ABSTRACT
Using 'I' language for 'upsets' is a technique promoted by Thomas Gordan. The essential part of this approach is to eradicate 'you' statements. Using the 'broken record technique' rather than a confrontation approach is very effective in the classroom. An example might be a request for a child to put a prohibited toy or game away rather than demanding with threats. Both these methods can be explicitly taught to the children in the same way as the other skills. Using open questions and asking children how they feel is a valuable approach, particularly when there is a student-to-student upset. Creativity allows children to be creative and suggest solutions and strategies themselves. Encouraging creativity, brain-storming and problem-solving approaches can have surprisingly positive results. Academic achievement usually has success awards built in but teachers can invent celebrations for all children which publicly acknowledge hard work and effort as well as ability.
