Jim Butts - Effective Discipline

Jim Butts - Effective Discipline

Part 1 How to Hide Your Buttons

I know from personal experience with my two children how important it is to hide your buttons. I was also a Girl Scout assistant troop leader for almost seven years which gave me added experience with children who are not my own. I am sure that some or even many teachers have a problem with this issue when they begin their teaching career. The best advice I can offer is to never raise your voice (whoever loses control first has lost the battle ~ this also works in marriage). Once the student knows they can get your goat, you’re done!

 

Part 2 How to be Consistent with Discipline

 

The same goes when it comes to discipline. Once you set a consequence for breaking one of the ‘few’ rules you have in place, it is imperative that you follow through. You can’t always be the nice guy/gal. Keep it professional and not personal. Assure the student that you are not mad at them, they just need to learn to follow the rules.

 

Part 3 How to Relieve Stress with Psychology

 

As hard as it may be at times and even some entire days; you must always be the ‘cool cucumber’ in the classroom. Stay upbeat and praise the students for a job well-done at least three times more than you do for poor choices. I feel that the students will respond better to a reprimand and learn from the experience in a positive way when they are used to getting positive comments most of the time. Catch them being good and offer praise to set an example for them all.

 

Part 4 How to Become Better, Not Bitter

 

If you find yourself thinking and feeling like the examples in the book; get better or get out! You have to understand that your career is unique in that your bitter attitude doesn’t only affect colleagues; you are influencing hundreds, if not thousands of young minds. It is your responsibility to be the best you can bee for the sake of the children who are our future.

 

Part 5 How to Give Students What They Want and Need

 

The interview results from the 12th graders mentioned in the book does not surprise me at all. I graduated high school 31 years ago and I would have written a lot of the same things. After reading this section, I have decided that I will have the My Promises to
You, My Students on page 105 posted on my wall. Enough said.

 

Part 6 How to be Self-Disciplined

 

If you cannot master this, you might as well find another job. To manage a classroom full of students and be effective at your job; self-discipline is an absolute must.

 

Part 7 How to Find the Good in Every Child

 

We must remember that no one is perfect. We all have faults and some have more issues contributing to those faults and we need to find ways to circumvent the bad while locating the good. When you can do this and make a student feel better about who they are, they will be more likely to perform at their best for you.

Enjoy the last of your placement and relish in the wonderful things before us in our own classrooms!