Behavior Management
I have a proactive approach to behavior management. Management needs to be very fluid and adapt to the personality of each class. Below explains a few strategies I use to keep the classroom environment organized and positive.
Classroom Wide Behavior Management System
During the first days of school, I introduced the classroom proactive behavior management system which is based on the idea of "catching students being good."
Any time a student is on task, follows directions, or is helpful to his or her classmates, he or she may be rewarded by placing a stamp or sticker on their "Two Thumbs Up" chart! (See right). Once the chart is filled up (10 spaces), they are allowed to choose out of our class prize box.
Not only has this system helped increase positive behavior, but it also teaches the students responsibility (they must keep track of their stamps) and reinforces numerous math concepts: counting, addition, place value.
I have seen great success with this method as it is an easy way to redirect student behavior. Once a student is rewarded with a stamp, all the others model that student's behavior to try to earn one as well.
Individual Behavior Management System
For students in need of a more individualized management system, I have developed a sticker reward system.
To begin, I consult with the parents about what rewards at home can be given to the student to encourage their behavior at school. I then talk with the student about my expectations for them. The expectations are always concise and easy to understand. Then I make a booklet for that student to decorate and explain that each day they meet their expectations they will earn a sticker. If a student earns 4/5 stickers for the week, their reward is given at home by their parents.
Each day, the student is reminded of the expectations. If the expecations are not met consistently throughout the day, the student is not given a sticker. Instead, I write a note in the booklet so the parents know why their child did not earn a sticker.
This system has worked well for a few reasons. First, the student sees that I work as a team with their parents since his or her behavior at school determines whether they receive a reward at home. Also it serves as a daily visual reminder for the student which helps keep him or her motivated to meet the expectations.
Weekly Reports
Weekly reports are sent home every Friday. They are a brief overview of each student's performance academically and behaviorally each week. (Each student is given a smiling, straight or frowning face and a brief note is written). These reports help keep parents encouraged about all the positive things their child is doing as well as inform them about areas that could be improved. I have received nothing but positive feedback from my parents about the reports.
Example Weekly Report:
Compliment Chain
As a class-wide, positive behavior plan, the class has a "Compliment Chain." Anytime the class, as a whole, receives a compliment from an outside party (teacher, principal, parent) we add a link to our chain. Once the chain reaches our goal, the entire class receives an award!I have found this builds great class rapport, encourages positive behavior and team work. It also supports math concepts as we count and estimate the links to guess how many more are needed to reach our goal.
