Languages of discipline in early childhood settings in Guyana

This report examines bottlenecks impeding desirable discipline practices in Guyana, with specific focus on the impact pedagogical training has in shaping early childhood practitioners' practices during interaction with children's stimulation and learning programmes. Targeting disciplinary approaches through an ethnographic-type case study, this report offers insight into languages of alternative discipline not explored or reported by studies investigating the issue in Guyana. The culturally significant languages of discipline captured in the report as smart gaffs' and serious talks' describe extended, engaging and cognitively challenging interactions between practitioner and children as they solve and clarify discipline problems, disputes and conflicts. Sharing characteristics of ethical and respectful pedagogical practice, smart gaffs' and serious talks' are positioned within the discourse of desirable discipline tactics. Consequently, the report provides the kind of tried and proven' replacement strategies called for by the Guyana Teachers' Union before they agree to halt the practice of corporal punishment in schools.