power-struggle.png by Jane Nelsen Power struggles create distance and hostility instead of closeness and trust. Distance and hostility create resentment, resistance, rebellion (or compliance with lowered self-esteem). Closeness and trust create a safe learning environment. You have a positive influence only in an atmosphere of closeness and trust where there is no fear of […]
Category Archives: Teachers
2018 in Review
jane-header.jpg I am excited (and a bit overwhelmed) with all of the progress we made in 2018, and the many projects we have planned for 2019. I’ll be turning 82 this year and I am more energetic than ever about Positive Discipline! The growth of Positive Discipline around the world is awe inspiring to […]
Have Faith in Students
by Dr. Jane Nelsen and Dr. Kelly Gfroerer, from their book Positive Discipline Tools for Teachers. have-faith-teacher-cartoon.jpg What does it mean to have faith in students? It doesn’t mean abandoning students to figure out everything for themselves. It means having more faith in how much they can handle, even if it means they have to […]
Greetings
by Dr. Kelly Gfroerer and Dr. Jane Nelsen Greeting students personally creates an immediate connection with each student. Greet each student at the door with “Good morning.” You might want to add a handshake or a high five. If you notice anything specific(such as a hairstyle change or a happy smile), mention it. Morning greetings […]
CURIOSITY QUESTIONS
by Dr. Jane Nelsen curiosity-questions-motivational-parents.jpg Helping children explore the consequences of their choices is much different from imposing consequences on them. Exploring invites the participation of children to think for themselves and figure out the consequences of their choice, to decide what is important to them, and how to achieve what they want. The […]
Positive Time-Out
by Dr. Jane Nelsen positive-time-out-parents.jpg Imagine you are an employee who has made a mistake, and your boss comes to you and says, “You go to time-out and think about what you have done. And don’t come out until I say you can.” Or, if you are married, imagine your spouse coming to you and […]
Positive Discipline and the Wheel of Choice
Create a Wheel of Choice with your Students. Brainstorm with your students a list of possible solutions for class or recess problems. Then brainstorm and list as many solutions as they can think of to try. On a pie-shaped chart write one solution in each section. Have students draw an illustration or symbol for each […]
Avoid Rewards in the Classroom
rewards-teachers-cartoon.jpg by Dr. Jane Nelsen and Dr. Kelly Gfroerer While rewards may be a quick way to motivate students, it is important to stop and think, “What are students learning when they receive rewards?” Research has shown that rewards are not effective long-term and in fact can be harmful to students. The rewards become more […]
Schedule Special Time With Your Students
by Dr. Jane Nelsen and Dr. Kelly Gfroerer Scheduling special time is one way to create a connection with students. special-time-teacher.jpg When teachers take even just a few minutes to greet students as they come in the door, show concern for students’ problems, or take time for a little one-on-one instruction, […]
Listening Skills for Teachers
by Dr. Jane Nelsen and Dr. Kelly Gfroerer We have heard students say that it doesn’t do any good to talk because adults don’t listen—they just lecture. Could this be true? And if so, why? We will make some guesses. Most adults think it is their job to teach, and that the best […]