I’ve been asked many times how we combat attitude. You know what I mean:  rolling eyes, inflection that may convey disrespect or imply that I’m … wait for it … stupid.

First, we are very clear about expectations. As soon as any attitude is expressed or implied, we call it to the offender’s attention. They are aware that we are judge, jury and well … executioner. Then, they have to write. I know it seems old-fashioned, perhaps even unproductive. But it is neither. For Henry, it’s extra writing practice, always a bonus. For MC, extra spelling. Helen, the first victim of this approach, proved that it works and the others validate it, because rarely am I the recipient of punishable ‘tude.  So, write on.

A little repetition helps reinforce the point.