Question 082

To: Jane Nelsen

Our K-4 elementary school punishes minor infractions with detention. This has come to, for some teachers, standing facing the wall at recess from 10 to 30 minutes depending on the seriousness or number of infractions. Many parents have requested a more constructive method of discipline. Any suggestions?

Hearing stories like yours breaks my heart–and helps me realize that my work is not done. Of course, I have many suggestions–whole books full of them. Have you seen Positive Discipline in the Classroom and Positive Discipline: A Teacher’s A-Z Guide? The first book focuses on class meetings and getting students involved in finding solutions for problems instead of using punishment. Punishment makes kids pay for what they have done, but does not help them do better (of if they do better it is out of fear instead of an internal locus of control). Class meetings can eliminate most discipline problems, but that is only a fringe benefit. The main benefit is that kids learn important life skills such as communication skills, problem-solving skills, respect for others, and cooperation.