For the record, I believe in positive reinforcement - rewarding and acknowledging positive behavior in the classroom is the best way to encourage students to behave appropriately. However, this one was supposed to be a negative consequence. Kids who misbehave in a minor way I punish by having them sit with me for the first 5 minutes of recess. These minor punishable behaviors range from horsing around during class time to not having their agendas set up properly. For some reason or another, I began calling it my "5 Minute Club." It has worked out pretty well - the kids know that if they join my 5 Minute Club it was because they have done something they weren't supposed to. At the same time, they know that their behavior isn't as significant as forgetting their homework, not respecting another student, or being disruptive in class. On any given day, I'll have 3-5 students in my 5 Minute Club.
Today however, the strangest thing happened. I got a written request by one of my students to join my 5 Minute Club. Think about this: a student ASKING to sit out for the first 5 minutes of recess. Spending the time to WRITE A REQUEST to join my 'club.' ASKING to be punished. For no reason. It's all about how you package the punishment I guess! My sales background will serve me well in this job after all...
My prediction...this "punishment" will be completely ineffective in about two weeks. Kids are going to be trying to get into the 5-minute club just to hang out with their cool teacher. You're going to have to come up with some other form of discipline, Mr. Lin! : )
ReplyDeleteThanks for the advice Dan! The other teachers and I have talked and decided to modify the 'club' rules. Its been a lot of trial and error these past 6 weeks we've been in school, but we'll get it right soon I hope!
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