Question

This week I'd like for us to discuss the different styles of punishment in schools. Many parents/teachers are worried about the state of discipline in schools these days (e.g., kids acting up in class, bullying, bringing guns to school).

List 1 style of punishment (e.g., time out) that is used in preschool and kindergarten classrooms. This style can be one you have seen, one you use, one you've heard of, anything!

Then answer the following questions:

• Is this punishment an effective tool for discipline?
• Is it a nurturing style of punishment? (For example, it may be effective but seem cruel, or it may be nurturing and not effective, or it may be both effective and nurturing.)
• Would you engage in this punishment style as a teacher?
• In general, do you think teachers are too permissive or too strict?

Answer 1

The most common and frequently used style of punishment in preschool and kindergarten I have seen is time out, also called as ‘the thinking chair’ or simply ‘go to the corner’ method. The child is either sitting on a chair in the corner or standing facing the wall in the corner of the classroom or is completely banished and made to take a time out from the environment itself if his behaviour is completely unruly (he’ll be made to sit in the Principal’s office for some time).

Yes, I do consider this punishment an effective tool for discipline because the child is given a chance to introspect so he can change his unpleasant or negative behaviour into something positive. I see it as both effective and nurturing. If I were a teacher, I would completely engage in this punishment style as I have observed it brings in good results by changing the kid’s behaviour. I think in general teachers are too permissive, they are quite flexible with children and are not unnecessarily harsh but think of ways to improve student behaviour.