Behavior and Harry Potter

QUESTION:

I am starting to present the social development hierarchy to my students. I have used “behavior plans” in the past, but they have only promoted “sneaky” behaviors. I hope to instill “proper” behavior by the students. They are reluctant thus far. Are there any pointers to help the reluctant student?

RESPONSE:

Let the students know that they are victims when they act on their impulses—that they are lacking control over themselves. Then ask the students if they really want to be victims (where they are not in control)—or victors (where they are in control).

A victor responds to impulses in positive ways. Those who do not are being manipulated by their impulses.

Let the students know that you will not force them to learn. That is their choice. If they choose not to learn they are only harming themselves, and that is their decision.

But you will not allow them to disrupt the class.

RESPONSE FROM THE INQUIRER:

Thank you for responding to my question about the reluctant students. I have taken this month to offer the idea of victims or victors of their behaviors. I would like add that I have taken a quote from a “Harry Potter” movie to add to their way of thinking.

Toward the end of the movie Albus Dumbledore, the headmaster of the Griffondore House, offers the following advice to Harry Potter. “It is not our abilities that say who we are. It is our choices.”

I am finding this to be a fine phrase to offer to students, that they are the one (s) who decide what will happen in their lives. They are limited (at this point) in Math and Reading. The students can choose to learn or not. They can also choose to behave or not.