Establishing the Foundation
Begin by establishing a welcoming environment conducive to smooth manage- ment. This means do the following:
p Make sure the environment in which the students learn is set up properly with routines, time schedule, procedures, and physical space to facilitate smooth operation and minimize downtime and distractions.
p Build relationships of regard and respect with students to signal that this is a place where they are valued as individuals.
p Design and deliver instruction in a way that all students can experience both challenge and success.
In examining causes one through four of disruptive or inattentive behavior we proposed ways in which several of the Management areas of performance (At- tention, Momentum, Space, Time, and Routines) lay a solid discipline founda- tion. We also discussed the importance and benefits of investing in Personal Relationship Building with students. Finally, we highlighted instructional areas of performance (Lesson Objectives, Clarity, and Differentiated Instruction) that can serve as toolboxes for making the foundation structurally sound.
Collectively, these areas of performance afford us a solid foundation for estab- lishing preventive measures and for diagnosing and responding to discipline issues that arise. The above-mentioned chapters of this book and the subtasks associated with them are the place to begin when dealing with discipline. Are they all in good shape?
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