Turn Your Word Into Gold
The Art of Enforceable Statements for the School
By Jim Fay
| Ineffective Technique | Love and Logic Technique |
| Please sit down. I'm going to start now. | I'll begin as soon as you are seated. |
| Please be quiet. It's time to begin. | I'll be glad to start as soon as you show me that you are ready. |
| Open your books to page 54. | I'll be working from page 54. |
| I'm not going to line you up until everyone is quiet. | I'll be lining people up as soon as it is quiet. |
| Don't sharpen your pencil while I'm talking. | I allow people to sharpen pencils when I am not giving directions. |
| You can't go to the restroom until I finish the directions. | Feel free to go to the restroom when I'm not giving directions. |
| Don't be bothering your neighbors. | You are welcome to stay with us as long as you and others are not being bothered. |
| Keep your hands to yourself. | Feel free to stay with us when you can keep your hands to yourself. |
| Turn your assignment in on time or you'll get a lower grade. | I give full credit for papers turned in on time. |
| Don't talk to me in that tone of voice! | I'll listen as soon as your voice is as calm as mine. |
| You show some respect. | I'll be glad to discuss this when respect is shown. |
| Don't be late for class. | All of those who arrive on time go home on time. |
| Don't try to turn in sloppy papers to me. | I'll be glad to accept all papers that meet the neatness standard for this room. |
| Keep your desks organized and neat. | All owners of neat desks are welcome to join us at recess. |
| I'm not loaning you any more paper. | I loan paper to those who have not borrowed before. |
| If you can't remember your pencil, you're just going to have to do without. | Feel free to borrow from anyone but me. |
| You're not going out without your coat. | You may go out as soon as you have your coat. |
| You're not going to stay in this group and act like that. | You may stay with us if you can give up on that behavior. |
| Don't you come back to this room until you can show some respect! | Feel free to come back to the room as soon as you are calm. |
| Quit breaking the rules of the game. | Those who can follow the rules are welcome to play the game. |
| Stop arguing with me. | I'll be glad to discuss this with you as soon as the arguing stops. |
| If you can't treat the paintbrushes right, you'll just have to sit out this project. | All of those who can handle the paintbrushes right are welcome to join us in the project. |
| If you forget your permission slip, you're going to miss the trip. | All of those who remember permission slips are welcome to go on the field trip. |
©1990 Jim Fay
Permission granted for photocopy reproduction.
Please do not alter or modify contents.
For more information, call the Love and Logic Institute, Inc. at 800-338-4065.
