Customer Reviews

Positive Discipline in the Classroom: Revised and Expanded Second Edition

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

I was introduced to an earlier edition of this book two years ago, partially tried it with primary students, and had moderate success. When I was alerted to this edition, I was impressed by the well-defined almost cookbook style way that the program can be implemented. Most busy teachers need to be given srtaight-forward directions and this book fits that bill. Then there were several building blocks that were changed for the better from the 2nd edition. This book has revived my faith in the ability to create a classroom climate where students will work together to solve problems. I am really looking forward to implementing as much of this philosophy into my classroom as possible.

As a student teacher, I was very afraid of entering a classroom in which many of the students had been refered to as psychotic animals. I frantically searched for any source I could find to help me learn how to deal with these studetns. My mentor teacher suggested that we read this book, and together we implemented the program as described in Positive Discipline in the Classroom, and I must admit that the animals have metamophisized into controllable students! This book has great ideas, explained in detail, and it really works. I have already reccomended this book to many other people in the teaching profession.

I use Positive Discipline as one of the texts for my college Classroom Management course and the students love it. Our community is extremely ethnically diverse and this book has helped with many of the racial and ethnic issues that arise. It also provides teachers with a practical "how to" approach to dealing with issues from minor infractions to major disruptive behavior in the classroom and with their own children. Quotes from many teachers-in-training, "It works!"

After reading this book, I new I had some new "tools" to work with in character development for my students. You can "teach" an experienced teacher new tricks. Helping children to be responsible citizens in and out of school is just as valuable as reading and writing lessons. This book was easy to read, and the "how to" was clear. I plan to start the class meetings the first week of school.

The strength of this book is the obvious numerous experience the authors have had with real life situations of the class meeting. Our principal has encouraged the faculty to read this and be ready to implement this in our classes if we so choose. I have held meetings before and did see some good results, but I didn't feel I had the time to do them daily. I think with the support I'll have this time, I'll manage to hold them daily.

This book is exceptional in its application of Dreikurs psychology. A lot of Dreikurs' beliefs have application in the classroom, and this modern application of his theories gives teachers real examples and guidance for changing the way they teach. Many of the popular discipline methods today are degrading and based on manipulating kids and using power over them. This book instead shows teachers how to develop a community within the classroom and teach students how to be responsible learners and real citizens. These are life skills- if students do not have them there is no way they can learn. Even students browbeaten into compliance through other methods will not learn as much as when teachers take the time to teach them these skills- save time now and don't waste it on discipline and power struggles throughout the year! The book is much easier to use than in the past, but the process still needs to be developed further. This edition is well on its way.

When it comes to teachers and children, there are no quick fixes. In this fast paced world of fast food, fast communication, with everything moving at warp speed, children are refusing to cooperate with the hectic life that is spinning all around them. In steps Positive Discipline in the Classroom, a way to communicate, work or live with the children in our lives. In several of the reviews presented here of this book, it has been dismissed as too time consuming and/or too soft in the area of feelings. In at least two of the negative reviews, the reviewers admit to not even finishing the book. As the saying goes, "Don't knock it until you've tried it." When the book is read, pondered, and most importantly, practiced, readers will find, both teachers and interested parents, that Positive Discipline in the Classroom provides ways to help children take charge of their own emotions, actions, and intellectual pursuits. Teachers often spend instructional time dealing with students' social and emotional problems and disruptive behaviors, becoming the one who controls the group. In PD in the Classroom, students take charge of themselves as they learn the skills necessary to do so. Therefore, in the short run, yes, time is spent away from the content areas, but in the long run, the time is recouped in fewer disruptions from unruly and undisciplined students. If you are a teacher and have an interest in helping young people from kindergartners to Seniors become self-directed and responsible citizens, you will buy this book, read it, and practice it.

This book literally changed the way I was teaching.

In the early 80's I was a new hire at a community college where I was to teach "Guidance and Discipline" to student child care providers and preschool teachers. That's when I discovered what I call the "GOLD" book - the original positive discipline book (I called it that because it WAS a gold color - but also because it was worth it's weight in gold and became a real treasure!)

All of the positive discipline books teach tools - not techniques or methods - when people learn principles and tools they CAN succeed - without trying to be the author of the book! The positive discipline books teach you how to become the best person YOU can be - the best teacher YOU can be - and your individuality will enrich the teaching style you grow into.

As I learned more about positive discipline and began to live it as fully as I could, I read the other books in the series. The classroom book was what I used to model my own budding teaching style with the "grown up" students. A funny memory just popped into my mind - a student once asked me, "Who ever taught you to teach this way? I NEVER had a teacher who cared about my opinion or input - or who ever cared about me, for that matter - it was always the subject they taught - not the people!" Well, I answered, "Jane Nelsen - that's who - remember she's the author of the books we're using!" This was a community college student - an adult - who hadn't had teachers who could balance the need for academics with the need for mutual respect and cooperation while learning!

It truly saddens me to read the negative reviews posted here that purport that teachers still believe in separation of "home and school"- and still think the most important teaching is factual and subject-based.

Haven't they read the research that shows that when schools teach subject matter AND social and life skills that students' academic success improves? And that they then begin to love learning!" So, it isn't a question anymore which to teach - while you teach the academics, who ARE teaching about human relationships - and you do so either positively or negatively.

Say - are you game for a novel idea? Why not teach the parents and community the principles of positive discipline that your students learn at school? Why not put in place a parent education program that reaches out into the community to bring school-home partnerships full circle? It's an approach to growing the `future community' that will solidify future success in both actualized adults and informed academics!

So, wake up - if you are looking for a book that will teach you how to show you care, as well as revitalize your teaching style day by day, care enough to purchase this book - there will always be a nay-sayer who say that positive learning environments isn't what the world needs, but there is hope when we can put hope back into one classroom at a time.

It's high time that Positive Discipline in the Classroom is a best seller in someone else's life besides my own!

I have been an educator of elementary aged children for 25 years and I, like many of you, have seen strategies and philosophies come and go. Several years ago I happened upon a Positive Discipline book and I immediately recognized the philosophy and strategies as a collection of those things that worked best for me and my colleagues over our many collective years of teaching. The PD in the Classroom volume expounds upon the original book and offers precise, insightful strategies for classroom teachers. I have sung the praises of PD for years in my school and district. I have seen it used effectively with 3 year olds as well as 12 year olds. It has enhanced my own personal and professional relationships as well. If I may be so bold, I suggest that any interested reader start with the original Positve Discipline book. I remember reading(no, devouring) that original volume one Friday afternoon and recognizing that I had found a home for my own thoughts regarding discipline and relationships. My professional library includes every single PD book written, and I heartily recommend each one.

This book assumes a lot of time is available to teach students civilized ways of treating others. It does not serve those of us who teach middle or high school--we generally have 45 minutes per day, are required to complete the text in one year, and have students whose attitudes and habits are almost solidified. This book has some great ideas which may work in elementary classrooms. If you teach adolescents, I recommend books by Lee Canter or Randall Sprick.