How to Have an Effective Discipline Plan 

by: Paxton Goates 

Resources:

 Wong, Harry K., and Rosemary T. Wong. "How to Have an Effective Discipline Plan." The First Days of School: How to Be an Effective Teacher. Sunnyvale, CA: Harry K. Wong Publications, 1991. 141-52. Print.

Three Most Important Student Behaviors That Must be Taught the First Days of School. 

 

 

 

1.  Discipline: using punishment to correct disobedience

  

2. Procedures: an established or official way of doing something

 

3. Routine: a fixed program

Why Should You Have Rules? 

 

In a classroom, you want a discipline plan that will minimize classroom disturbance and maximize learning. 

 

• After deliberation, decide on your rules and write them down or post them *before the first day of school*. 
• It is easier to maintain good behavior then to change inappropriate behavior that has become established. 
• Rules immediately create a work-oriented atmosphere. 

Two Kinds of Rules

 

General: More encompassing and cover several behaviors. 

• Advantage: They offer flexibility 

• Disadvantage: They must be explained, otherwise students won't know what behavior are acceptable and what is not acceptable. 

 

Specific: To the point and clearly cover one behavior. 

• Advantage: They clearly state the expected behavior.  

• Disadvantage: You are limited to no more than 5 rules. (Chunking) 

 

 

 

 

How to Introduce Your Rules 

 

It is important to introduce the discipline plan on the first or second day of school.

•  You may introduce your discipline plan like this: "We will be working together this year. We need to have a class where you can come without fear of being ridiculed or threatened. Because I care for you all, I will not allow you to do anything that will interfere with someone else who is trying to learn"

   

• Then refer to the place where your rules are posted. *The rules should be written and permanently posted in the classroom and given to students on paper or copied by students into their notebook.* 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Should You Involve Students in Forming Rules?

 

Rather than spend too much time involved with the whole class formation of rules, it may be better to discuss matters such as these:

 

• Why rules are needed
• Why a particular rule will help students succeed
• Specific examples of general rules, such as "What does it mean to 'respect other'?"