Classroom Management

Classroom management has always been an interesting topic to me.  I enjoyed hearing a few ideas tonight during online class.  There was a part in the chapter that seemed to have a little negative connotation towards “discipline programs” that schools use.  At my school we have been using the May Institute for a positive school-wide discipline plan.  Honestly I haven’t seen anything stand out from this program that has made tremendous change in our discipline in our school.  That is why I was so interested to hear more about the positive discipline plan used at Tritt which includes more of an intrinsic model and not using awards, treasure boxes, etc.  Through college I have been taught with more of the Canter philosophy which many classes in our school use as well.  During my reading of Black Ants and Buddhists, I have found interest in stepping away from an awards style discipline program.  Her classroom in the book I am reading is called the Peace Class and the discipline is very similar to ideas throughout this chapter–including relationships, caring, community, peace building, tolerance, and democracy.  The author, Mary Cowhey, also mentions the program “Responsive Classroom” in her book.  It explains that it fosters community as it teaches social and academic skills and routines and the goal of doing this the first six weeks of school so you can see the practice extend through the year.  Has anyone heard of “Responsive Classroom?”  I know there is not an answer to classroom management or there would not be so many different programs, ideas, and opinions as to which one is the best.  Is it a balance of a variety?  I have been looking for the best answer since my first day of teaching, but this Eds program is definitely opening up new ideas I have never experienced.