Assertiveness
IT'S NOT WHAT YOU SAY, IT'S HOW YOU SAY IT!
We must model for children the skill of assertiveness by always using an assertive, composed tone of voice. This skill is empowering to children. This skill closes the power differential between bullies and victims. It gives victims a voice. The whole school family concept of Conscious Discipline aims to aid in the bully proofing of schools because the connections made are research proven to close the power differential. Bullies find security in the places they used to feel inadequate, and the victims find their voice. Everyone feels valued and appreciated and cooperation comes from connections, which the school family provides.
Remember to focus on what you want to happen. When we give students the words and the appropriate tone to address an issue with another student, they are empowered.
So, Johnny pushes Billy in line. Billy comes to you and says, Johnny pushed me in line. You say "Did you like it?" Billy says "No". You say, "Go tell Johnny 'I don't like it when you push me in line. Please ask me to move up so we all have enough space next time." Practice with me now, and you would practice with Billy until he has an assertive voice. Billy would then tell that to Johnny.
We must model for children the skill of assertiveness by always using an assertive, composed tone of voice. This skill is empowering to children. This skill closes the power differential between bullies and victims. It gives victims a voice. The whole school family concept of Conscious Discipline aims to aid in the bully proofing of schools because the connections made are research proven to close the power differential. Bullies find security in the places they used to feel inadequate, and the victims find their voice. Everyone feels valued and appreciated and cooperation comes from connections, which the school family provides.
Remember to focus on what you want to happen. When we give students the words and the appropriate tone to address an issue with another student, they are empowered.
So, Johnny pushes Billy in line. Billy comes to you and says, Johnny pushed me in line. You say "Did you like it?" Billy says "No". You say, "Go tell Johnny 'I don't like it when you push me in line. Please ask me to move up so we all have enough space next time." Practice with me now, and you would practice with Billy until he has an assertive voice. Billy would then tell that to Johnny.