In his book, Rafe Esquith discusses the building blocks of moral development which has assisted him to consistently create a classroom environment filled with students who know how to act. Building trust between teacher and student is essential, but it is not the only element essential to effective classroom management in a public school.
Chapter two of his book, Teach Like Your Hair's on Fire, Esquith discusses Lawrence Kohlberg's Six Levels of Moral Development and how he has applied these principles successfully in his classroom for years.
Esquith titles the six levels as:
- Level One: I Don't Want to Get in Trouble
- Level Two: I Want a Reward
- Level Three: I Want to Please Somebody
- Level Four: I Follow the Rules
- Lvel Five: I Am Considerate of Other People
- Level Six: I Have a Personal Code of Behavior and I Follow It
Student Behavior and Fear
Level One thinking is based on fear. Students choose to do or not to do certain behaviors, based on the fear of getting into trouble with the teacher or principal. Instead of issuing dire warnings of the consequences of their misbehavior, Esquith chooses to begin the year by pledging his trust and requesting the trust of his students. He explains Level One thinking, and how childish it is and requests they do not resort to fear-based actions.