Preschool Classroom Management That Empowers Kids, & Takes YOU Out of the Equation

[@djthereplay]

#Homerun Diane !!!! "The Struggle for independence". A teacher that actually gets it. It is what it is sometimes and the road to that independence involves having to endure certain things along the way to that independence. And really, the whole struggle in the heat of those times are about what to control and what to let go of. Keep on working with them beautiful. - Dwight

[@teachpre-k101]

Thank You! High praise indeed!

[@bikymougiou3565]

What do you do with hitting? Or do you have your kids lose some minutes of recess? That is something that I’ve seen a lot of teachers do. I might do that (rarely) when I see a kid being constantly annoying or dangerous. I usually say to him. In order for me to make sure other kids are safe I have to make you sit bedside me (or play next to me) because right now it seems like other kids aren’t safe around you.

[@teachpre-k101]

We talk alot as a group about hitting and other behaviors that hurt other kids. We come up with a set of rules that the kids think are important...no hitting is usually #1. We talk about why we shouldn't hit, what we can do instead, and what to do and say if we do end up hitting someone. I tell them from the start that Hitting is not acceptable and that if soemone decides to hit to solve problems, I give them a chance to apologize for their mistake, then they will have to spend time next to me if it continues or becomes chronic. While they are sitiing with me I make sure to ask them if they know why they are there. if they do know why and tell me, we talk about it and I let them go and give them another chance...always telling them to come to me if they feel rustrated and feel like hitting-which is extremely difficult at such a young age, but I need to give them an alternative to hitting and a way to help them with their frustration. If they don't know why they are sitting with me, I tell them it's because theyhit so-and-so,,,then I ask if there was another way they could have handled the problem and we talk it through. I always tell them that I want them to play, but I need to keep the kids safe from being hit. I always tell them that if someone hit them, I would do the same thing to that person...they need to know I still love them , but the behavior is what I don't like. It sounds like you do a lot of that already, pat yourself on the back for being a thoughtful teacher! It is really difficult dealing with little people with very little impulse control and emotional regulation skills. You are doing a wonderful job!

[@bikymougiou3565]

@@teachpre-k101 Thank you

[@jengiolando4159]

Read the book lost at school. It’ll be an eye opener…

[@teachpre-k101]

I will! I always choose 2 books to read for work over summer break...thanks for the suggestion! Have you read "The Most Important Year"? it is excellent

[@jengiolando4159]

@@teachpre-k101 no but i will,

[@jengiolando4159]

If u look at love and logic, they appearently advocate for empathy, and u use some of their techniques, it sounds like empathy is lacking.

[@teachpre-k101]

not at all...I am surprised you see it that way...do you have children of your own?

[@jengiolando4159]

No i don’t , but i have read beyond discipline and that’s what the author advocated.

[@teachpre-k101]

And that is exactly what I do. I know there are so many different ways to do things, but I really feel that there is more than one way to do things well. I also think supporting and helping other educators is important. We should share what we know and what works for us...it doesn't mean its always going to be a good fit for everyone. Also, a lot gets lost in the translation sometimes. I'd love for you to come to my classroom. It is a very warm, fun, accepting , and loving place where the kids feel safe, loved, and are learning so much together. I'm sure yours is the same. In early childhood there tends to be a "right way, wrong way" mentality that sometimes gets in the way of really good work. Every class is different, every child is different, every teacher is different. Respecting those differences and celebrating each other''s successes is also something that isn't done enough in my opinion. I guess I think finding the good in what is done instead of the perfect is the better approach. Don't you agree?

[@jengiolando4159]

@@teachpre-k101 gr8 points!