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Behaviour/development

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Sitting on chairs at school as a punishment for minor things

1 reply

Mummyof287 · 08/10/2021 10:22

So my DD told me earlier that in her reception class children have to sit on chairs (seemingly with a sandtimer) if they do 'something bad' such as not sitting with their legs crossed.I asked her if she has ever had to sit on a chair and she said she had to when she was moving too slowly to get to the carpet (presumably not sitting there when asked).I know she also had to miss some time outside once when she first started for blowing raspberries in another child's face and not stopping when asked (the teacher told me about that)
4yo DD isn't a compliant child, she is headstrong and confident which is hard work at times but also a good thing, as she can stand up for herself.It's how I want her to be, as I was a passive wallflower, who let adults boss me about way too much, and it really held me back.
We do get verbally cross with her at home at times when she is being difficult, but we have never agreed with or used exclusion methods such as naughty chair/step or time out, sending her to her room etc.If we get cross we are the ones that walk away to take a breather to calm down (unless she independently decides to) and go back shortly after when we've calmed down to talk to/comfort her or let her come to us when she is ready if she wants space.
Feel abit like all our hard work might be undone if school are using such punishments though...she seems to have been abit brainwashed by the behaviour policies being so little.
Obviously I do want her to be able to follow reasonable instructions and understand the school need some sort of behaviour policies in place, but to me getting a child to sit in 'time out' on a chair is outdated and punitive, especially if it's for something as minor as not sitting with their legs facing the right way! :-S
Planning to raise it with teacher during our virtual parents evening next week, but been generally really impressed with the school and staff, who all seem very nice, so any tips on how to raise the point tactfully?

Thanks

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
Heckythump1 · 08/10/2021 14:26

My daughter was in reception last year and they had a 'thinking chair' but from what I could gather it was really a last resort if children really weren't listening after many times of asking. She said only one or two children had ever had to sit on it and it was usually the same repeat offenders.

It's not something I could get worked up about, and I don't really see it as exclusion, it gives the child a few minutes to calm down and think about their behaviour, that's all.

My child is also very stubborn, headstrong and independent, but she's still compliant and follows rules :) it's possible to be both.

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