be strong and very courageous!

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Home : 2003 : January : 21

be strong and very courageous!
By Connie

Dear Laura,

I am so glad to hear things are going well. It shows you that sometimes we need to chew nails for breakfast to prepare us for the day!

Try to not slip into a complaining or sarcastic mode. I encourage
you to check out the Love and Logic series (they have a website: www.loveandlogic.com )
The children need to know that you like them and sarcasm really drives a wedge in your relationship. Most of my students will do things because they really want to please me and I can ask them to do things no one else can. Notice I didn't say ALL my students because that isn't realistic.

I have an idea for you called "an academy". When your children are not doing things the way they should, have them practice the desired behavior over and over. Think of a marching band or a basketball team and the huge number of times they have to run through the desired routines in order to do what they should. I sometimes tell mine they need to walk back and forth to recess quietly TWO times before they can go out. If it takes them 20 times, so be it! Be sure you start the academy right before the desired activity so they are missing out on fun and it is no punishment for YOU! Using Love and Logic makes teaching more fun and gives teachers and parents more effective ways to work with children.

So, be sad not angry or frustrated when they have poor behavior. "That's so sad! Looks like the class needs an academy on how to line up. But, not to worry! You'll still have recess when we finish and I bet you'll get a full recess tomorrow!" Got the idea?

(I love the expression "Not to worry!" I say it so effectively! :-) I can be quite the empathetic actress!

Connie