Discipline begins with “disciples”
Learning self-discipline is a lifelong process. This overview and future articles will provide practical guidance and tips to help your learners grow in Christ.
Photo from Photos.comIt’s no accident that the words “disciple” and “discipline” are spelled so much alike. Both come from two Latin root words, discipulus (a disciple) and discere (to learn). Disciple, discipline, and self-discipline have a place in catechesis.
Self-discipline is a person’s ability to wait. While you wait, you think and process and decide how to act. Waiting is the master skill that helps learners delay impulsive behavior. Character, virtue, the works of mercy, and the beatitudes all involve the practice of self-discipline.
Fifteen Self-Discipline Skills
Fifteen natural opportunities for learners to practice waiting are present in daily life. These opportunities are so natural that they are often missed or taken for granted.
These fifteen skills are:
- Listening
- Following instructions
- Asking questions
- Sharing time, space, people, and things
- Using social skills
- Working cooperatively
- Understanding and explaining reasons for rules
- Accomplishing tasks on your own
- Demonstrating leadership
- Communicating effectively
- Organizing time, space, people, and things
- Resolving problems
- Initiating solutions
- Distinguishing fact from feeling
- Making sacrifices and/or serving others.
This fifteen-skill framework is used to measure growth in self-directed behavior.
Self-Discipline: a Lifelong Process
As a religious educator, I have found that the self-discipline skills offer learners daily examples of how they can live out gospel values. The self discipline framework challenges them to set personal goals and push beyond their comfort level in learning to work with others.
Opportunities to practice these skills extend far beyond the religion session. Children and teens soon notice that being self-disciplined helps them work together and build strong relationships.
Learners of all ages can perform all fifteen skills if they are helped to do so. Each person will find that some skills are easier to master than others. The same is true for adults. Learning the skills of self-discipline is a lifelong process. As we grow and mature, our ability to practice self-discipline changes—hopefully to keep pace with our lives.
Reflect and Share
- What is the difference between discipline and self-discipline?
- What does the phrase “self-discipline means a person’s ability to wait” mean to you? How can you apply this in your religion sessions?
- Choose one or two of the skills. Observe yourself and your learners to see how well you practice them. Doing this will help you choose the skills you need to emphasize.
Jesus Models How We Are to Live and Teach Others
- Be open to change, “conversion.”
- Act on our beliefs.
- Have a positive outlook.
- Develop habits that lead to action.
- Respect freedom.
Barbara C. Vasiloff, co-founder and director of the Discipline with Purpose Program, is a veteran teacher and educational consultant. Her book Teaching Self-Discipline to Children describes the fifteen-skill framework used by educators and parents throughout the United States.
