Judicious discipline

A key element of democracy is that individuals are given human rights and these human rights are respected by all and protected by the government. It makes sense then that on the first day of class teachers should introduce themselves by saying, "Good morning students, I am and I am here to protect your constitutional rights." In one sentence a relationship can be established that creates a feeling among students that their teacher is here to help and support each of them as individuals. Most students have some awareness of what human or constitutional rights mean, but they have not been in a classroom where it has been put into practice. When a teacher begins the first day of class by recognizing and protecting student rights, they have just introduced the first three of ten fundamental legal principles that are the heart of Judicious Discipline and provide the structure and framework for a democratic classroom.