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 blame, […]
Category Archives: Teachers
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 […]
Greetings
by Dr. Kelly Gfroerer and Dr. Jane Nelsen Greeting students personally creates an immediate connection with each student. greetings-teacher-cartoon.jpg A teacher’s morning greeting can make a big difference in how their students approach the entire school day. Rudolf Dreikurs encouraged teachers not to miss this opportunity to connect with students as they enter […]
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 end […]
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. You might want to use the Wheel of Choice a Problem-Solving E-Book that includes 14 lessons to teach students the skills for using a Wheel of Choice. Wheel of Choice Success Story Dear Dr. Jane Nelsen, Early in the school year my first grade students […]
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 important […]
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 way to […]
The Importance of Connection
by Dr. Jane Nelsen “You have to reach the heart before you can reach the head.” I first heard this statement while reading an article about Carter Bayton in a September, 1991 issue of Life Magazine. Carter Bayton was asked to work with thirteen 2nd grade boys who were considered so disruptive that they couldn’t […]