Proving the Experts

       Lois M. Collins states in her article "Parenting experts always point out that praising good behavior is a more effective way of reinforcing how small children should act than is punishing bad behavior. Maybe that's an effective tool specifically for bullying, too."  This statement interested me because this an example of what my daughter's school does to promote good behavior in school.  I researched the internet and I looked into Kent's library regarding this.  The better research I found was on the internet. 

     I found an article written by Tom Lickona, "Prevent Bullying, Promote Kindness:  20 Things All Schools Can Do" that relates to the statement made by Lois in her article.  Thomas Lickona is a professor of education for the State University for New York at Cortland.  He is also their director of the Center of 4th of 5th Rs (Respect and Responsibility).

    In his article, he discusses strategies that schools can utilize to prevent bullying.  It seemed to be, by far, the best article I found regarding the topic.  He also show the effects the program has already had on schools. 

     My daughter's school uses "the Rs" program, which promotes respect and responsibility in the school.  Their program is a lot like the one he has stated in his program. The school gives away "bracelets for good deeds" to the students and when they accumulate so many "bracelets" , they get rewarded. 
 
     His article hits home to her statement and proves that praising good behavior can be an effective tool to prevent bullying.