This column explores bullying from the viewpoints of the bully and the victim. It recommends an approach that goes beyond immediate follow-up to a broad-based effort that includes holding class meetings, building an encouraging classroom, and modeling inclusive group spirit. The authors cite research and illustrate their view through vignettes.…

Presents eight points for designing the physical and programmatic environments to prevent discipline problems and support learning in early childhood classrooms. Points relate to designing clearly defined activity areas, providing adequate space, assessing the activity structure throughout the day, following an age-appropriate schedule, and…

Gives an overview of the major theoretical perspectives on how children develop the capacity for self-regulation and how theorists and researchers suggest that the social and physical environment can nurture it. Suggests ways that caregivers and teachers can support the development of self-regulation in children from infancy through the primary…

Points out that a key to discipline is the developing of a fun-filled friendship between adults and children in the child care environment. Suggests that "me vs. you" situations can be avoided by distracting the child with something interesting and fun, such as directions given in the form of a jingle or song. (RWB)

Questions the use of the Canter model of assertive discipline in preschool and the primary grades because of its impact on the self-concepts of children, the learning atmosphere of the classroom, and the sensibilities of the professional teachers. (BB)

Discusses relationships between parental authority patterns by which children are influenced and the development of socially responsible and independent behavior in young children (especially girls). (NH)

Explains concerns about the use of timeout in early childhood settings and the importance of replacing timeouts with guidance to build an encouraging classroom. Offers suggestions for becoming a guidance professional, teaching democratic life skills, and building an encouraging classroom. Suggestions for building an encouraging classroom relate to…

Uses transcripts to present two very different approaches to helping children remember rules, reflecting very different sociomoral atmospheres that will influence children's development positively or negatively. Explores grouptime, decision making, and conflict resolution as they occur in constructivist classrooms characterized by mutual respect…

Describes one teachers' system of democratic discipline in which the children deliberate and construct the list of rules for the classroom. Addresses: (1) introducing democratic discipline; (2) daily routine; (3) typical problems, typical solutions; (4) novel solutions; (5) recurring problems; (6) unintended results; (7) context for children's…

Maintains that it is not normal for children of 5 years and older to have tantrums in the classroom. Suggests that the child's health, the parent-child relationship, parents' marriage, teacher-student relationship, the classroom situation and other sources of stress be examined as possible causes for tantrums. (BB)

Described a naturalistic study of an Early Learning Lab which yielded examples of classroom management strategies that allowed young children to create their own solutions to help them feel empowered when accomplishing a task, while gaining self-confidence and a sense of identity from the experience. (Author/SD)

Describes the components of positive discipline, including giving children choices, using natural and logical consequences to teach, using follow-through to teach positive life skills, and teaching children the ability to problem solve. Notes that the goal of positive discipline is to guide children's behavior toward development of self-control…

Describes a classroom management approach called developmental discipline that incorporates observation with knowledge of the individual child, situation, and child development to guide appropriate behavior. Discusses factors associated with behavior problems and how teachers can work with parents to apply developmental discipline techniques and…

Examines the similarities between high-quality, fully implemented Montessori programs and other developmentally appropriate programs for young children. Focuses on the Montessori philosophy, human relations within the learning environment, the curriculum, areas of the Montessori classroom, relations between home and program, and the developmental…