Thursday, June 21, 2012

I Like You Too Much To Argue

When you think about it, the majority of kids do us big favors by doing what we ask of them.  When it comes right down to it, you can't make anyone do anything. In first grade, many kids haven't figured that out yet, so for the most part, they just play along.  Phew.  Oh, but there are those who have discovered their free will and sure enjoy pushing the limits by finding out if we teachers really mean what we say.  Take, for example, the arguers.  They've got it down to a science, and what happens when the teacher argues back?  They find themselves sucked into a battle they hadn't anticipated fighting, and once they're in, it's hard to get back out.  At that point, the child has pretty much won.  I know.  I've been there.

I've had some training that's given me a plethora of great tools for situations just like this.  Have you heard of Love and Logic?  I don't have time for details now, but maybe later.  

 

Love and Logic has the best one-liners around.  When a child argues, teachers typically argue back, ignore the child, or fumble for the right magical words to remedy the situation.  Here's what Love and Logic suggests:


This typically doesn't go on for too long actually.  Children don't like playing this game and usually give up.  If every time they argue they hear, "I like you too much to argue" they tend to argue less.  I hear it even works with family members, so try it out this summer (insert word "love") and make it your pat answer for every argument that comes your way.  It will save you a few battle wounds at home and at school!


...just a little something to look forward to.


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18 comments:

  1. Haha! I love this idea! I am definitely going to try it next time a child argues with me. =)

    What's this blog swap and hop? I haven't heard of it! Do fill me in! =)

    -Ms. Smith
    Adventures of Ms. Smith

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    1. Ms. Smith, let me know how it works for you. :) Some blogs are going to be swapping authors for a day. Basically, there'll be lots of guest bloggers on that Saturday.

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  2. I love Love and Logic, my kids (my own) hated it when I tried it out on them. lol
    Tammy

    First Grade @ Klinger Cafe
    dtklinger@gmail.com

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    1. Tammy, I've helped teach a parenting Love & Logic class for a few years, and parents repeatedly say that their kids hate it when the parents start using these strategies. Gotta love it!

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  3. Our new Principal mentioned Love and Logic in the interview so I'm eager to see how the techniques can help transform our school climate. Cool post.

    Barbara
    The Corner On Character

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    1. Barbara, I think you'll be pleased with Love and Logic. It makes a lot of sense to me.

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  4. I have been to a one day workshop on Love and Logic, but it was a long time ago. I really liked it, but I definitely need a refresher course. A friend of mine has gone to Colorado for the past 3 or 4 summers for a week long Love and Logic workshop. She loves it. She said she would use it on her kids at home and like Tammy's kids they didn't like it. haha

    I'm anxious to hear more.

    Kelly @ I'm Not Your Grandpa, I'm Your Teacher

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    1. Kelly, I went to the Colorado conference several years ago. It's very educational. Maybe some day your friend can take you with her.

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  5. I've not had too many first graders that have tried to argue with me over the years, but I think this response would certainly work. How can they argue with "I like you too much to argue with you?" If it doesn't work the first time, I guess you could add a hug. Thanks for sharing!
    Connie:)
    welcome to first grade room 5

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    1. Connie, I had an opportunity to try out this strategy every so often this year, but like you said, it's not something that needs addressed very often for me either.

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  6. I have not had training in Love and Logic, but have heard great things about it. Some of our teachers have had some training. Hard to argue with "I like you too much to argue with you"!
    Lori
    Conversations in Literacy

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    1. Lori, I really enjoy Love and Logic. It's taught me some great strategies to add to my toolbox.

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  7. Great tip! I have used the Love and Logic, too! I always try to give them choices and hope they pick the right one.
    Jennifer
    kindertrips

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    1. Jennifer, yep choices are big in Love and Logic, huh? Would you rather...or....? :)

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  8. I've never heard of Love and Logic, but thats very cool!

    Barbara
    Grade ONEderful
    Ruby Slippers

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  9. Tammy!
    I had just read about Love and Logic, but wasn't really familiar with it! Choice words make the difference.
    I am on vacation for the swap, but when I return I want you to guest post for me!
    Still looking! Hope to have a new position soon!
    Sandi
    Literacy Minute

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    1. Sandi, I enjoy using Love and Logic. It's got some great strategies. I will definitely be your guest. Let me know when.

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