A Native American Belief System as an Approach to Classroom Management
Education and empowerment of children provides the foundation for a Native American Belief System of positive discipline. In Reclaiming Youth at Risk, Brendtro, Brokenleg and Van Bockern (1990) use the symbolism of the medicine wheel to describe "The Circle of Courage". This circle entwines central tenets of belonging, mastery, independence and generosity; all components being equally important. In a holistic teaching approach, it becomes vital to understand these components and to be proactive in maintaining the circle for each student in the community of the classroom.
This web site describes the belief that classroom management problems can be minimized in an environment that encourages healthy development of the Spirit of Belonging, the Spirit of Mastery, Spirit of Independence and Spirit of Generosity. A happy and well-adjusted student has a complete Circle of Courage. The unhappy student has a broken Circle of Courage which is observed as inappropriate behaviours. Proactively, the teacher can foster the Circle of Courage within the parameters of the classroom. Mending a broken circle is attainable with positive support from the teacher and parents.
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