Positive Behavior Management
Discipline is used as a means of redirecting a child’s misbehavior toward positive behavior. When discipline is necessary, it should be used as a means of helping a child to understand his or her behavior, and to teach the child responsibility for that behavior. This is accomplished through discussion, providing the child with choices, involving the child in decision making and/or removal of the child from the situation.
**NOTE: If a child continues to be non-compliant at home or in our schools after the above efforts to redirect behavior are attempted, a time out can be used for a period of 1 to 2 minutes. Under no circumstances should a child be isolated from their class or family, or physically or verbally abused. The Union City school district follows developmentally appropriate practices. We suggest you use these positive behavior management techniques at home so that the child will experience consistency at school and at home. This will lead to positive behavior for your child and less confusion as he or she is growing up.
Discussion
Unacceptable behavior is redirected toward positive behavior through non-threatening discussion. For example, a child is unable to sit quietly during a particular activity. A teacher or parent can discuss appropriate behavior during social activities and encourage the child to follow the rules.Choice
Children should be provided choices regarding their behavior. For example, the same child discussed in #1 continues to be inattentive, following discussion of appropriate behavior. The teacher or parent can then say to the child, “you may return to your group of friends if you can listen quietly, “if you think you are unable to do this, you must go sit over at the table (or chair).” If the child is unable to make the choice, parent or teacher can finally make the choice.Decision Making
Children should be encouraged to make decisions regarding the redirection of their behavior. For example, a child may continue to run up and down a hall or inappropriate place after being asked to stop. The teacher or parent would say, “I have asked you to stop and you still have not stopped. How are you going to solve this?” The child may reply, “ I will stop running.” The teacher or parent asks, “What else can you be doing?” The child may choose another activity, “ I can go play with my blocks.” Again, if the child is unable or unwilling to make a decision, a decision will and should be made by the adult.Removal from a Situation
If a child is throwing objects around, the other children’s safety must then be ensured. In this case, no choices or opportunity for decision making can be given; the child should be completely removed from the situation.**NOTE: If a child continues to be non-compliant at home or in our schools after the above efforts to redirect behavior are attempted, a time out can be used for a period of 1 to 2 minutes. Under no circumstances should a child be isolated from their class or family, or physically or verbally abused. The Union City school district follows developmentally appropriate practices. We suggest you use these positive behavior management techniques at home so that the child will experience consistency at school and at home. This will lead to positive behavior for your child and less confusion as he or she is growing up.