Situation one
Circle time is going on in the classroom, children have a lot to share with each other. Somebody is not in the mood to listen and starts making noises to distract the rest of the children. Teacher looks at him and encourages him to listen and participate.......no response, soon the flow of the circle time is no longer the way it began.
Situation two
I do not like Hindi and therefore will not do anything in the class. I will sit in the classroom and disturb the rest of of my friends. Look! I have torn the pages of my friend's book. This teacher thinks she can stop me, no, I am strong and can hit her.
Situation three
Outdoor time, well! today I don't wish to run and play so let me go the class and read a book. I also have the freedom to decide and choose, so please don't stop me.
Situation four
Why do you want children to submit their assignments on time all the time? My child feels pressurised, I thought children were free to decide.
Do we always let children do what they want to do and call it 'freedom' ?
Freedom is the ability to think and act independently and it goes hand in hand with responsibility. A teacher has to define boundaries for the children and help them understand the same. Freedom does not mean letting the children do what they want all the time. Children have to be guided to know and understand consequences. If boundaries are created along with children, they relate to them much better.
How do we help children understand freedom with responsibility?
- Making children sensitive.
- Providing a positive reinforcement.
- My own sense of being - as a teacher, am I a collected person - the way I talk and dress, the way I create order in the classroom.
- Distinguish between the child and the behaviour?
- Offer a solution when you sense something.
- Be what you want the children to be.
- Be consistent with rules.
- Give reminders to children with humour, do not be too repetitive, be selective with your words and follow up the message.
- Reminders should come with love.
- Discuss the consequences with children, make them accountable.
