Stop School Violence Before it Ever Begins

When an early elementary teacher meets a new bunch of starry-eyed, rosy-cheeked kids whose backpacks are still too big for their tiny frames, the last thing to cross his/her mind is these little ones’ potential for future involvement in violent crimes. The issue seems entirely irrelevant. Yet the horrible reality is that, often, by the time signs indicate a risk of violent or destructive behavior in an individual, it is too late. Or in other cases, there are no clear indicators, or nobody is attentive enough to notice. Especially with the rise in school violence in recent decades, there has never been a better time to institute clear behavior management strategies in the early years, with an eye toward preventing future violent behavior.

Discussion Questions:

• Have you used or witnessed any classroom or behavior management efforts that would aid in cultivating appropriate behavior?
• How might considering your students’ long-term well-being in this regard change your approach to classroom behavioral management?