Discipline

Teachers, and especially administrators, have to constantly manage children’s behavior. We are not only given the task to teach academics, math, reading, writing, etc. but in order to do so we have to manage behavior first.

How can we teach a child to read if they are being abused? It’s impossible. Learning is not high on an abused child’s priority list, survival is. Abuse occurs more than one would expect. Concurrently, there is a much more prevalent problem - spoiled children.

I wonder how many students in our school have regular chores to complete. I wonder how many children in my elementary school have any chores to complete. It is so difficult for a child to come to school, and for the first time, hear someone give them directions.

Many kids are just accustomed to telling their parents “no,” and it’s permitted. Therefore, when a teacher gives a simple command such as “Please sit down,” there’s a good chance the student will say, “no.” Then comes the dealing, the encouraging, and the prodding.

Now, add the fact that there are 25 to 35 other students all losing a chance at receiving instruction. All the other kids that have had a similar upbringing learn they can say no as well. It’s a miracle what we educators get accomplished under the circumstances.

It’s telling when discipline is such a original approach that television shows are made and become hits that put forth the idea. There are students that come from homes that have taught responsibility, and respect. These people are our hope for the future, but they're becoming the minority!