<h2>Are You Wearing 3D Glasses?</h2>
Positive child guidance is not a curriculum guide or an add-on. It is a philosophy that strives to understand children rather than punish them. It is an attitude that embraces each and every child. It is about creating a very personal and very unique connection with each child. It is a perspective that sees children through a special lens where their strengths stand out as if seen through 3-D glasses, and we build on those strengths.
Try this. Complete the following form for each child.
Name _____________________________________________________
Positive Qualities that Need Affirming
(Focus on finding ways children can share their strengths with others first ( i.e. a. thoughtful ?
Invite this child to make cards of encouragement to absent classmates and cards of appreciation
to other adults in the building. b. peacemaker? Teach this child how to be the class mediator
during conflict resolution..)
(Be sure to share with families; they love hearing positive things about their children!)
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Behaviors That Need Teaching
(Rank order the behaviors that need teaching and focus on only one at a time.)
- ___________________________________________
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HINTS:
- is friendly
- has a sweet spirit
- is caring
- shares quickly
- has a calm and quiet personality
- is always cheerful
- is energetic and enthusiastic
- has a great sense of humor
- makes friends easily
- is always willing to help
- is a leader
- is an organizer
- is generous
- is hard worker
- is creative
- is an out of the box thinker
- is a problem solver
- is a peace maker
- is kind and thoughtful
When we truly get to know each of our children, then we are better able to assess and address those critically important social-emotional needs, which so impact learning. Truly effective teachers know that there is no one-size-fits all method of classroom management that will meet the unique needs of each child. There is no one recipe that will equip and enable each child to succeed.
Affirming children’s strengths is the first step in teaching the specific skills each child needs to be successful.
(c) Dr. Lynn Staley