Please Stand

I've mentioned before that Fletcher's school is mostly based on several education theories by Charlotte Mason. If you are interested, you can read more about it here.

Starting in kindergarten, all students learn the "seated learning position" which includes sitting up straight in their chairs, feet under the table, hands folded in front of them, no leaning back in the chair and no talking. Instead of the teacher having to say, "Sit down, be quiet, don't touch, turn around, don't lean back in your chair," she only has to say "assume the seated learning position" and the students know exactly what to do. And they do it without question.

When there's an issue whether it is talking out of turn or acting silly during a lesson, the thought is that the student needs to regain his self control. The student already knows what he is or is not supposed to do so the teacher doesn't need to get into those details. She just simply says, "(Name of child), please stand." No arguments, no back talk, no child saying "but I wasn't doing...". The student knows exactly what to do. He stands up by his chair with arms at his side, no wiggling and no talking until the teacher tells him to sit back down a few minutes later. Of course, if the behavior pattern continues, then there are other consequences like having to leave the room or lose precious playground time.

I know some people may think this discipline seems weird or strict. But I love it. It is based on respect and obedience which are sometimes lost with children and teachers at schools today. I cannot tell you the number of times I lost valuable teaching time when I taught school when I had to stop and deal with a student who was misbehaving in class.

Well, guess who has had to stand twice this week in class.

Excessive silliness and fidgeting with his pencil colors.

Sitting still is hard for a 6 1/2 year old boy, but not impossible. He's learning. And rightful so, I think his teacher is being very strict these first few weeks of school to create the right learning environment for her students so they can have a great year.