By: Lilet F. Cayabyab
Teacher III
Francisco Benitez Memorial School
“Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.” – Benjamin Franklin
To develop and produce holistic learners – as educators along with the learners’ parents or guardians – it is on our shoulders the responsibility to be able to give them the proper motivation and self-confidence; however, there are times that we might unconsciously be discouraging them through our ways of disciplining them. Here is where what we call Positive Discipline comes in.
Two words: Positive and discipline when combined make a powerful word that could make a difference in the lives of our students. Through this method of disciplining children, we communicate what behaviors are appropriate, which ones are inappropriate, the rewards for good behavior, and the consequences for bad behavior.
In the teaching and learning process, this is an approach that helps them succeed at it gives them the information they need to learn and realize that they are supported throughout their development. Building mutual respect with each other promotes the learners’ rights to healthy development, protection from violence, and active participation in their learning. This is a disciplining method that we must always practice when we are dealing with our learners and here are some ways that we can do to implement this effectively.
The first would be to focus on the positives. This builds the child’s self-confidence and self-esteem as they would likely develop the things that are always being noted of them. Supporting positive behavior could set the child’s mind to be able to focus all their energy on improving their strength.
Another is by showing interest and paying attention. A child that feels loved and accepted even if he/she did something wrong would be able to learn more about themselves through the aid of a person who guides them to the right path. By creating opportunities to talk and listen, one will be able to get to know each child.
Next is to set a good example. Our learners/ children learn through observing their environment. A good example is the best sermon as quoted by Benjamin Franklin. Let us model the positives – being kind, patient, loving, and persevering – for them to acquire in their lives.
As the person of authority inside the classroom, teachers must involve the learners in crafting our classroom code of conduct. Involving them in these kinds of decision-making gives them a sense of ownership. Through it, they are likely to follow those rules and take responsibility for their actions.
Through positive discipline, our learners feel heard. Knowing the reasons why they are behaving in a certain way; why they were not able to meet the expectations. These acts may have a good and valid reason to come with. Consistency is the key.
We all want our children to become responsible citizens who know how to determine right from wrong. If a child does something wrong or makes a mistake, don’t judge them. They are still young; they are bound to make mistakes. The right thing for us to do is to guide them to the right path. Create moments with them that would last. Focus on the positives and make the negatives springboard for them to become better each day of their lives.
