students change classrooms. This is my new "weapon of warfare" for the hallways. I will keep it on my desk. When I hear noise in the hallway, I could, if desired, walk out and spray as many students as possible (Don't worry, it won't be in the eyes or anything and it's only aqua). 

Who says being an school leader can't be a little fun?!

Out-of-school & in-school causes of misbehavior

Discipline with Dignity offers a great overview of the causes of both out-of-school and in-school causes of misbehavior.

Out-of-school causes

• Effects of the media (violence on TV and video games)
• A sense of entitlement ("me first" attitude)
• Lack of a secure family environment (divorce, child abuse, etc.)
• Diminished social civility (politicians name-calling and put-downs, offensive song lyrics. "If adults do it, why can't I?")
• Concentration of poverty (low socioeconomic status)

     
Consider polling teachers: Which out-of-school cause do you believe has the GREATEST impact on misbehavior in your classroom?

We have limited control on what happens outside of school, but knowledge of a child's home life is critical for building strong, healthy relationships with students and families.

In-school causes

• Competitive environment (with regard to academic achievement and behavioral improvement... competition is BETWEEN students instead of WITHIN each student. Individual's improvement is not being adequately acknowledged)
• Student boredom
• Powerlessness (students do not have a voice)
• Unclear limits (little clarity on what types of behavior will and will not be tolerated).
• Educational opportunities are earned, not given (Field trips, class parties are taken away for poor behavior)
• Lack of acceptable outlets to express feelings (no good ways to release emotions and thoughts)
• Attacks on dignity (students see themselves as losers and have ceased trying to gain acceptance in the mainstream i.e., they would rather be recognized as a troublemaker than be seen as stupid)

As a school/grade level, how can we address these potential causes?

One Idea: 

• Form a school discipline committee. The committee tackles one of the in-school causes. Have teachers, administrators and support staff sign up for the committee. Grouping could be: four teacher spots, one admin spot, two support staff spots. Also, enlist a parent and a student to the committee.
• Brainstorm ideas. Remember to keep the student's best interest in mind. (See example on Page 26 of Discipline with Dignity)
• Develop a specific plan of action: What will be done, who will do it, when it will be done, and how it will be evaluated.

You could also do similar activities with a group of parents. Have them vote on what they perceive as the #1 in-school cause. You could then discuss, in a non-judgmental manner, the out-of-school causes.

With something to think about,

Mr. Russell

Image credit: focusforwardcc.com

About Us

By Misty Russell

This website is written by parents, for parents. My husband, Wayne, and I are the parents of a two and a half year old girl and a new born baby boy.  I am a stay-a-home mom to my beautiful and sometimes challenging children. On a daily basis I am having to come up with new and creative ways of instilling discipline in our children. There is not a day that goes by that does not challenge and remind me of the complexities of being a parent.

My husband is a Dean of Students at an international school. His role deals with character development and student discipline.  He  works with children and parents in 1st through 5th grade. He has previously worked with junior high students in an alternative school environment. We also work in the Babies Department at our church nursery.

To say the least we are around children 24/7! While we do not claim to be experts we hope we are able to help other parents navigate the troubled waters of child behavior and discipline.

See ya soon!