Negative Discipline Teaches Disrespect and is Ineffective:  Be Specific Not Sarcastic, by Dr. Brad Schwall

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The beginning of the school year is the time to set the tone for positive behavior and a positive school climate.  Teachers and staff have a powerful influence on the behavior of students.  Negative treatment of students can lead to negative behaviors.  Invest energy now in creating a positive atmosphere at your school, and you will save energy later.

Set the Tone

Emotions are contagious.  Positive attitudes lead to more positive attitudes.  Students tend to live up to how others perceive them, whether positive or negative.

Make Expectations for Behavior Clear and Specific

Rules that describe specific, observable behaviors are easier to understand and reinforce.  When giving directions, explain what you want to see and hear.

Talk it Up

Prompt students to show the positive behavior you are looking for before problems happen.  Reinforce the positive behavior by affirming the behavior and emphasizing the positive consequences of that behavior. 

Make it Worth It

Show how the positive behavior helps the student and others.

Avoid Sarcasm and Negative Comments

When students hear adults criticize them in a sarcastic way, they may begin to believe they will never be able to meet expectations or they will stop caring because they lose respect for the adult.  Disrespectful treatment of students sends the message that it is OK to treat others with disrespect.  

Don't Correct, Re-direct

Rather than only point out what a student did wrong, point to what the student can do the next time.  Express that you have confidence that the student can make good choices.

Build an Alliance

Building a healthy relationship with students encourages trust and respect.  Find a positive quality or point of connection in every student.  Showing students you respect them can motivate them to want to behave positively.