Positive discipline in Early Years/KS1

[rubytwokids]

In dd's school they use the 'sun and cloud' thing: picture of a cloud, a rainbow and a sunshine on the wall. So far as I can work out, all the children have their names stuck onto the rainbow. If they do something worthy of praise, they get to move their name onto the sunshine, if they do something undesirable, they get to move their name onto the cloud. If they get onto the cloud several times in one day, they miss a play time. Seems to be popular in schools at the moment.

I acknowldege that I don't fully understand the system (as evidenced by my poor explanation of it, above!) but I'm not overly keen on it. Seems to me that the children missing their playtimes are the ones most in need of a good run about out in the fresh air, so no one really gains there. Plus it seems to be the same old names on the cloud, time and time again, which makes me think it's maybe not working as the incentive it was planned to be!

Does anyone know of any systems that strike them as better? I'm not about to go into school and suggest a change of approach - I'm just genuinely interested! I'm particularly interested in systems which use a 'positive discipline' approach and which seem to work.

Thanks.

deany, i don't know your son and so wouldn't want to comment on whether he has sn or not.

however, sometimes being recognised as having sn is a very positive thing as it can help parents and child to understand the issues and deal with them. it would also mean that your child would get more support in school with an individual education plan which would lay out achievable targets to help your ds advance emotionally/socially/physically. whatever he needs most.

also, he may be put on the sn register now but that doesn't mean he will always have sn. try to think of it as a positive. a way to help you all understand his behaviour.

Sorry - I cross posted with you.

Deanychip - how is your half term going?

We also do the positive ignoring, if a child ignores bad behaviour in the child sitting close by they get a lucky ticket to put into a box, at the end of each half-term a few tickets are pulled out and prizes are given. I find this works particularly well for the children that like any excuse to not do their work and also the child that is being disruptive doesn't get the audience and laughs that they are wanting. I dont like the idea of everyones name starting in one place and only getting moved if you do something outstanding or terrible, because there will always be the children that never bother anyone, play well, get on with their work quietly and are therefore forgotten. And definitely no public naming, just dont like it, and i'm not sure i would be inspired to behave well for the rest of the day when my name is plastered across a raincloud on the board in front of me.

Deanchip--Have you asked at school if he could have something to hold while he is doing work that requires sitting down? Something like a squidgy ball attached to a lanyard or a small piece of material with different textures attached to his sweatshirt, this can make a huge difference. also, dont know what they are called but you can get inflatable cushions that are quite flat and have bobbles all over them - have been proven to help some children. Also a small step to put their feet on when sat in a chair, even if the chair is the correct height something like a book to rest his feet on can also have results. Just noticed that he is a young 5, if you get a chance have a look at a child of reception age with a birthday around the beginning of september, and ask yourself if their is a huge difference in the way your son behaves and the way they behave. There would only be about 6 weeks age difference and yet they are probably spending their time learning through play. Maybe if your sons teachers feel that it is a big issue, you could suggest that they think of his age in months rather than years. We do this at nursery and it really makes you remember why a particular child may not be able to sit and listen to a story. So, for instance my son is an august child. He started reception at 48mths and 2 weeks, some of his friends were 60mths within the first month. He wont be 60 mths until the summer hols, when you see their age in months it makes you realise how much time they've got to develop.

Ah thanks for all of the replies.
The age thing i am told (in all seriousness) by the teacher that it isnt an excuse now that he is in year 1.

Actually, we are having a ball this half term.
We have plans for every day and he has been around friends and family children all week. He has kicked out twice, and been removed and made to sit alone and think, then to appologise. He has been good as gold and i have really enjoyed his company.
he hasnt had to "perform" for any one and every day he has asked me "is it a school day?" and been delighted when i have said no it isnt.