by Dr. Jane Nelsen mistakes-parents-make-web.jpg Many of the following mistakes are made in the name of love. Too often we think we are helping our children when the long-term results of what we do may be discouraging. Other mistakes are made because we just don’t know what else to do. Thankfully, one of the foundation principles […]
Articles
Classroom Jobs
classroom-jobs.jpg A Positive Discipline Teacher Tool Card Classroom jobs give students an opportunity to feel a sense of belonging and significance by contributing in meaningful ways. Create a room full of helpers to make your job easier while encouraging your students to feel needed and capable. Brainstorm enough jobs for everyone. Examples: Water plants, empty […]
Follow Through in the Classroom
follow-through-teacher-cartoon-web.jpg A Positive Discipline Teacher Tool Card If you say it, mean it, and if you mean it, follow through. The key is to be kind and firm at the same time. “What was our agreement? So, what do you need to do now?” “I know it is hard to experience the consequences of your […]
Mistaken Goal of Assumed Inadequacy
assumed-inadequacy-web.jpg A Positive Discipline Teacher Tool Card by Dr. Jane Nelsen and Dr. Kelly Gfroerer The student who operates from the mistaken goal of assumed inadequacy (because of a mistaken belief about her capabilities) may not cause you many problems during the day, but may haunt you at night when you have […]
Understanding the Mistaken Goal of Revenge
by Dr. Kelly Gfroerer and Dr. Jane Nelsen teacher-revenge-text-web.jpg If you feel hurt or find yourself saying, “I can’t believe he/she just did that,” this is your clue that the student’s mistaken goal of the misbehavior is revenge. When people feel hurt, they hurt back (often without even realizing what they are doing). […]
Avoiding Power Struggles in the Classroom
by Dr. Kelly Gfroerer and Dr. Jane Nelsen misguided-power-cartoon-web.jpg Image from the Positive Discipline Teacher Tool Cards One of the most difficult classroom management challenges is avoiding power struggles. Remember, it takes two to engage in a power struggle. The Mistaken Goal Chart shows us that your feelings are the best […]
Understanding the Mistaken Goal of Undue Attention
undue-attention-cards-web.jpg A Positive Discipline Teacher Tool Card Everyone wants attention. It’s part of human nature. Adler and Dreikurs long ago pointed out the fundamental human need to feel belonging and connection. The problem arises in classrooms when students seek attention in negative ways because of their mistaken beliefs about how to gain a sense […]
Become a Mistaken Goal Detective
mistaken-goal-detective-cartoon-web.jpg Solving the mystery of “why” your students “misbehave” can be fun and beneficial. Once you break the code, you will have more information on how to encourage behavior change. In Positive Discipline we emphasize the importance of understanding the belief behind the behavior. You can use the Mistaken Goal Chart and the […]
Validate Feelings Teacher Tool
From the Positive Discipline Teacher Tool Cards by Dr. Jane Nelsen and Dr. Kelly Gfroerer validate-feelings-teacher-cartoon-web.jpg “What are you thinking?” “I don’t know.” “What are you feeling?” “I don’t know.” Does this sound familiar? In Positive Discipline we teach how important it is to understand the “belief” behind the […]
A Simple Strategy for Smoother Mornings and Evenings
by Guest Blogger Debbie Zeichner, LCSW Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Parent Coach Certified Positive Discipline Parent Educator http://debbiezeichnerlcsw.com Now that school has started, parents often struggle with making the big transition from long, relaxing summer days to hectic, rushed school days. Many of the parents I work with say that either getting […]