WELCOME!
WE WILL
START AT
EXACTLY 3PM.
WE WILL
RECORD
THIS
SESSION.
Rethinking Discipline:
Character as the New
Classroom Management
MR
by Mann Rentoy
Self-Assessment Quiz: What’s Your Discipline Style?
Instructions: For each item, choose A, B, or C — whichever most often reflects
how you respond in real classroom situations.
1. A student breaks a rule in front of the class:
A. Call them out and give a consequence.
B. Speak with them privately after class.
C. Ask questions and involve them in fixing it.
2. A student refuses to follow instructions:
A. Raise your voice or issue a warning.
B. Stay calm but insist on compliance.
C. Use dialogue to co-create a solution.
Instructions: For each item, choose A, B, or C — whichever most often reflects
how you respond in real classroom situations.
3. A rule is broken repeatedly.
A. Give escalating punishments.
B. Use detentions or time-outs sparingly.
C. Have a restorative conversation to reflect on
the pattern.
4. The class is noisy and out of control.
A. Shout or impose silence immediately.
B. Use non-verbal cues or wait for silence.
C. Re-engage with a routine or community
reminder.
Instructions: For each item, choose A, B, or C — whichever most often reflects
how you respond in real classroom situations.
5. A student is disrespectful to a peer.
A. Scold them on the spot.
B. Call them aside to discuss.
C. Guide a peer-to-peer reflection and apology
process.
6. After a conflict, how do you move forward?
A. The student serves a penalty.
B. You reset expectations and observe closely.
C. You rebuild the relationship through trust
and discussion.
Instructions: For each item, choose A, B, or C — whichever most often reflects
how you respond in real classroom situations.
7. When setting rules, you...
A. Set them unilaterally and enforce strictly.
B. Explain your rules and allow clarification.
C. Co-create them with students based on
shared values.
8. You want students to behave because...
A. They fear the consequences.
B. They know the rules and expectations.
C. They understand the why and take
responsibility.
Instructions: For each item, choose A, B, or C — whichever most often reflects
how you respond in real classroom situations.
9. When students improve, you...
A. Expect it—it’s their duty.
B. Acknowledge improvement briefly.
C. Praise their growth in specific virtues.
10. Your idea of discipline is...
A. Obedience and compliance.
B. Order and consistency.
C. Growth and formation.
Scoring Guide
🔴 Mostly A’s: Punitive Style
Focuses on obedience through fear, control, and
punishments. Fast but not formative.
Mostly B’s: Authoritative (Traditional) Style
🟡
Emphasizes structure, consistency, and fairness.
Better—but may lack deep moral reflection.
Mostly C’s: Formative Discipline Style
🟢
Rooted in dialogue, empathy, and building habits
of virtue. It takes more effort, but it builds
character.
The Problem with Traditional
Discipline
Reactive Focus
Inconsistent Punishments
Short-term Compliance
Cycle of Resentment
Formative Discipline: A New Paradigm
Character Development
Using discipline to teach values like
responsibility, empathy, and self-control ensures
lasting impact.
• Emphasizes moral growth
• Encourages accountability
Formative Discipline: A New Paradigm
Integrated Learning
Combining academic goals with ethical
development creates a balanced classroom culture
of respect.
• Fosters empathy and collaboration
• Builds a positive community
CASE SCENARIO:
“What do you do?” scenario: A
student shouts “This is boring!”
during your class.
5 DISCIPLINE
TECHNIQUES
THAT FORM,
NOT SHAME
RESTORATIVE QUESTIONS
 Instead of “Why did you do that?”, try:
“What happened?” → “Who was affected?” →
“What can we do to fix it?”

➤ Teaches ownership and empathy.
PRIVATE CORRECTION,
PUBLIC PRAISE
 Always correct in private. Praise in public.
 ➤ Builds trust, saves dignity.
CHARACTER BREAKS
INSTEAD OF TIME-OUTS
 When a student misbehaves, give a 3-minute
self-reflection card.

➤ Example: “What did I do? What value did I
ignore? How will I improve?”
CLASSROOM RESET
RITUALS

Start over after a tough moment. Literally say:
“Let’s reset. This is a new moment.”

➤ Encourages mercy and resilience.
THE 2-MINUTE TALK RULE
 For chronic issues: talk one-on-one, 2 minutes
max.
“I care about you. This isn’t who you are. Let’s
fix this together.”

