Discipline

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Discipline

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Nonverbal and verbal forms of communication

During class I plan on using a lot of nonverbal communication, which I think will be a great discipline intervention. Giving a student a look while they are talking or not paying attention, waving a hand in front of their eyes while they aren’t paying attention, laying a hand on a student’s shoulder, or giving a hand signal for the student to turn around are some of the ways I will use nonverbal communication to help quickly stop a behavior before it escalates. I also plan on trying to have a smile on my face as much as possible and to not have a hard look or roll my eyes at students, which will result in a more friendly and approachable manner. Although I will have to adjust the type of nonverbal communication depending on the student because some students can’t be touched or do not respond well to a simple look.

I think that nonverbal ways are the best way to quietly and gently correct a behavior, but there are also some non-threatening ways to use verbal communication for this also. When a student is talking, not paying attention or is off task by using their name you can quickly bring them back to the subject matter. For instance asking a student to answer a question, just using their name as you are talking about the subject, or asking them what they think about something can gently correct a wayward behavior. Also, using non-sarcastic words, words in the student’s vernacular, and a kind tone will make me seem more approachable and help prevent defensive behaviors when I am correcting an unwanted behavior or make a student feel valued.