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A paragraph
has three main elements:
- A
topic sentence with a limited subject and a controlling
(main) idea
- A
body that provides supporting points and specific details)
- A
conclusion that may be a restatement of the main idea; a
recommendation, advice, or a warning; a summary of the major
supporting points; an opinion, a prediction, or a final
comment).
Read
the following paragraphs about how teachers of elementary
school students maintain discipline or control in their classrooms.
Then complete the vocabulary activity and analysis that follows.
How
American Teachers Motivate and Discipline Students
In
the United States, teachers of elementary school children
usually use two methods to motivate students and maintain
control in their classrooms. Most teachers have their own
methods of positive reinforcement; in other words, they
reward students for success in their academic work and for
good behavior. When students get high grades on a paper
or an exam, the students’ names may be listed on a
chart with a star or special sticker next to it. These charts
are posted on the classroom wall for everyone to see. If
students finish their assignments quickly and have extra
time, the teacher might allow them to select a favorite
book to read quietly or let them work extra time on computers.
At certain intervals throughout the semester, successful
students may be given certificates for outstanding work,
and once a month a student is selected as “student
of the month” for demonstrating a positive attitude,
helpfulness and good behavior.
However, if students are disruptive, a teacher has to use
disciplinary measures to control their behavior. For example,
if students are disrespectful to the teacher or other students,
the teacher usually reprimands them in front of the class.
If the misbehavior continues, the offensive students may
be sent to the principal’s office and their parents
may be called. For fighting or abusive language on the playground,
students may be given a "time out" and have to
sit on a bench for the remainder of the recess. For the
most serious offenses such as sexual harassment or bringing
a weapon to school, the student can be suspended or even
expelled from school. By using these methods of rewarding
and punishing students, teachers can maintain a school environment
that is positive and conducive to learning.
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