➤ Restores relationship while setting
expectations.
Tool #1: Building
Positive
Relationships
Personal Connection
Understand students’
backgrounds and interests
to tailor support effectively.
Tool #1: Building
Positive
Relationships
Empathy & Listening
Active listening and
genuine care foster trust
and emotional safety.
Tool #1: Building
Positive
Relationships
Positive Interactions
Increasing positive contacts
by 60% leads to more
cooperation and reduced
conflicts.
Tool #2: Clear Expectations &
Consistent Boundaries
Clear Rules
Set concise, age-appropriate expectations that
students can understand and follow.
• Use visual aids and reminders
• Ensure clarity and fairness
Tool #2: Clear Expectations &
Consistent Boundaries
Consistent Enforcement
Apply boundaries fairly so students know what to expect
and feel respected.
• Reinforce with positive feedback
• Maintain calm and firm authority
Tool #3: Restorative Practices
Repair Harm
Tool #3: Restorative Practices
Student-led Resolution
Tool #3: Restorative Practices
Supportive Circles
Tool #3: Restorative Practices
Impact
Enemies
AN D WHAT TO D O
WI TH TH EM
Punitive
Reflex
Shaming
Language
Public
Discipline
Lack of Follow-
Through
Neglect of
Root Causes
Addressing Challenges &
Obstacles
Resistance
Overcome skepticism from
students, parents, and staff by
demonstrating benefits
clearly.
Implementation
Provide ongoing support and
training to successfully adopt
new strategies.
Time Management
Prioritize relationship building within busy schedules to ensure
transformative discipline.
“Discipline is not a break from
teaching—it is teaching.”
“We are not trying to
teach them to behave.
We are trying to teach
them to choose what is
right.”
Conclusion: Investing in the Future
Character Focus
Empowerment
Long-Term Impact
Thank you for
joining us!

MAY 16: Discipline That Forms, Not Just Punishes

  • 1.
  • 2.
  • 3.
    Rethinking Discipline: Character asthe New Classroom Management MR by Mann Rentoy
  • 4.
    Self-Assessment Quiz: What’sYour Discipline Style? Instructions: For each item, choose A, B, or C — whichever most often reflects how you respond in real classroom situations. 1. A student breaks a rule in front of the class: A. Call them out and give a consequence. B. Speak with them privately after class. C. Ask questions and involve them in fixing it. 2. A student refuses to follow instructions: A. Raise your voice or issue a warning. B. Stay calm but insist on compliance. C. Use dialogue to co-create a solution.
  • 5.
    Instructions: For eachitem, choose A, B, or C — whichever most often reflects how you respond in real classroom situations. 3. A rule is broken repeatedly. A. Give escalating punishments. B. Use detentions or time-outs sparingly. C. Have a restorative conversation to reflect on the pattern. 4. The class is noisy and out of control. A. Shout or impose silence immediately. B. Use non-verbal cues or wait for silence. C. Re-engage with a routine or community reminder.
  • 6.
    Instructions: For eachitem, choose A, B, or C — whichever most often reflects how you respond in real classroom situations. 5. A student is disrespectful to a peer. A. Scold them on the spot. B. Call them aside to discuss. C. Guide a peer-to-peer reflection and apology process. 6. After a conflict, how do you move forward? A. The student serves a penalty. B. You reset expectations and observe closely. C. You rebuild the relationship through trust and discussion.
  • 7.
    Instructions: For eachitem, choose A, B, or C — whichever most often reflects how you respond in real classroom situations. 7. When setting rules, you... A. Set them unilaterally and enforce strictly. B. Explain your rules and allow clarification. C. Co-create them with students based on shared values. 8. You want students to behave because... A. They fear the consequences. B. They know the rules and expectations. C. They understand the why and take responsibility.
  • 8.
    Instructions: For eachitem, choose A, B, or C — whichever most often reflects how you respond in real classroom situations. 9. When students improve, you... A. Expect it—it’s their duty. B. Acknowledge improvement briefly. C. Praise their growth in specific virtues. 10. Your idea of discipline is... A. Obedience and compliance. B. Order and consistency. C. Growth and formation.
  • 9.
    Scoring Guide 🔴 MostlyA’s: Punitive Style Focuses on obedience through fear, control, and punishments. Fast but not formative. Mostly B’s: Authoritative (Traditional) Style 🟡 Emphasizes structure, consistency, and fairness. Better—but may lack deep moral reflection. Mostly C’s: Formative Discipline Style 🟢 Rooted in dialogue, empathy, and building habits of virtue. It takes more effort, but it builds character.
  • 10.
    The Problem withTraditional Discipline Reactive Focus Inconsistent Punishments Short-term Compliance Cycle of Resentment
  • 11.
    Formative Discipline: ANew Paradigm Character Development Using discipline to teach values like responsibility, empathy, and self-control ensures lasting impact. • Emphasizes moral growth • Encourages accountability
  • 12.
    Formative Discipline: ANew Paradigm Integrated Learning Combining academic goals with ethical development creates a balanced classroom culture of respect. • Fosters empathy and collaboration • Builds a positive community
  • 13.
    CASE SCENARIO: “What doyou do?” scenario: A student shouts “This is boring!” during your class.
  • 14.
  • 15.
    RESTORATIVE QUESTIONS  Insteadof “Why did you do that?”, try: “What happened?” → “Who was affected?” → “What can we do to fix it?”  ➤ Teaches ownership and empathy.
  • 16.
    PRIVATE CORRECTION, PUBLIC PRAISE Always correct in private. Praise in public.  ➤ Builds trust, saves dignity.
  • 17.
    CHARACTER BREAKS INSTEAD OFTIME-OUTS  When a student misbehaves, give a 3-minute self-reflection card.  ➤ Example: “What did I do? What value did I ignore? How will I improve?”
  • 18.
    CLASSROOM RESET RITUALS  Start overafter a tough moment. Literally say: “Let’s reset. This is a new moment.”  ➤ Encourages mercy and resilience.
  • 19.
    THE 2-MINUTE TALKRULE  For chronic issues: talk one-on-one, 2 minutes max. “I care about you. This isn’t who you are. Let’s fix this together.”  ➤ Restores relationship while setting expectations.
  • 20.
    Tool #1: Building Positive Relationships PersonalConnection Understand students’ backgrounds and interests to tailor support effectively.
  • 21.
    Tool #1: Building Positive Relationships Empathy& Listening Active listening and genuine care foster trust and emotional safety.
  • 22.
    Tool #1: Building Positive Relationships PositiveInteractions Increasing positive contacts by 60% leads to more cooperation and reduced conflicts.
  • 23.
    Tool #2: ClearExpectations & Consistent Boundaries Clear Rules Set concise, age-appropriate expectations that students can understand and follow. • Use visual aids and reminders • Ensure clarity and fairness
  • 24.
    Tool #2: ClearExpectations & Consistent Boundaries Consistent Enforcement Apply boundaries fairly so students know what to expect and feel respected. • Reinforce with positive feedback • Maintain calm and firm authority
  • 25.
    Tool #3: RestorativePractices Repair Harm
  • 26.
    Tool #3: RestorativePractices Student-led Resolution
  • 27.
    Tool #3: RestorativePractices Supportive Circles
  • 28.
    Tool #3: RestorativePractices Impact
  • 29.
    Enemies AN D WHATTO D O WI TH TH EM
  • 30.
  • 31.
  • 32.
  • 33.
  • 34.
  • 35.
    Addressing Challenges & Obstacles Resistance Overcomeskepticism from students, parents, and staff by demonstrating benefits clearly. Implementation Provide ongoing support and training to successfully adopt new strategies. Time Management Prioritize relationship building within busy schedules to ensure transformative discipline.
  • 36.
    “Discipline is nota break from teaching—it is teaching.”
  • 39.
    “We are nottrying to teach them to behave. We are trying to teach them to choose what is right.”
  • 42.
    Conclusion: Investing inthe Future Character Focus Empowerment Long-Term Impact
  • 43.

