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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Keeping Track of Awesomeness - Positive Notes to Parents

Good Morning Everyone, 

I'm so excited to link up (AGAIN) with some F-A-B-U-L-O-U-S bloggers in yet another amazing Bright Ideas Blog Hop! 

This is such a great way to get, well, BRIGHT ideas!

This month's BRIGHT idea is one that I use all year round. It is also a great tool to use in any classroom and at any grade level. 

I call it: Keeping Track of Awesomeness - Positive Notes to Parents! 

It all began when I taught a behavior class and had to communicate with parents daily. I found myself reporting many of the negative aspects of the day and forgetting the positives that had occurred. 

I was fortunate to attend a workshop for new teachers and left with quite a few tricks under my sleeve, including, Keeping Track of Awesomeness. I have been using this idea ever since.

It is quite simple. Make a copy of your class list, write the month of the year, and start ticking. This log ensures that, each month, I write a positive note for each of my students. 

Everyday, I select a different student to encourage and then tick off their name on the list. Voila!

I also like to write down what I wrote so that I can keep track from month to month. I like to vary my notes from academic, to behavior, to organization, etc... 

Another great idea I picked up at this workshop, is to staple "less desirable" notes in the agenda rather than write them directly inside. This ensures that students do not feel as though the negative note is something permanent. They make a mistake, their parents are informed, we move on. 

I hope you enjoyed this BRIGHT idea! Please consider joining me on Facebook, Instagram, and my Teacher Store.

For more bright ideas from 150 different bloggers, please browse through the link-up below and choose a topic/grade level that interests you. Thanks for visiting!

Until next time...

An InLinkz Link-up

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Quick and Easy Positive Reinforcement Idea

Hi Everyone,

I'm so excited to be linking up with some FANTABULOUS bloggers in the Bright Ideas Blog Hop!

Today, I will be sharing a quick and easy tip for positive reinforcement.

This year, I was faced with a challenge! My class is quite rambunctious, to say the least, and I have some behavior difficulties that can be tough to manage. 

The behavior consultant from our school board has been a great help and shared this idea with me. It really works and it so quick and efficient.

Place a pencil holder on a bookcase or desk. Be sure to place it somewhere where the student in question will have a direct and good view of it. Place 3 or 4 pencils, popsicle sticks, or in this case, flower pens in it. 

It is essential to have a discussion with the student before you begin this strategy. We sat down with our student and explained that we wanted to work on staying seated during class time. We told her that she will have four chances (i.e. four flower pens) during each period. Each time she gets up, the teacher removes one pen. At the end of the period, we check to see if there are any pens left. If so, the student receives a small prize and praise. Prizes can be as simple as a sticker, 10 minutes on the computer, read a book to the class, etc... The list goes on and on! If there are NO remaining pens, then there is no prize, but also NO negative feedback. 

This works great for those students who do not respond well to consequences. There is no reprimand for emptying the pencil holder, but not praise either. This helps alleviate anxiety and stress.

What I really like about this strategy, is that it is not disruptive to the class. There is no need to call upon the student or stop the lesson each time he/she misbehaves. Simply walk by and remove a pen without talking or interrupting your lesson. It is also great because the other students are unaware of the reminder/cue. The student is not being singled out in front of his/her peers. 

It is QUICK, EASY, & POSITIVE!

Keep on hopping and check out the next BRIGHT IDEA over at Seusstastic. 

Mel D. is a first grade teacher with FABULOUS ideas!

Her post is all about Classroom Management. 

Until next time...

An InLinkz Link-up

An InLinkz Link-up

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Positive Reinforcement Makes Everyone Happy!

Hello Everyone,

As the first few days of school are behind us and my students and I settle into our classroom procedures and routines, we have been working towards EARNING a great prize. Cookies! I mean what better treat than cookies right?!

I use the card and stick method for student individual behavior tracking. It is very simple and to the point. When students are following the rules, they have a green card. When they have difficulties following the rules, they have to change their card. I use yellow, orange, red, and blue cards. We rarely see red (note home) and blue (visit the principal) cards!! Thank goodness! Yellow cards are warnings and orange cards mean loss of recess. I never take the entire recess away because I feel that the kiddies need a break, fresh air, social time with friends, and well, let's face it, they definitely need to RUN! 

What is most important is that the rules are clearly indicated. I have four. If we have too many rules, the students get confused and forget. I also display the consequences and the rewards. I give them ALL the information they need in order to have a positive and successful day. No surprises!

