Assertiveness Basics
This is the primary purpose of the Assertiveness skill in Conscious Discipline.
What is to create safety by clearly communicating expectations?
The Assertive voice should use this tone; not harsh, not pleading.
What is a firm, calm tone?
"Pick up the blocks." is an example of this kind of statement.
What is a clear command?
A child is running in hallway. An assertive adult would say: "____."
What is "Walk"?
This word describes the clear, confident tone used in Assertiveness.
What is firm?
Assertiveness is one of the skills linked to this part of the brain in the Brain State Model.
What is the Survival State?
Tell and Show for children who resist has ___ steps.
What are 5 steps? (assertive command, notice, show, 2 positive choices, repeat)
"You may pick the red marker or the blue marker" is an example of providing this.
What is a choice?
A child throws crayons. An assertive response would begin with this directive phrase.
What is "You may....."? (i.e. You may leave crayons on table or you may place them in a bin."
Assertiveness helps create this essential feeling needed for children to learn.
What is safety?
Assertiveness focuses on giving children these two things to create safety.
What are clear expectations and consistent limits?
This phrase format begins most Assertive statements to cue children clearly.
What is the phrase that begins with "You...."?
A common mistake is phrasing commands like these, which reduce clarity.
What are commands phrased as questions (i.e. "Please move away your toys, okay?")?
A student refuses to clean up. The assertive adult stands firm and repeats this.
What is restating the original command? (i.e. 5 steps: start with an assertive command)
The assertive teacher uses these to define what behavior is expected.
What are expectations?
This skill contrasts with passive or aggressive communication styles.
What is assertive communication?
"What is our rule about running? What should you be doing right now?" is an example of_______.
What is aggressive tone? (Assertiveness is "Walking feet" OR "Walk in the hall just like this (demonstrate with your body), leaving plenty of space for others, so everyone is safe including you."
This shifts a child's attention from what she is currently doing to something safer or something that is preferable.
What is redirection?
A child grabs a toy from another. The assertive adult uses this type of limit-setting.
What is setting clear, assertive limits? (i.e. When you want a toy, you tap their shoulder and say "I want to play with that toy", you may not grab it. Go and do now."
Conscious Discipline emphasizes assertive commands that are "clear, direct, and_____".
What is specific?
Assertiveness helps adults set and maintain these in a clear, calm manner.
What are boundaries?
Assertive voice avoids these types of questions that imply optional compliance.
What are permission questions (i.e., "okay?" "do you mind?" "please?")?
Assertive commands should describe these instead of what not to do.
What is describing what to do instead of what not to do?
When a child escalates, the Assertive adult maintains this internal state before speaking.
What is maintaining composure?
This is the power behind Assertiveness: the Power of____.
What is the Power of Attention?