How can primary schools be responsible to instill discipline and good habits in students?
Discipline is important because it teaches and guides individuals according to the principles, expectations, boundaries, and guidelines that society has established for people to live in harmony. Discipline is also important for the children, as without guidelines they feel lost and like misfits when they step out of the sheltered environment of their homes. Childhood is the best time to introduce discipline and good habits, as this is the age when children’s minds and wills are still raw and pliable like clay, ready to be moulded by the hand that guides and teaches them.
Different cultures have different traditions, but the basic disciplinary rules are common to all human beings. Nowadays, educational institutions advise parents to begin enrolling their children at a younger age than they earlier used to, due to the rapidly evolving mental capacity and cognition with every new generation.
The primary school in Hebatpur has designed a fluid and effective method to initiate their young wards in the disciplinary mores, in accordance with the primary school system followed by the rest of the country. Below are a few pertinent guidelines for primary schools to instill discipline and good habits in students.
Instilling discipline and good habits
1. Communication: Instead of the traditional approach of ordering or instructing them, have an authoritative yet inclusive approach by involving them in the process. Communication is a very important aspect of establishing a connection, leading to better attention and cooperation from the children. Explain to them the meaning of discipline, why it is important, and the reason behind the rules. For example, instead of saying, "Throw the paper in the dustbin because I say so," the teacher can say, "Throwing litter in the dustbin is good because it keeps our classroom clean and nice-looking." The ownership and involvement will make the child feel responsible and follow the rule. Keep the explanation short, simple, and sweet, as children have short attention spans and complex sentences will confuse them.
2. Structure: It is important for the children to feel secure and comfortable. Create a fluid structure and schedule for the children to follow every day so that they learn to follow the structure and boundaries set for them. The teachers at the primary school in Hebatpur take the help of parents in creating the routine that they can begin from home every morning. A routine is important for the child to understand the importance of schedule and time; a familiar timetable or schedule also provides security and a sense of belongingness. This will also make things easier for the teachers and parents.
3. Cause and effect: Children do not understand the connection between cause and effect, or their actions and their consequences, so it is important to teach them with the help of examples and active instances. For instance, the child forgot to pack the lunchbox back into their bag at the end of the school day, and the next day had to carry the lunch in a paper bag or got late for school because the parent could not find the lunchbox. Explain to the child the relationship between their forgetfulness and the chaos the next morning. Another example is getting wet in the rain and catching a cold. Each time the action has an effect, try and explain it to the children until they begin being mindful and careful.
4. Support and patience: Learning something new is not easy for anyone, and it takes time to get the hang of it, especially for small children who have just been introduced to the concept and world of discipline. Do not lose patience with them when they forget to follow the rules; instead, help them remember by posting chart papers and displays of pictures depicting the actions and rules the children need to follow—like a child
throwing litter in the dustbin, helping their classmates instead of fighting with them, walking in a line, and so on. Do not expect them to learn and remember everything in a few days; give them time and space to learn one step at a time. Remind them to look at the chart every morning and each time they forget to do something. Slowly, the good habits will come naturally to them without being reminded. Each time they get it right, do not forget to praise them, and you can also reward them for consistent good behaviour.
These are very basic steps to begin with, and like the teachers at the primary school in Hebatpur, always remember to handle the children with love and care, as harsh words and punishments instill fear in their tender hearts instead of building a confident and happy countenance and foundation.
