Classrooms That Work: A Teacher's Guide to Discipline Without Stress
Stan Shapiro, Richard Skinulis & Karen Skinulis
Classrooms That Work is the result of over thirty years of work with teachers and principals on how to use a democratic approach to classroom discipline.
Price $24.00 Can/US
Classrooms That Work is the result of over thirty years of work with teachers and principals on how to use a democratic approach to classroom discipline. We believe this approach is a perfect fit for where we are as a society and how we want to treat our students.
The positive tools, principles and theories used in this book include:
- Working with group dynamics to unite the different personalities of your classroom.
- Encouraging students to work in partnership with teachers to solve problems together and create a harmonious classroom environment.
- Maintaining classroom order by replacing outmoded rewards and punishments with positive communications skills, classroom meetings, logical and natural consequences, and encouragement.
- Dealing with the classroom in transition – moving from an autocratic to a democratic environment.
Some of the common class management issues dealt with in Classrooms That Work include:
- Academic problems
- Class disruptions
- Inappropriate behavior
- Defiance Withdrawal
- Bullying Social problems
- Low motivation
Chapters include:
- The new classroom: Going democratic
- Motivation from within
- The encouraging teacher Understanding behavior
- What’s wrong with punishment and rewards?
- Consequences: Taking responsibility for your choices
- Building rapport
- What to do the first day
- The class meeting
- The problem student
- Academic problems
- Problem solving and conflict resolution
- Communication skills Sociometry: The social relationship of the class
"Practical, hands-on, easy to read and put into practice. These strategies take the fight out of discipline and provide a calm workable approach"
- Stephen Massiah, Principal
"I learned how to implement a democratic classroom, to turn mistakes into learning opportunities, and to work with students' energies rather than against them."
- Geoff Green, Teacher
"This book fills an essential need in our schools today. It articulates a philosophy and a framework for good teaching practices that build on principles of democracy, equality, self-discipline and consideration of others. It is essential reading for all teachers and principals, and should be part of the new curriculum."
- Dr. Mark Handley-Derry, M.A., M.B.B.S., D.C.H., F.R.C.P. eC), M.R.C.P.C.H. Consultant Pediatrician, Specialist In Developmental Pediatrics And Behavioral Problems In Children.
"Classrooms that Work is filled with wonderful strategies and practical advice."
- Jack Cronin, Associate Director Of Education
"An important blend of philosophy and technique for developing socially responsible learners."
- Jack Schnoor, Professor Emeritus Social Services Worker Program