Positive discipline in the classroom

I started reading this book I got from the library.

Positive discipline in the classroom. by Jane Nelsen, Lynn Lott and H Stephen Glen. Prima Publishing 1997.

I just started it, but it looks very interesting. It emphasizes the need for techniques that develop Three empowering perceptions:

1. Perceptions of personal capabilities
2. Perceptions of significance in primary relationships
3. Perceptions of personal power of influence over life.
   

and 4 essential skills

1. Intrapersonal skills: understand personal emotions and use that understanding to develop self-discipline and self-control
2. Interpersonal skills: ability to work with others
3. Systemic skills: the ability to respond to the limits and consequences of everyday life
4. Judgement skills: the ability to develop wisdom and evaluate situations according to appropriate values

One of the activities I found interesting was 'Practice compliments and appreciations'. Students (and teachers) are not used to giving and receiving praise.

Some ideas from the book:

• Ask them to think of a time when someone said something that made them feel good about themselves.
• Ask them think (and share) something they would like to thank others for.
• Ask them to think of something they would like to be complimented on.
• If they are having trouble coming up with compliments, remind them how much easier it would be if they had been asked to criticise instead of giving compliments.
• If someone gives a criticism instead of a compliment ask him/her to try again (or ask other to do it)
• After the student got the idea, you can use an object passed around so the person holding it has to say a compliment, so all get a chance to do it.