What is Conscious Discipline?

Conscious Discipline is a comprehensive classroom management program and a social-emotional curriculum. It is based on current brain research, child development information, and developmentally appropriate practices.

Conscious Discipline has been specifically designed to make changes in the lives of adults first. The adults, in turn, change the lives of children.

Conscious Discipline is a way or organizing schools and classrooms around the concept of a School Family. Each member of the family—both adult and child—learns the skills needed to successfully manage life tasks such as learning, forming relationships, communicating effectively, being sensitive to others’ needs and getting along with others.

Conscious Discipline empowers teachers and other adults with the Seven Powers for Self Control.

The Seven Powers of Self Control

• Perception – No one can make you mad without your permission

• Unity – We are all in this together

• Love – See the best in others

• Attention – What you focus on, you get more of

• Acceptance – The moment is as it is

• Free will – The only person you can make change is yourself

• Intention – Conflict is an opportunity to teach

These powers allow teachers to draw from within themselves to become proactive instead of reactive during moments of conflict. Teachers stay in control of themselves and positively influence children.

Self-control is not pretending to be calm in difficult moments. Self-control is the ability to reach out and empathize with others; to accept and celebrate differences; to communicate feelings directly; resolve conflicts in constructive ways; and to enjoy becoming a contributing member of a community.

From the beliefs instilled with the Seven Powers for Self Control emerge the Seven Basic Skills of Discipline.

The Seven Basic Skills of Discipline

• Composure - Becoming the person you want your children to be

• Encouragement - Building a school family

• Assertiveness - Respectfully setting limits

• Choices – Building self-esteem and will power

• Positive Intent - Creating teachable moments, turning conflict into cooperation

• Empathy - Handling the fussing and the fits

• Consequences - Helping children learn from their mistakes

These skills change how adults respond to conflict in such a way as to facilitate the development of the frontal lobes in children. Through the Powers and Skills, adults stay in control of themselves and in charge of children.

As adults begin to change their attitudes and behaviors, so will the children in their care. We cannot teach behaviors and skills that we do not possess ourselves.

Are you willing to see conflict as a call for help instead of disrespect?

Are you willing to see all children are capable of self-regulation instead of needing to be controlled by some threat of fear?

Are you willing to see all CONNECTION as the most powerful motivating force for achievement?

Are you willing to see discipline as a teaching opportunity rather than a disruption to learning?

Are you willing to change how you respond to life events by becoming more responsive and less reactive?

Are you willing to have fun in the process?

Next week, Delinda and I will begin posting and sharing how you can be the change you want to see in your classroom, your school and in your community. 

 Wishing you well,

Caroline