With all this said, I figured I would ease myself back into the "get to" school scene with a little Linky Party action. I am teaming up with The Applicious Teacher to participate in her weekly idea share. This week's topic is classroom management.
There are THREE major things I use to keep my classroom behaviors in check. They are outlined below in no particular order.
CLIP CHART
Dude! I know this ain't a new thing to most, but this was so powerful for me this year. I picked up Mrs. Stanford's Behavior Chart and dumped the "flipping cards" thing last August . . . best decision I EVER made. I'll be honest. I wasn't too thrilled with trying this . . . was a total naysayer and thought I'd hate using this thing. However, I loved moving the kids up above the Ready To Learn line more than I could have ever imagined (and my babes loved it too). It proved to be a much easier way to manage missteps and truly celebrate those who rock it in the behavior department. One child in particular ate up being up on gold. Please note that he was one of my more "active" babes. I quickly noticed that if I got him up above the green line (gold if possible) before groups kicked off, he was typically good to go for the rest of the day. #workinthesystem
SUPER STUDENT BUCKS
I have used Super Student Bucks for the past 7 years now (grades K-2) and they have worked like a charm for me. Kiddos earn money for all sorts of different reasons - trying their best, helping others, quality work, etc. I also use money to help me keep my kids tuned in during my reading group . . . case in point . . .
In addition to helping the kids stay on track, they are a very powerful math tool. Your sweet babes practice skip counting all year and don't even know it! Take a peak at the overview below for more information.
Are you interested in trying this in your class? Well, you are in luck. This packet is up for grabby grabs in my TPT store for free!!! CLICK HERE to snag the SSB Pack.
HUMOR
Over the years I have found that humor is my secret weapon when it comes to managing behaviors. Don't get me wrong here. I definitely make the kids tow that line and I have no problem re-arranging faces when need be (in a very loving and stern way mind you). However, to reset a kiddo on a minor to mid-level issue, I typically turn to humor once I have them trained. I make sound effects, deliver up a "Duuuuuuddddde" with a silly face, invite good kids to bite the misbehaving kid (NOTE: they don't actually do it), growl, hiss, snort, and use nonsense phrases . . . my go-to this year was "nah-boo-boo." I catch them off guard, they giggle, and nine times out of ten they knock it off. The evil eye always works well too, but humor is much more my style.
Alright my friends. We have thunderstorms approaching and I best get off my cyber box so I don't fry it! Thanks so much for visiting and I'll see you again very soon with Good Morning Work (Math) September and a few other back to school ditties.