Editor's Notes

  • #1 Tired of nagging, punishment cycles, and power struggles? This final session reimagines discipline as a tool for formation, not fear. You’ll discover how to respond to misbehavior with moral insight, empathy, and firmness—so you can stop fighting fires and start building fires of virtue and self-control in your students.
  • #3 Discipline should be recognized as an opportunity for growth rather than mere punishment. This presentation explores proactive, character-building strategies that foster a calm, respectful, and effective classroom environment. By reimagining discipline, teachers can guide students toward becoming responsible and empathetic individuals, cultivating an atmosphere where mutual respect thrives. Together, we'll learn how discipline can be a tool for formation that supports long-term development beyond simple compliance.
  • #9 💬 Reflection Prompt: What’s one shift I can make tomorrow to move from control… to formation?
  • #10 Traditional discipline often reacts to immediate behaviors without addressing root causes. Discipline can be arbitrary or humiliating, eroding trust and respect. It promotes obedience but fails to encourage long-term character growth. Punishment often breeds resentment, leading to repeated misbehavior.
  • #25 Focus on healing relationships instead of just punishing misbehavior.
  • #26 Empower students to discuss conflicts and find common ground.
  • #27 Use facilitated circles and conferences to promote accountability and empathy.
  • #28 Restorative approaches can reduce suspension rates by up to 40%, improving school culture.
  • #30 🔧 Tactic: Use “Fix-It Forms”—a simple sheet students fill out reflecting on what happened and what they can do better.
  • #31 🔧 Tactic: Replace "Why did you do that?!" with “What value were you forgetting in that moment?”
  • #32 🔧 Tactic: Set a routine of “private hallway chats” or notes passed quietly when correction is needed.
  • #33 🔧 Tactic: Keep a “Character Log” where you write down quick notes about repeated behavior. Use it to guide one-on-one talks.
  • #34 🔧 Tactic: Use the “5 Whys” approach: ask why 5 times (gently!) to discover what’s really behind the misbehavior.
  • #38 “Discipline is not about punishment, it’s about guidance.” – Jane Nelsen, Positive Discipline
  • #40 It highlights the idea that the path to true fulfillment or the right decision is not always the most comfortable or straightforward. 
  • #42 Formative discipline prepares students to be responsible, ethical citizens beyond the classroom. Students gain tools to make thoughtful choices, fostering a positive, productive school climate. Building character today cultivates success and integrity for life.