Over the years it seems I am always
searching for a better behavior management plan. I’m always looking for one
that is more manageable and more motivating for the students. Alas, I
think I have finally landed on one that is both!
“The Good”
This is where the polite, rule
following, helpful little second graders get their chance to shine. Who
doesn’t want a little recognition throughout their day of all the great things
they do? Whenever I see one of my ever so well behaved students doing a kind
deed, following directions, being helpful, and acting in a polite manner, I
give them a “treasure ticket.” I downloaded a clipart of a treasure box
and printed about 500 of them each about the size of a 1 inch square. I
laminated them for sturdiness and shine and they became the “currency” of my
classroom. I keep them in little red tin box on my desk as well as load
up my pockets with them at the start of each day. I can not tell you how
many I have emptied onto my dresser at night or sent through the washing machine…
When the students collect 10
“Treasure Tickets” they are able to trade them in for a trip to the Treasure
Chest…
Here is the outside ….
Here is the inside…
A little side story of where this
“Treasure Chest” came from. During my second year of teaching, I came
home one night from work and was telling my husband (then boyfriend) how I
needed to find a “Treasure Chest” for my classroom prizes. I was thinking
of a large tupperware bin with a fancy sign glued to it, marked “Treasure Chest.”
”Nah, he said I’ll make you one.” A few cardboard boxes and several
hours later, this is what was sitting in my living room. My jaw dropped because
this faaaarrrr exceeded my tupperware bin idea. I am blessed to have the
craftiest husband. One of the many reasons I married him.
Filling this “Treasure Chest” seemed
like a daunting task. It is big enough to fit a small person inside so
how will a bunch of bouncy balls, pencils, and stickers look exciting. I
had a lot of luck raiding the Target $1 bins and collecting Happy Meal Toys
from my nephews. The best way of keeping it full without dipping too far
into my own “Treasure Chest” is asking for donations from the parents at the
start of each year. I can’t believe how wonderfully generous parents are
at sending in treats to fill it up.
“The Bad”
I really don’t like saying “the bad”
because well my students really aren’t “bad.” Sometimes they need a little
reminder about the direction their behavior is going but nothing that a little
behavior plan can’t help direct them to correct. This year I started with
something new. I was inspired by several of my colleagues as well as other
blogs I read. I definitely can’t take any credit for this one but I am
happy to share my adaptation of it.
It takes up very little bulletin
board space and what I love about it are several things.
1. It is very easy to manage. I
don’t have to keep track of anything because the board does it itself.
2. The kids take ownership of
their actions by physically moving their clothespin from one kite to another
kite.
3. It’s anonymous to anyone who
walks in the room. Each student in the class is assigned a number which is what
is written on the clothespin. Of course by the second week of school all the
kids have memorized each other’s number assignment but I reassure them that if
a parent, another teacher, or an administrator walks in, no one will know it is
them.
4. Some versions I have come across
online of this system of managing behavior have an overwhelming number of
options. Personally, my motto is to keep things simple.
When a student reaches the “Think Sheet Kite.” He or she is required to fill out a think sheet which must be
signed by a parent/guardian and returned the next day.
The “Whole Class Reward”
Nothing motivates the kids to behave
positively more than a little friendly competition. This is why I feel
the “Whole Class Reward” is so important. This poster board does it all.
The students in the class are divided into 4 groups (which change at the
beginning of every month). The groups compete to earn points on the
scoreboard. They earn them by doing kindnesses, following directions, and
working cooperatively. Then there are the little teacher driven
competitions. Such as, “which group can line up for lunch the most quietly?
Which group is ready to begin Math first?” At the end of each month we tally up
the points and the winning group gets an immediate trip to the “Treasure
Chest.” Another great feature of the scoreboard is that it reinforces math
skills daily. Each team is required to communicate a number sentence
before adding points to the scoreboard. For example if the Blue Team has just
earned 5 points, they must tell me a number sentence first 42 + 5 = 47.
I have to say that with this behavior
management system in place I have little disruptions in the class and most
importantly it is an easy system to keep up with all year. In the past I’ve
used behavior management plans that both the students and I begin to lose motivation
to follow. I finally found one I can stick with. Until next year that is
when I can’t resist trying something new.
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