ClassDojo in the Classroom

Hello Everyone,

Today I want to talk to you about ClassDojo.

It's a great FREE tool to use in any classroom 

(especially those with a Smartboard) to help keep track of behavior management.

Here is a little rundown on how and why I use ClassDojo.

I keep the tab open ALL DAY and maximize and minimize as needed. 

Sometimes, ClassDojo is up on the screen for a period. Sometimes, I have to minimize it to show something else but it's ready to go if I need to give or take away points. 

First, you must create your class. Very simple, click on create a class, title your class (your name, group number,  favorite ice cream flavor, whatever suits you best!) and then type in all the names of your students.

Voila, you have a class!

I used a DEMO class for these photos. It's created by ClassDojo to help you practice and play around with the features.

Once you have set up your class, you can create behaviors that you wish to reward and others that need work. You can use the ones that are already provided. You can delete the ones that are already provided. You can add as many as you like and be as specific as you like.

 In fact, the more specific the better!

Now you can start using class dojo!

Now that we know that Halle Berry is absent today we can get started! 

There is a specific sound played each time you add or remove a point. This alerts students to either continue what they're doing or perhaps make a better choice. All that without having to say a word. 

This limits distractions and constant interruptions. 

You can award students individually or you can award a group. If your students are working in centers or they sit in a group then you can award that group all at once! 

You can also award the entire class a point at once. 

You can also monitor how many class points have been earned. When the class earns a certain number of points you can have a group reward.

The same can be said for individual students. At the beginning of the year I reward the students each time they reach 10 points. After September, I reward them after 20 points. After Christmas, we move on to 30 points. When students reach required points you reset their bubbles and they restart at zero.

The best thing about ClassDojo is that parents are involved. They can see how many points their child has earned or lost for the day and why. The more specific you are with your behaviors the less questions you'll receive about those behaviors! You can also send reports home showing data.

You can also communicate with parents directly!

You have the option to send a message to ALL parents or simply message one parents privately and directly. This has made my life so much easier! You wouldn't believe how handy it is to just fire off a quick message to all or answer a quick question from a parent. 

No phone calls, no emails, no notes...

There's even an App for your phone! Which means that the messages are sent to you like a text message (without parents knowing your number) and you can use ClassDojo on field trips, in the hallway, during assemblies, anywhere really! 

The app even shows you who has read the messages so you know which parents have received your information!

Another great feature is the timer. Always handy to have one at your fingertips!

You can even use the timer for point purposes (ex: "If everyone works quietly for five minutes, you will all receive a dojo point."). 

This program is quick and easy. It is visual and appealing. It allows you to communicate with parents easily. It is a great tool to use!

Until next time...

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Keeping Track of Positive Behavior

Hello Everyone,

It's been a while! Winters are rough in Canada! We Canadians tend to hibernate! 

I am excited to be back and most especially because I get to share one of my FAVORITE and most important organization tricks from my classroom.

I'm teaming up with my friends from Primary Powers to share some amazing organization tips to use in almost any classroom! This hop is filled with all kinds of great ideas!

I am a firm believer that positive reinforcement is the most important tool in any classroom. Students respond best to teachers who believe in them and make them feel good about themselves. 

I think it is also important to let parents know when a student has made progress or done something great in class. I like to make sure that each student gets a positive note or call home, every month. The students are so proud and the parents truly appreciate that we take a minute to recognize their child in a positive way.

Sometimes, however, we become preoccupied with all the things we have to get done and forget to send that quick note or make that fast call. This is when my little organization tool comes in handy!

It's basically a little "booklet" that consists of three columns: Student name, check box (to check when the note or call has been made), and a description box (to write down what the student has done). I print a new "booklet" at the beginning of each month and write down the positive behavior next to the student names. These can range from being kind to a friend, to having all of their supplies ready, to moving up a level in reading. Anything that shows growth, progress, improvement, etc... 

At the end of each week, I look at my "booklet" and make sure to inform the parents of these great happenings! Then, I put a check next to the student names. 

I also really like this tool because it makes me aware of who I need to pay more attention to (in a positive way). If it's been three weeks and I haven't found something positive to say about a student, I have to change my approach with that child and find a way to bring out the best in him/her. 

Hope this little trick helps you in your classroom!

It's quick and easy to use and the rewards of telling parents about how great their kids are is wonderful!

Hop on over to First Grade Smiles to read Melissa's great tips on Binder Covers. 

Until next time...

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Behavior Modification Program & Positive Reinforcement

Hello Everyone,

As the first few days of school are behind us, our class is beginning to use the behavior modification program I set up. Routine and structure are my middle name and I am quite regimented in the way I run my classroom. With that said, I also FIRMLY believe in positive reinforcement and spend much of my day praising students and supported their positive behaviors. 

I run a simple behavior modification program, that many of you are probably familiar with.

 I believe in keeping it short, easy, quick, and visual. 

We have FOUR rules.

RAISE YOUR HAND AND WAIT FOR PERMISSION TO SPEAK.

STAY SEATED UNLESS TOLD OTHERWISE.

RESPECT YOURSELF, OTHERS, AND THE CLASSROOM.

DO YOUR BEST AND SMILE. 

These rules encompass a lot and I feel that 4 is a good number. Students do not have to worry about remembering dozens of rules and the rules that are important are simple, clear, and to the point. 

They are displayed in our classroom and we go over them regularly.

I use the program as follows...

Students begin the day with a green card in their pocket, if they have trouble following class rules, they change their card. They receive TWO warnings (2 yellow cards). After two warnings, they lose their recess (orange card). If they are still having a difficult time, they must change their card to red (note home) and finally blue (visit to the principal). This almost never happens, but when it does, I ALWAYS follow through. It is important to keep your word, whether it be for something positive or for a consequence. Students must understand that you are in charge and what you say matters. 

No empty threats from this teacher! They DO NOT work!

It can sometimes be difficult, however you must always follow through. In the long run, it really works out! Last year I had a difficult group. Tantrums, running out of class, foul language, were a regular occurrence at the beginning of the year. With constant structure and follow through, the behavior improved and after some time all I needed to do was look at my students and they turned their negative behavior right around! It was hard work and sometimes I just wanted to give in, but I didn't and in the end it paid off! 

Take your time at the beginning of the year. You do not need to rush into activities and worry about getting things done. Setting structure, routine, and behavior expectations is crucial at this time of year and the time you spend now will be returned mid-year when your class is running smoothly. Practice, practice, practice! Demonstrate the expected behaviors and PRAISE them when they display it. 

I use these fun, clear containers from the dollar store to display all the wonderful prizes students can receive when they do behave appropriately. They LOVE to go to the prize box and I LOVE to send them there! Each time a student demonstrates exceptional behavior, I ask them to put a stick in their pocket (6 sticks = 1 prize). What I like about this system is that even if they have had a difficult day and have changed their cards, they can still get a positive by putting a stick. This is great for those students who have trouble letting go and/or "turning it around." I give students sticks for remembering class routines (I always have a few who need to be constantly reminded), following directions, working hard, helping out, being kind, etc... I love to make a big deal about everything good that they do and they feel so good about themselves when I do. It's a win/win situation! 

You can grab a free copy of my Prize Jar labels right over HERE.  

Be sure to display them somewhere visible. This will remind students about what they are working towards. 

Until next time...

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