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 Punitive control

Desarey Oliver's profile image
Desarey Oliver posted 08-29-2025 13:43

is it still considered punitive control if the teacher says it in a calm voice? "You are going to lose your chance to play with playdough if you do not cleanup"

Lisa Stevens's profile image
Lisa Stevens

I think this statement, although calm, still communicates a punishment. If I were doing a coaching observation at this moment and had the teacher's permission for in the moment guidance, I would quietly share alternative statements with the teacher that use natural consequences such as, " Susie, can you help me find the purple play doh lid? If our play doh isn't put away in cans with lids on, the air will dry it all up and we won't have anymore. Help me find the lids so we can protect our play doh." This kind of statement gives more information to the child so the child can make a helpful choice. 

Kathy McKechnie's profile image
Kathy McKechnie

Isn't this statement a threat?  As opposed to "Once you cleanup you will be able to play with playdough".

Destiney Baxter's profile image
Destiney Baxter

Yes, it needs to be expressed positively when you finish cleaning up we can move onto the playdoh.