Setting limits in the classroom

Robert J. MacKenzie ED.D.

Clear rules

Teach and test throughout the year

Introduce consequences and rewards

Inform parents

Approach

Permissive (respectful but not firm)

Punitive (firm but not respectful)

Mixed (neither firm nor respectful)

Democratic (balanced)

Limits are important

Thinking and learning of children is qualitatively different from what of adults

Actions NOT words define our rules

Classroom dances

STOP!!!

Or what?

Consequences

Effective consequences have a beginning and an end that are clear and well defined

Respect followed by a clean slate

Time out

1. In the classroom (if test)

2. In another classroom with no receptive audience

Positive motivation

Positive encouraging messages feel good and motivate us to cooperate

Discouraging messages are the fuel for hurtful classroom dances

Thank you