CHAPTER 11: The Social Self: Fostering Self-

Discipline and Conflict Resolution Skills

The Whole Child: Developmental Education for the Early Years

Tenth EditionPatricia WeissmanJoanne Hendrick

Weissman/Hendrick. The Whole Child, 10e. © 2014, 2010, 2006, 2001, 1996 by Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved

11-2

Discipline or Guidance Toward Self-Discipline?

• View Problems as Learning Opportunities

Subtle Shift in Attitude

Aggressive or Disruptive Behaviors are Prime Learning Opportunities for Children

Children Make Mistakes While Learning Social Skills Just as They Make Mistakes While Learning Academic Skills- Not Cause for Punishment

Weissman/Hendrick. The Whole Child, 10e. © 2014, 2010, 2006, 2001, 1996 by Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved

11-3

Helping Children Establish Inner Controls

• Support Ego Strength, Moral Judgment, and Social Awareness

oCreate classroom environment that fosters positive social interactions for each child

oRich in warm, caring relationships, respect, cooperation, and peaceful resolution of conflicts.

oThe child is given ample opportunity to practice and learn through interactions with other children.

Weissman/Hendrick. The Whole Child, 10e. © 2014, 2010, 2006, 2001, 1996 by Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved

11-4

Helping Children Establish Inner Controls

• Suggestions for Creating a Peaceable, Caring Classroom in Which Children Develop Self-Discipline and Conflict Resolution Skills

o Create a Sense of Trust and Safety Establish a Close Relationship with Each Child Establish a Caring Classroom

o Teach Conflict Resolution Skills

o Time-out is Not Conflict Resolution

Weissman/Hendrick. The Whole Child, 10e. © 2014, 2010, 2006, 2001, 1996 by Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved

11-5

Helping Children Establish Inner Controls

• Steps for Teaching Children to Develop Self-Discipline and Conflict Resolution Skills

1. Recognize and discuss feelings and rules after a reasonable degree of calm has prevailed.

2. Have children take the responsibility of deciding when they can control themselves and return.

3. It is important to help children be successful when they do go back so that they have the experience of substituting acceptable for unacceptable behavior.

4. Follow through with suspending privileges if children repeat unacceptable behavior.

Weissman/Hendrick. The Whole Child, 10e. © 2014, 2010, 2006, 2001, 1996 by Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved

11-6

Helping Children Establish Inner Controls

• Suggestions for Creating a Peaceable, Caring Classroom in Which Children Develop Self-Discipline and Conflict Resolution Skills (cont.)

oUse Guidance Talks to Promote Self-Control

oUse Class Meetings to Promote Social Awareness and Collaboration

o Involve the Families in Creating a Peaceable Classroom

Weissman/Hendrick. The Whole Child, 10e. © 2014, 2010, 2006, 2001, 1996 by Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved

11-7

Helping Children Establish Inner Controls

• Suggestions for Creating a Peaceable, Caring Classroom in Which Children Develop Self-Discipline and Conflict Resolution Skills (cont.)

o Increase Children’s Feelings of Mastery by Giving Them Many Opportunities for Making Decisions

o Increase the Child’s Feelings of Being a Competent, Worthwhile Person

oFoster a More Social, Less Egocentric Orientation

Weissman/Hendrick. The Whole Child, 10e. © 2014, 2010, 2006, 2001, 1996 by Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved

11-8

Helping Children Establish Inner Controls

• Suggestions for Creating a Peaceable, Caring Classroom in Which Children Develop Self-Discipline and Conflict Resolution Skills (cont.)

o Stop Conflict Situations Before They Start

o Mediate Conflict Resolution When Necessary

o Remember: No Teacher Handles Every Situation Perfectly!

Learn from Your Own Difficulties and Mistakes

Weissman/Hendrick. The Whole Child, 10e. © 2014, 2010, 2006, 2001, 1996 by Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved

11-9

Reducing Aggression in the Classroom

• Undesirable Ways to Cope with Aggression

oThe Authoritarian Teacher

oThe Overpermissive Teacher

oThe Inconsistent Teacher

Weissman/Hendrick. The Whole Child, 10e. © 2014, 2010, 2006, 2001, 1996 by Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved

11-10

Reducing Aggression in the Classroom

• Desirable Ways to Cope with Aggression

oAssess the Underlying Causes of Aggression, and Ameliorate Them When Possible

oNever Allow Bullying

oTeach Children Alternative Ways of Getting What They Want

Weissman/Hendrick. The Whole Child, 10e. © 2014, 2010, 2006, 2001, 1996 by Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved

11-11

Reducing Aggression in the Classroom

• Desirable Ways to Cope with Aggression

oProvide Substitute Opportunities for Socially Acceptable Expressions of Aggression

oStopping Some Activities Before They Start Saves Aggression Later

oFinally, Plan, Plan, Plan!