Verbal Judo
Rick Lewis presents teachers with two options for addressing a student who refuses to stay seated. With a calm expression and a serene tone, Lewis acknowledges the student’s behavior and asks if everything is alright. However, his demeanor quickly changes as he narrows his eyes and sneers, expressing his outrage at the student’s disobedience. He then commands the student to sit down in a forceful manner.
According to Lewis, while the latter approach may temporarily resolve the issue, it can also provoke the student to retaliate or harbor resentment, leading to bigger problems in the future. Alternatively, Lewis suggests employing verbal judo.
Verbal judo is a language strategy developed by George Thompson, a college professor, police officer, and martial artist. It involves using the concept of "moving with an adversary’s energy rather than resisting it," similar to martial arts techniques. The school district, which includes Boynton Beach High School, where Lewis works, is implementing this multifaceted approach to enhance school safety and assist teachers in managing their classrooms effectively.
Verbal judo can be applied to address common classroom discipline problems, such as talking out of turn. The first step is to privately address the student by name. Briefly acknowledge their behavior by saying something like, "I noticed you were talking with your friend." If possible, highlight that the behavior is acceptable in a different context, saying, for example, "I also enjoy talking, especially to my friends. There’s nothing wrong with that." Utilize a "negative assertion-statement" to disarm the student, stating, "I’m not saying you can’t ever talk to your friend." Offer a solution that satisfies both the student’s needs and your own, saying something like, "If you agree to pay attention, you and Michelle can sit together for the rest of the day. If that doesn’t work out, I’ll have to separate you. Is that fair?" Ensure that the student commits to the plan, saying, "Great, we have a deal." Lewis emphasizes that if the student continues to talk to their friend after a few minutes, there is no need to become upset. Instead, calmly remind them of the agreement and provide another opportunity the next day.
By utilizing verbal judo, teachers can effectively manage classroom behavior while maintaining positive relationships with their students. This approach fosters a safer and more conducive learning environment.
