Peer Pressure

Peer Pressure
Why can't I do it? Everybody else is doing it. This sounds so familiar to me, I hear this all the time from the families and adolescence I work with. I really try hard not to fall into the trap and respond with, “if they were jumping off a cliff would you do it?" I hated that response growing up. So as teachers, what can we do instead?
One way I think that would help is to have open honest non-judgmental communication. When a child ask or wants to be a part of something dangerous we can explain the dangers. Also, we can use I feel statements to explain how we feel about them doing that particular activity. Another example would be to explain the pressures we felt in similar situations growing up and how we handled it. This would help them not feel so alone and that we as adults are not that different. We could always relate how we handle social pressures by our peers. In doing this they will hopefully make the right choice. In doing so they may gain a stronger sense of self.

Brian Wildason

Choice Theory

There is a new approach of Choice Theory is spreading accross America. In an article from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinental, teachers are using Choice Theory with their students, which is helping them take on more responsibility. The students and teachers are much more conscious of how they treat each other, and try to use as little external control as possible. The students are making concious efforts to change their behavior, and visits to the principals office are way down. Both the students and teachers reported being much more happier at school, and the faculty have accepted Choice Theory and now know that the learning is up to the students. It is their choice, and all the faculty can do is be fun and supportive. Please red the interesting article! http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=726698