Discipline in the Classroom (and Beyond)
This word is the focus of much discussion when it comes to the classroom and teachers.
The word, itself, has such an interesting etymology. If we take a look at the different origins and usages of the word as related to the classroom and education, it gets even more interesting.
According to etymonline.com, here are some insights:
*from Old French descepline “discipline, physical punishment; teaching; suffering; martyrdom”
*from Latin disciplina “instruction given, teaching, learning, knowledge,”
*related to the word disciple “one who follows another for the purpose of learning,”
So much has been researched and written about the topic of discipline in the classroom.
Today, it is referred to as “classroom management”.
No matter what we call it, first year teachers struggle with it.
And now, in the pandemic, even veteran teachers are struggling with it.
So, what can teachers do?
Use a “discipline ladder” or some other “system of behavior accountability” as they are called today?
A new approach in the classroom today is something called “restorative discipline”.
You can read more about it here.
Basically, the idea is to create a loving, nurturing, motivating and supportive classroom environment that will help keep students from making poor choices.
But also, the idea is to create a loving, nurturing, motivating and supportive RELATIONSHIP with the student.
Think about any loving and successful relationship we have with anyone.
We have to work at it.
We have to show up and be the best version of ourselves with that person.
And if we are not, we need to hold ourselves accountable to make things right through a kind word, apology, acknowledgement of our part in the misunderstanding, etc.
We need to bring empathy, compassion, grace, kindness, peace and a loving heart that the other person can relate to and not be afraid of and run away from.
If we show up like a fire-breathing dragon, the other person will respond in-kind, and a battle of Ego and will can take over and sabotage everything!
disciple “one who follows another for the purpose of learning,”
Fred Rogers said that “Discipline is a teaching-learning kind of relationship, as the similarity of the word ‘disciple’ suggests.”
Children need good examples, boundaries, role modeling, something and someone to learn from to create safety and well-being in their little hearts and minds so that they can feel like they belong and find their place in the world.
We need to be the role model, the adult, the example for those we wish to lead and hope will follow.
So, next time we are challenged with a situation in which the word “discipline” comes to mind, I hope we can pause, breathe, and plan our response as the best version of who we truly are and want to be and to show up as a role model to that person standing in front of us.
We reap what we sow, which means, choose your seeds carefully!
Inspirational song:
Planting Seeds of Love by Pam Donkin
Photo credit:
“Planting seeds of knowledge” by CIMMYT is licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0
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