Seven Basic Skills of Discpline

Last time, we talked about the seven powers which are described in detail in Dr. Becky Bailey’s book, Conscious discipline.  From these powers, then emerge the seven basic skills of discipline.  These skills are each of the seven chapters of the books and will slowly be outlined over the course of the next few months.  I will shared direct quotes from the text as well as ways we have implemented it and made it our own in our classroom.

The seven skills are:

1. Composure: Becoming the person you want children to be
2. encouragement: Building a school family
3. Assertiveness: saying “no” and being heard
4. Choices: Building self-esteem and willpower
5. Positive Intent: creating teaching moments
6. Empathy: Handling the fussing and the fits
7. Consequences: Helping children learn from their mistakes

Dr. Bailey also discusses in her book that these skills then filter and support the Life Values and Social Skills.  One of the wonderful things about Dr. Bailey books is that her techniques are all practical and build the foundation for another life process or skill.  Below are the seven life values and social skills!  I hope I have enticed you enough to get the books!

Life Values                                                                                                                 Social Skills

1. Integrity                                                                                                               1. Anger management
2. interdependence                                                                                                2. Helpfulness
3. respect                                                                                                                  3. Assertiveness
4. empowerment                                                                                                     4. Impulse Control
5. diversity                                                                                                                5. Cooperation
6. compassion                                                                                                          6. Empathy
7. responsibility                                                                                                       7. Problem Solving

I can try to teach you all I have learned through this book but it is not the same as actually owning the text.  Dr. Bailey lays it out in a way where you have activities to do, scenarios to look for to use as teachable moments, ideas to practice, reflections, commitments, and facts.  Consider buying this book and following the blog and sharing your ideas.

Conscious Discipline

The last and definitely not final book that I am reading of Dr. Becky Bailey’s is called Conscious Discipline.  Click the title to visit her site dedicated to the Conscious Discipline program as well as her other materials.  This book is more geared towards teachers but can be applied at home in various ways.  I have not finished reading the book but have taken notes, highlighted, began trying some techniques and ideas in the classroom.  I feel with every book of hers that you can read her work over and over again and still learn from it.

Conscious Disciplines goal is to empower both teachers and children!  The book is built on three major ideas including: controlling and changing ourselves is possible and has profound impact on others, connectedness governs behavior, and a conflict is an opportunity to teach.

The program empowers teachers with the Seven Powers for Self Control:

• Power of Perception: no one can make you mad without your permission
• Power of Unity: we are all in this together
• Power of Attention: What you focus on you get more of
• Power of Free Will: The only person you can make change is yourself
• Power of Love: See the best in others
• Power of Acceptance: The moment is as it is
• Power of Intention: Conflict is an opportunity to teach

Take a long look at these items.  I want you to reflect on these items.  You can reflect on this blog, email me personally, share with a friend/colleague/family member, or write it down.  Begin with one, make a small attainable goal, and begin to work towards it.  Please let me know about your journey!