Effective Discipline

Read Matthew 18:1-6. Tese words are a great motivation in appropriately

nurturing children. Discipline is part of the process of making disciples and will
draw kids to Gods love.
Ten Tips
PRAY
Prayer must be at the center of everything related to the learning process. Ask
God to help you remain calm when interacting with children, to guide you in
handling severe behavior challenges, and to lead you in disciplining with love.
(Read 1 Corinthians 13:4-8.)
PLAN AND PREPARE
Failure to plan and prepare well is planning for behavior challenges! Be sure you
have adequate help. Arrive at least 15 minutes early. Set out all supplies. Be ready
to greet children as they enter your room or site.
BUILD RELATIONSHIPS
People learn best in an atmosphere of positive
relationships. By investing time, love, and genuine
concern, teachers and leaders can build strong, positive
relationships. Try to recruit additional help to work
with kids who persistently seem to make inappropriate
behavior choices.
RESPECT AND ACCEPT EACH CHILD
Demonstration of respect and acceptance is at the
heart of encouraging appropriate behavior. Listen, use
names, smile, use eye contact, and engage in indi-
vidual conversations with each child. Provide a loving
atmosphere where kids will feel comfortable. Avoid
unnecessary interruptions. Ofer forgiveness and a
fresh start.
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AFFIRM POSITIVE BEHAVIOR
Afrmation of positive behavior is a strong strategy that motivates some
inappropriate behavior choices to be changed to appropriate behavior.
INCLUDE ALL LEARNING STYLES
Kids will demonstrate a variety of learning styles. Give choices and allow kids to
select activities that utilize their unique learning styles. Variety and creativity can
minimize discipline problems and help to insure efective learning experiences.
HAVE PROPER BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS
Be aware of age-level characteristics. Remember their attention span is usually
about one minute for each year of age. Plan activities that provide a change of
pace and accommodate attention spans.
PRACTICE CONSISTENCY
Lack of consistency can be very confusing. Behavior expectations must be fair and
consistent.
HELP KIDS UNDERSTAND
Talk one-on-one with the child who has misbehaved. Never embarrass a child.
Be sure the child can identify the inappropriate behavior. A short, simple
explanation may be helpful: We cannot learn when we all talk at
the same time. It is not kind to hit our friends. Hitting hurts.
Laughing at others is hurtful.
GIVE APPROPRIATE CONSEQUENCES
Consequences for inappropriate behavior choices, rather than
punishment, lead to changed behavior. Follow through with a
stated consequence if the undesirable behavior continues after one
reminder.
If an inappropriate behavior persists, you may need to ask your
director for help. Remember that the safety of children is a priority at
all times.
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