How To Instill Positive Discipline and Effective Classroom Rules

Positive Discipline is a discipline system that focuses on solutions to a bad behavior rather than punishment of it. By choosing to reward a good behavior rather than penalize a bad one, a child will feel a sense of belonging, be assertive but kind at the same time, and be encouraged to solve problems on his own. To instill positive discipline in the classroom, a sufficient structure is necessary. Established rules and routines not only give students guidance on how to appropriately behave in the classroom, but also motivate them to cooperate and interact with the rest of the class.

1. Establish rules and routines in the very beginning. Rules and routines should be established in the very beginning for them to be effectively enforced. Do not create them as a response to misbehavior as this will promote distrust. Rules and routines should be doable and fair from the student's perspective.  They should be stated in a positive way by focusing on the good consequences of following them. Lastly, most students abhor rules and routines so it would be advisable to come up with the least possible number of rules and routines.
2. Remind the rules and routines regularly. Students should be reminded regularly of the rules and routines so that they do not forget and have the wrong idea that you are becoming lenient. State the rules and routines in a straightforward and brief manner and display them in a prominent section of the classroom.
3. Use positive reinforcement. Positive Reinforcement has been found to be very effective in the classroom setup. Rather than yell at your student for being noisy while you're discussing the lesson, calmly thanking him for participating in the discussion will definitely get his attention redirect his behavior. By doing this, you are encouraging him to be more considerate, and at the same time avoid embarrassing him in front of his classmates.

Behavior management is not that easy especially if you have a bunch of difficult students. But mutual respect, patience and a kind but firm manner of enforcing the rules and routines will benefit both the teacher and the students. This will also help build a better relationship where each is given due significance thus promoting self-confidence and self-respect. The students will also learn important lessons in life such as concern for others, problem solving and cooperation which will aid them in surviving in the real world.