Just Do It!

When we received the book, I happened to be between books on my reading list, so I read it right away. I have read so many books about discipline and "difficult" children that I was not exactly enthused with the subject. My educational background includes a master's degree in LD/BD (I know no longer the terms, but a rose is a rose is a .....) and I taught in a behavior unit for 12 years, so I've had a lot of experience with many different programs. I do like the way the author describes and explains the A,B,C plans and I recognize how I have slipped into each as a parent and a teacher. I do like the way the book combined steps for implementation with the stories of how different staff, children, and parents struggled through the program.
I have always believd that children do better in an environment where they help set the rules and consequences. Jane Nelson wrote a book called Positive Discipline. I used it as a text book in one of the courses I taught at Xavier. I used it not only at school, but also at home with my three boys. I still like the organization of her program.
It a nutshell, I guess i can see how "difficult" children could be helped with this program, but do admit that I still see parts of it as "giving in" and have a problem with lowering expectations. Maybe people on this blog will convince me otherwise.
One other note, I always look at the author and wonder about anyone who writes a book about how to deal with children and doesn't have children of his own.

Entering the Book

I'm not going to lie, when I started the book I was a bit hostile! It could have to do with the fact that I'm re-learning how to "love to read" but it also could be that my mind kept saying "I've done this work, what else could I or the teachers fit onto their plate". I was in the "GREAT, another guy trying to sell me the magic pill" mode.

As I continued to read my anxiety and hostility began to fade. I became engrossed in the 3 Plans. It makes so much sense! I was raised in a Plan A (A for adult) family. What mom and dad said was it....they always won! By the way I was so excited to become a mom just for that fact....I could always be the winner!!! Boy how times have changed! Plan C (C for child) was never allowed at my house. My parents were steadfast and strong, I don't ever remember winning because they just gave up and gave in.

I can also compare those two plans with my own classroom. As I started teaching I wanted to win, I wanted those children to do what I asked, to do what I assigned, and to pay attention (and pretend they were having fun even if they weren't). For most of my students that seemed to work. For a handful Plan A became a fight which wore me down and Plan C happened by default. It wasn't working. Without even recognizing it I slowly moved to Plan B (B for we BOTH win).

I'm happy to have read this book and have these plans presented in this format. The information has helped me to evaluate what I want and what the student wants. I'm looking for those win-win situations. I'm remembering that teaching has become a job of service, less of "being part of the family". I've always heard that the "customer is always right", and our students are in fact our daily customers. Teaching them has become a balancing act of giving them what they need, preparing them for the day to day, allowing them to be "right" while still accomplishing conforming them to the day to day. No wonder the teachers go home tired..every choice made requires thought and purpose. I'm proud to be a part of this difficult profession because the work we do WILL mold the future!

*Note: My blog is not grammer perfect, it's my thoughts. Feel free to do the same...this is not for a grade. :)

Welcome!

Sharing our thoughts in this forum takes some getting use to. You never know who is reading your entry; and unless they say something directly to you or post a comment you may never know if what you wrote was read or thought about. It's frightening for us to divulge information especially when what we are doing may not be going so well. The courage to share opens the door to growth and success.

Here's the challenge: 1. be honest even when it feels awkward 2. be helpful without judgement when you are able and 3. Look at this new opportunity as a growing experience that could benefit our students and allow us to positively connect with other educators within the district.

I hope this adventure works well; but I also understand that the success relies on your participation. If you have any suggestions on how to make the format more comfortable please let me know. If things are going well please let me know. If I can help in any way please let me know. Let's get the ball rolling!!