Discipline With Purpose

Throughout the second grade year the students and I will spend time studying some self-discipline skills that will help students function well with others and help them understand the expectations of parents, teachers, and other students.  A better understanding of expectations leads to a more comfortable learning environment for the students.  Most of the time when there are disruptions or disagreements among people, it's because expectations are not being met.  The skills are also connected to people or narratives found in Scripture, so the strengthening of faith is also an element of this program.

Communication

We all, most likely, need a little work in this skill.  Definitely second graders could learn to improve this skill.  We'll be looking at prayer, of course, but also:

"Ingredients of a Good Conversation"

• A willingness to contribute.
• The use of good listening skills.
• Respect for another's point of view even if you disagree.
• A sense of humor.
• The avoidence of sarcasm, hostility, and defensiveness in tone or gesture.
• Asking others questions that begin with "w" or "h" to discover what is important to them.
• Talk about ideas, projects, books, events rather than gossip about people who are not present.

We'll also discuss "Tattling and Complaining":

• Tattling is appropriate when a person's life or health is in danger.
• Tattling is important when a person's property is in danger.
• Are you just trying to get someone else in trouble?
• Are you trying to get attention, hoping someone will notice you?
• Are you trying to seem better than someone else?
• Talking with others and getting a third party to help resolve problems is a better way to use your self-discipline skills.
• You can always ask yourself:  Am I tattling to help or hurt someone?  Have I done everything I can to help solve the problem?