Comments

 

Of all the workshops I have attended, your Positive Discipline in the Classroom training is the first one to address how to handle the needs of children  today; they come to school with so much emotional baggage.  You didn't come and tell us how to teach - we know how to teach - you helped us learn to deal with the real problems of children today.  

Jerry Clark 33 Year Teacher Wayne County Schools, West Virginia

 

I attended your lecture last evening at NSCC. (North Seattle Community College with Certified Positive Discipline Associates, Sahara Pirie and Jody McVittie)  I walked away with a new leash on life!  Instead of feeling frustrated and overwhelmed (which are feelings I'm sure will return!), I have new tools and resources to work with to help me with my parenting techniques/skills.  I wish more parents had access to this workshop (I plan on spreading the word).  It's the best $5 and 2 hours I've ever invested in!  Thank you for sharing your knowledge, compassion and experiences with me. 

What a year!  What a year, when using the methods described in the book, Positive Discipline in the Classroom. There is a difference, a big difference.  I use to think control was the answer when dealing with children.  Now I am of the mindset that practicing mutual respect, cooperation, responsibility, limited choices, and finding solutions to problems is a less stressful way to go.  At the heart of this practice is the class meeting.  This is where children come together to learn that making mistakes leads to learning.  The class meeting is also where children learn the skills and mutual respect that will help them become productive members of society.  In closing, the one big thing I have learned is that it is more important to find solutions to a problem than to use punishment.  Because when children are given a chance to take part in the solution process they take ownership in it.

Mark Graves
2nd grade teacher
Chalker Elementary

"After reading this book and taking this class (7-session series of Positive Discipline for Parents of Teenagers) I see how controlling I've been - it's hard to change that, but I'm starting to work on it."

Les, a Dad of three...Omaha, Nebraska

Dear Mrs. Lewis,   I just wanted to take a moment to thank you and tell you what a positive impact the "Meeting Time" you've started in your class with the students has had on my son Hayden Bennett.  He has talked excitedly about it several times with me since you started it last year (fall semester) and it has been a great help for the students to openly discuss what's going on in their class and any problems they are encountering.  It has made such an impression on him I've overheard him telling his Grandparents about it and how it has helped him.  He has used this time to work out his own problems with other students in a friendly and safe atmosphere.  He has also encouraged other students to use this time for problems they are having.  I am the mother of 2 wonderful children who are 10 and 17, I only wish that my daughter would have had this type of forum when she was in elementary and middle school.  I've seen first hand what a difference it can make and I applaud you in your efforts.  Keep it up!  

Thank you, Angela Bennett Arden, NC 2/9/05

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


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I believe in teaching children life skills such as tolerance, acceptance, mutual respect, and conflict resolution along with the other required subjects in our curriculum.  It is important that children learn that all types of people have to live in this world together.  I feel that the Positive Discipline program is the perfect prescription to cure any social ailments children may have.  Last year, my 2nd graders had not previously participated in the Positive Discipline program at their primary school.  I spent most of my instructional time playing the roles of policeman, attorney, and judge.  We had no classroom community.  The group of 2nd graders I have this year is a mixture of children who have and have not participated in the program.  It is clearly evident the students who have learned the skills of tolerance, acceptance, mutual respect, and conflict resolution through the Positive Discipline program.  One day at snack break, a parent had sent a variety of drinks.  I panicked when I realized that every child was not going to receive the flavor he or she wanted.  I was contemplating how I was going to handle this situation when Positive Discipline came to the rescue.  I heard children saying things like, "Well, you can have the last blue drink because you had a great grade on your math test today!"  "I liked how you raised  your hand when you wanted to speak instead of blurting out, so please have the last orange drink."  "I have plenty of these red drinks at home, so it will not bug me to drink a different color today."  There were absolutely no hateful words exchanged or little feelings hurt.  I witnessed children paying each other  heartfelt
compliments.  I knew I had to adopt this program!  Conflict is going to happen, but these children will be able to work through these problems without having to involve me.  I anticipate having a very positive classroom community this year.  Positive Discipline will eliminate the behavior barriers that stood  in the way of my instructional time last year.  I encourage everyone to make time to implement this program into your daily routine.  These are skills that will follow these children throughout their lives and will show up in their children's lives.  Wow!  I am excited about being a part of a program that could possibly shape families for years and years to come.

