Behavior & Discipline
"Discipline is not something you do to children, but something you develop within them."
~ Dr. Becky Bailey
Conscious Discipline, developed by Dr. Becky Bailey is a brain state model of helping children AND adults understand how basic needs, emotional brain states and behavior are related. The program helps adults develop the skills needed to develop a safe learning community focusing on emotional and social skill building as the foundation for success. Each chapter in her book introduces a specific set of powers, skills, and structures to learn and develop. The program is really a way of dealing with people and living your life in a way that brings more joy to everyone. I have chosen to base my interactions with children on the skills and powers in Conscious Discipline. If you are interested in learning more about a brain based approach to developing class families/communities based on how the brain works I recommend starting by reading the BOOK and watching the Becoming The Best You Can Be Webinars. In my opinion we need to change from traditional methods that involve seeking control with coercion, punishment and reward and instead turn to a model based in human physiology.
How can teachers plan to respond to behaviors in a way that teaches and not fall back on a model of extrinsic motivation and coercion? How can students be helped to develop the ability to manage themselves and build empathy for others?
Thoughts & Strategies
Visit the Conscious Discipline website, watch the videos, buy the book, go to the training, learn as much as you can and then share it with others. It's time to break out and shift our thinking about discipline.