How to Discipline a Student

Sending a student to the principal's office is one of many ways to discipline a student.

In today's classroom, not only do teachers have to teach groups of children that come in at varying educational levels, they must also teach students who come in with varying behavioral skills. Some students can be very familiar with following rules and conducting themselves properly in a classroom setting, while other students need more training in these behavioral aspects. These students will need to be taught discipline. Discipline, in this manner, is not corporal punishment, but rather teaching students how to behave without physical contact.

Instructions

Post the classroom rules, verbalize them and follow through with consequences

1. Write out and post classroom rules in a conspicuous place. Verbalize the rules along with the students. Make sure to point out and pay close attention to the most important rules. Tell the students what the consequences are for obeying and disobeying rules. Be consistent with the discipline and reward procedures for breaking or following the rules.

2. Remind the class as a whole what the rules are and what is expected of them. Remind them also of the repercussions of breaking the rules and the rewards for following them. Let the students know that what is being said is a reminder and not a reprimand. Encourage the class as a whole to be on their best behavior and to refrain from breaking the rules.

3. Take disruptive or misbehaving children aside from the class and give them a verbal warning. Tell them that you will not tolerate their actions in the classroom. Put children in time out in class or in another classroom for continued misbehavior. Write out a warning or reprimand and send it to the office or to their homes.

4. Send the disruptive misbehaving child to the principal's office. Ask for disciplinary actions to be taken in accordance with the school's rules and regulations.

5. Contact the child's parents and set a time to meet with them. Have the child present at the meeting so that the teacher, parents and child can discuss the problem. Come up with a possible solution to the misbehavior and keep the parents informed of the student's progress.

Tips & Warnings

• Refrain from assuming what the student will think or say. Give the student a clean slate.

• Refrain from explaining or solving the problem for the student. Explore problem solving techniques with the student.

• Do not direct the student by telling him what to do. Invite him to participate and assist.

• Avoid expecting what you have not instructed. Celebrate efforts and progress.

• Do not stereotype all students into a group. Respect the students' uniqueness and individuality.

References

• The Advantage Press; Traditional vs. Progressive Ways to Discipline Students; January 2002
• Positive Discipline: Positive Discipline Guidelines; Jane Nelsen
• The Teacher's Guide: Classroom Management