Praising positive behavior seems to work better for me rather than focusing on negative behaviors. I have never heard the term positive behavior supports (PBS) before, but this is basically my motto in the classroom. My first principal was a firm believer that you spent the first two weeks of school establishing rules, routines, and procedures. She wanted us to concentrate this time on making clear expectations so that meaningful learning, especially since it was a Title 1 school, take could place the rest of the year. I have continued this process ever since and have had very few discipline issues in my classroom. Throughout the day, I display a digital timer on the Promethean board. The countdown really helps students learn to manage their time. Another term I had not heard before was tootling. Every spring, when students begin to tire of one another's company, I display a caterpillar titled "Watch Me Grow". Every time a student is kind to someone, they place a circle (caterpillar body part) on the wall with a note of praise. Second graders really get into this and it encourages good citizenship, which is a second grade social studies standard. Students, teachers, and visitors to our building enjoy seeing our sense of community.
Currently, I am experiencing some turbulence with smooth transitions, such as packing up in the afternoons. Students are eager to talk and relax at the end of the day, but we go to recess at this time and end up having to shave time off the outside time. As students and I get comfortable with each other, I ease up on the procedures and after a while it shows. The mornings run smooth as silk, but after lunch my students become lively. I admire teachers that can implement a token economy for the entire class. This seems like such an overwhelming process, therefore I shy away from it. I have used it in the past for a special needs child, and it was extremely effective. One child is very manageable, however monitoring 24 students every behavior seems like an exhausting system of classroom management.
A quote I keep on my desk says "Attitudes are contagious, is yours worth catching?" This is placed here to remind me that my attitude affects every student in the classroom. I LOVE the idea of the Color Wheel and plan on creating one, on the poster maker, for my classroom. This should help my class with transitions, as well as reiterate the other procedures that may have not been enforced as strictly as needed. In addition, the Daily Point Sheet on page 129 is a wonderful tool to use to monitor a student who is experiencing behavior issues. I am using a much simpler version of this right now with a student, but really like the details covered in this chart.
Abbey,
ReplyDeleteYour first principal's firm belief in establishing rules, routines, and procedures within the first two weeks of school is the exact advice all of my professors in undergrad gave us. We were always told it is possible to lighten up, but impossible to tighten up. This has proven true in your classroom! I really liked your "Watch Me Grow" caterpillar that you use during the middle of the year as students (and teachers) begin to tire and fall into the motions. I think this is a great way to not only reenergize the students, but the teacher as well!
I think the afternoon pack-up time is a problem with lots of teachers. I know my third grade team was just talking about this last week. One of the teachers took her class back to the classroom after lunch to practice how to pack-up to go home. I know some teachers that do use the tokens for the entire class. I worry that I would not be consistant with it. I know that my afternoons are jammed teaching shared reading, finishing math, social studies, and science. I would push giving out earned tokens to the back burner. It's a great idea if one followed through. I really liked the idea of tootling. I have a Tattle Jar, but I am going to change it to a Tootle Jar! I, too, am going to use the point sheet for one of my ADHD students. I'm going to let him earn daily stars for positive behavior.
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