Tara Meharg
2nd grade teacher
West Elementary School
Cullman, Alabama

 

I have found your philosophy of Positive Discipline so helpful with our (four year old) daughter Danielle. Her preschool teacher recommended your books and said that in all of her years of teaching (15+) and parenting three daughters, she has found your approach to be by far the most effective both at home and at school.

 

            Suzanne Mariner
 


Thank you!  You have put my mind to ease.  Thank you for being there for all us parents who want to do the best possible by our kids but don't have the foggiest idea of what we are doing ;o)  Rachel

Hi. I'm a Positive Discipline Instructor. I have two kids. Something that happened recently that I wanted to share with the website.

Last week, I was dropping my 6-year-old daughter off in a class at church so that I could go hear a speaker. My daughter had attended the same class the past week and separated from me with little resistance, though she has clung to me in the past at church when dropping her off for a class. This week, she clung to me and started crying and at first, I acknowledged her feelings and told her that I knew it might be scary and that I knew she'd be okay staying. She still continued to cry and then to wail. I stayed with her a few more minutes giving hugs and reassurance. Then I knew I was going to be late for the speaker if I didn't leave and I decided to offer my daughter a choice. I said to her, "I'm going to hear the speaker. You can go with me and sit on my lap while I listen to the speaker, and you'll have to stay quiet; or you can stay here in the class. You decide." Immediately, she stopped crying and said, "I'll stay here," and she did. It was amazing to see the quick change in her when I decided what I would do and gave her a choice as to what she could do.

Kelly Pfeiffer
Simpsonville, SC

 

I am going a talk to some educational organization at the end of Feb.  They want to know what I did to get principal of the year.  I am giving all the credit to Positive Discipline, for I will be talking about the way I used to do things and the way I do things now. I really feel that Positive Discipline has helped me to become a better person, for I am better able to think with my heart and not my head.  I'll keep you posted.

Bill Scott, Principal

 

Positive Discipline works! Children are shown respect and dignity as unique individuals. Children learn self-discipline and are empowered in seeking solutions as they resolve their issues. Children learn principles of democracy in the class meeting, have the opportunity to express their feelings and thoughts, and appreciate the importance of working together cooperatively for the good of all. Teachers find they have more time, energy, and stress reduction in teaching good citizenship. Their efforts can be focused on quality educational experiences for all children
         Kent Larsen, Principal

 

 

I'm very impressed by your books and website.  I think that these would be
great assets to my patients.  (I'm a family physician and deliver babies and
take care of children.) Thanks for your great work!
         Brendon Cullinan, MD

 

Again, I would love to include this as a testimonial. I will pass along success stories to share if that would be helpful to you. I can say that I have used a number of techniques from your books and videos with my own children who are 5 and 2. It is amazing to see the difference when my 5 year old whines and cries because she is tired and things are not going her way and instead of my fussing at her which always makes things worse, I may say something to her about coming inside or doing something else to help her feel better because she doesn't seem to be feeling well. It seems to be the trend that she will have a miraculous cure and go on with whatever she was doing without the pouting!

        Angie 

 

I have made an observation that I want to share with you. I have been in Wayne County as a music teacher for the past 11 years all of which I have had contact with several of the elementary schools in our county. During each of these years I have had "out of control" students, i.e. disruptive, rude, sometimes a little threatening. This year, however, is different. I see approximately 400 each week and I have NO disruptive, rude, or threatening students. I attribute this to the inclusion of positive discipline concepts into the daily fabric of our school.

Most sincerely,
Gary Clarke