Submitted by Leona Jones, Plainfield, Illinois
Idea posted April 19, 2002
On discipline, I'm doing a few things that are working well. The first semester, I used a point system combined with a "gimme five" concept of regaining order.
Each day, each class receives 10 quarter notes (posted on the board). What they keep is put onto a chart each day. When the class gains 100 points, they've earned a free-choice day, which can involve giving a talent show, bringing in their own music, playing musical games, dancing, etc. This is chosen by democratic election.
The daily points can be lost in this manner: When I raise my hand to secure quiet and attention, and they have not done so by the time my fingers (which are lowered one at a time) are all down, they lose a point. This second semester, I've added an additional method for keeping the ones who are the least respectful of the group a bit more mindful of the importance of paying attention and not disturbing classmates (and the lesson), and this is called "Three strikes and you're out." A child creating disturbance will get a check mark on my class seating chart. When s/he earns three, s/he is sent to the principal and receives a call home. His/her slate is then wiped clean after this form of intervention. One or two marks follow a student week to week, also. A child can redeem him/herself, however. When a student has a respectful and attentive attitude during a subsequent class time, s/he will lose one check mark... in essence, wipe the slate clean, though it may take two consecutive weeks to accomplish this, as I only see children once a week for music. I do this in as private a manner as possible, asking the children to speak with me after class, which gives me the opportunity to assess what the child feels s/he needs to be more successful (such as changing his/her seat, or allowing for more movement). I remind children who have two checks at the onset of class to stay focused. No one wonders if s/he has a check or how many. I make it very clear to individuals. (My time in the schools as an occupational therapist has helped me to understand children's sensory systems and needs, and how to make things very clear to those with limited functioning.)
Another thing I try to teach children is that they are who they say they are. I want to empower them to give themselves positive messages about themselves. We come to believe what we tell ourselves, and so we should be gentle with ourselves and offer ourselves good messages, even when those in power over us give us hopeless ones. Hope this helps.