Our classroom is one that provides plenty of choices for the children.

At times, those choices can create interesting situations.

We use natural and logical consequences in the classroom.

Natural consequences are simple and can be very effective in the learning process.

If we choose to rock in our chair, to tip it back far as we can go, there is a high likelihood of falling backward. We don't need to describe to the child what happened, they experienced it.

Logical consequences are meant to help children learn for the future, instead of paying for the past.

There is a formula: opportunity=responsibility=consequence

The opportunity may be sitting in the ocean room looking at the new books.

The responsibility is looking at the books gently with calm hands.

The consequence is the freedom to sit and enjoy the books as long as one would like.

Likewise, if the opportunity to look at the books is not met with calm hands, but kicking feet,

the consequence is no longer being able to look at books in the ocean room, instead perhaps looking at one book at a table, or choosing a more active activity.

Logical consequences are learning opportunities. We can ask 'what" and "how" questions to help the child see the consequences of their choice, and what they can do differently next time.