What I like about this method is that it is visual. I also like to use the sticks because even if a student has had a difficult morning, they can still receive positive reinforcement and maybe even get a prize. I'm all about "turning it around" and making it right. If a child is able to change their negative behavior and let go of a negative situation, I am happy. Moving on and continuing to have a good day is very important. And don't be worried about social stigmas when students have a yellow or orange card. We discuss the importance of "worrying about ourselves." I also find that when the students are responsible for changing their card, they then are also taking responsibility for their behaviour. 

When the students have five sticks (colored popsicle sticks), they receive a prize. One of my little rambunctious second graders earned a prize, just the other day. He chose a mini note pad. He wrote  "This is the best day" in his note pad and carried it everywhere. Little monkey melted my heart! 

I also like to use a class behavior chart in conjunction with the individual behaviour modification programs. Last year, my classroom attendant came up with a great way to encourage the students to work well together, and chat less when working. We created a puzzle and wrote a class reward underneath the pieces.

 Each time we have a good period we take off a puzzle piece and, slowly but surely, the students discover what the reward is! Once all the puzzle pieces have been removed, we have our special prize. Sometimes it's a movie, or extra recess time. In this case, it's a cookie party! Yay! 

I created a few variations of the puzzle.

 You can grab a free copy of my Positive Reinforcement Puzzles HERE!

You can also grab a free copy of my rules, consequences, and rewards HERE!

Until next time...

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Positive Reinforcement Ideas

Hi All!
       With my favorite holiday approaching (I absolutely LOVE Halloween), I have been spending countless hours and dollars at the dollar store and party shops. I have come to realize that these places are little gold mines for positive reinforcement!
        I am a firm believer in positive reinforcement and absolutely adore that my little kiddies respond so well to praise! They work so hard and appreciate the compliments that are shared with them every 2 to 3 minutes! Hehe! If you walk down the cycle one hallway you will hear constant praise and displays of affection. "You're a star!" "WOW!" "You're Amazing!" "I love how great you're working!" "Give yourself a pat on the shoulder!" etc... etc... etc.. They LOVE it and I LOVE praising them and focusing on the positive.
        As I am most certain that anyone reading this post feels exactly the same way, I thought I'd share some adorable ideas with you! Keep in mind that if you are unable to find any of these items, they can be easily recreated by a crafty person (which most of us teachers are).

       The kiddies absolutely love these! Gold Medals for great workers! I also like to give these out for kind acts and positive behavior. They are so proud to walk around with their medal and show it to everyone. It also generates a lot of attention from other teachers and peers. They almost always stop and congratulate the student on their medal and ask about why they received it. The students share the reason and thus this reinforces the positive behavior and instills a sense of great pride for the student. These little treasures are oh so cute and cost $1.00 for a pack of 4. How can you go wrong?!

    
        Another great find are these amazing giant ribbons! I love that they say winner because the word can represent so many different meanings. The kiddies often associate winning with sports, games and more specifically with being "the best"or "number 1" at certain tasks or activities. I think it's important for students to understand that being a winner can mean so much more than coming in first or scoring the most goals. They should know that hard work is rewarding and that when they put great effort into their work, they can achieve great successes. I also think that it's crucial for students to distinguish the importance of making wise choices with regards to their actions and behavior. They are also winners when they make a positive choice or decision. These ribbons certainly make a statement! Once again they receive a great amount of positive attention when sporting these sweet "little" ribbons and are often asked to share why they have received them.
         Finally, I must share the most amusing positive reinforcement tool that I have had the pleasure to use in my classroom. When a student does a great job, I shake this little toy and it's like a mini party for the student! The noise generates interest from fellow students and the confetti adds a nice little touch! The students react well to this form of praise and tend to join in by clapping or saying "good job". I love how my kiddies are so supportive of one another and demonstrate genuine pride and happiness when a classmate succeeds! I believe it has much to do with the "bucket filling" http://www.amazon.ca/Have-You-Filled-Bucket-Today/dp/0978507517 that the first grade teacher implemented last year and plan on applying this concept again this year. Mrs. Leslie Rocks! (http://www.firstgradefrenzy.com/)

 I hope these ideas can be of some use to at least some of you out there! Enjoy, and keep praising those kiddies. A favorite quote of mine states: "They may not remember what you taught them, but will always remember how you made them feel." What better way to treat them, than to make them feel special, proud, exceptional, and most importantly happy.

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