Project 2 of 2 to fulfill the requirement for the grade of A Kristina Downs Cohort III

Book report- Teaching With Love and Logic by: Jim Fay and David Funk

This book, like many others , offers teachers strategies to improve student behavior in the classroom. Unlike other books or articles I have read, this book does not outline a single method or program which should work for all children. My experience has shown me that no method or program works for every child. I have found that adaptations need to be made based on student9s individual needs.

Teaching With Love and Logic talks about the need for developing good rapport with students which will motivate them to work harder and behave better. The book points out that it is against human nature to willingly do your best to please your adversary. I have found this to be true in my own experiences both as a teacher and as a student. I can usually motivate a child to improve work or behavior only if I take the time to get to know that child a bit , and to let him or her get to know me. A somewhat personal approach seems to be more effective than the drill sergeant , 3do it or else2 method. One quote from the book says , 3You can9t make people angry and sell them something at the same time.2 I think this applies well to education because we do try to sell our students on the idea that what they are doing is meaningful and worth their effort.

The Love & Logic approach to discipline is one of putting the responsibility on the child whenever possible. The authors advise teachers to think about questions to ask rather than commands to be given. They also point out that teachers who lose their temper put themselves at a disadvantage because they give the student the opportunity to focus on the anger rather than the problem. The book gives many scenarios in which students try to avoid taking responsibility by being angry or blaming someone else. Many examples are given which illustrate how to help the student problem solve without anger or blame. These are valuable life skills that will help the student beyond the school setting.

Fay and Funk also write about their theories regarding self-concept. They believe that it is gained by feeling capable , rather than complimented. They outline ways of solving problems in which the students are given time to generate their own solutions to problems. This not only teaches them to problem solve, but it shows them that the adults involved believe they are capable of handling certain situations, thus leading to improved self- concept. They also encourage teachers to involve students when classroom or school problems arise. They suggest that students will learn from the experience of being part of the solution. Students are also more likely to comply with new policies which they have helped generate , since we know that ownership is a motivating factor.

I felt this was a valuable book for me because it gave many examples and methods of dealing with students which fit my teaching style. I don9t always think that fair has to be equal. This book supports the idea that , within reasonable guidelines , teachers may be more successful with students by developing rapport and helping them to solve problems as opposed to running your classroom with strict guidelines that apply the exact same way to all students. Students are individuals, and although I believe in maintaining limits in my classroom. I have come to believe that a good system can and should take into account the varied needs of students.

-- Anonymous, May 25, 1999