Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Top Ten Things I'm Taking From Behavior Management

My final this week for my Behavior Management class was to be reflective and list the top then things we learned. I'm proud of my list, so I thought I would share.

The ten most important things I will take with me from this class are:

1. Structure is important for all children. I have known this for years with my own children, and feel that these management models have reinforced that concept.

2. Purpose-it is vital that we know why we are doing what we are doing. In life, in work, in learning.

3. Consistency in routines and discipline is key. If you are not consistent with rules and follow through with set consequences, you might as well not have rules at all.

4. Validating feelings is huge in every relationship. You don't always have to fix the problem or understand the issue, but by validating the feelings of another person, you will build a stronger relationship.

5. Classroom management is just as important as the lessons you are teaching. Having a plan, and being the backbone is essential to a classroom.

6. Preventative procedures reduce the likelihood of most problems. For example, we went to hear an author speak about his new book about World War II. I knew my kids were not going to be interested in this, and to prevent them acting out in boredom, I brought them each a new notebook and glittery pen to keep them busy during the speech.

7. Steal good ideas! All teachers and parents need to remember this one.

8. Discipline needs to be a concept, planned in advance, but used in a manner that is specific to the problem at hand. You need to have the right tools in your toolbox to do the job.

9. Relationships and Respect need to be built in a classroom.

10. When you have a problem, you need to find a solution. Thank you Barbra Coloroso for that great idea.

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