Re: coercion & affect

Debbie (DEBBIEB who-is-at usca.usca.sc.edu)
Mon, 13 May 1996 9:43:19 GMT+5

I hope I'm not too far off base in this discussion.
I think the changes in children come from within. This
demands that students "see" what is appropriate by the actions
significant adult in charge--whether it be the teacher at
school or at home (parent). A most vivid experience of
allowing children to grow came when a second grader announced
he could not read. Rather than taking this information and
making an action plan for his learning, I "assumed" he wanted
more personal attention and "special" treatment. Had I been
wiser, I would have taken the intent and purity of his
comments, and developed a plan rather than trying to interpret
or second-guess his motives.

Perhaps it is the element of trust that is needed when dealing
with children, unlike what when adults try to "read into" what
is being shared. I think this applies to behaviors, too.
Hopefully, the goal is to have children make lasting life long
changes rather than those that help them "get by." When
children are disciplined, they need to understand it as
something they are responsible for and not simply a knee-jerk
reaction of the teacher. Disciplinary actions not monopolize
the teacher's interaction with a child and should be balanced
with praising students for correct accomplishments. This
balance may alleviate the child's thinking that school is a
place for punishment where only your mistakes are seen.
debbieb