As you find yourself teaching and reteaching expectations and practicing procedures here is a list of 5 behavior motivators for students to keep in mind:
1. Start by Creating Clear Expectations and Setting a Positive Classroom Culture
Most behavior issues can be eliminated by setting clear expectations for students and creating a positive classroom environment. Two things that I do to keep a positive classroom culture are shout outs and bucket fillers.
Shout outs is a time of the day when teachers and students recognize another person in the classroom for an academic or behavior reason. For example, "I would like to give a shout out to Suzy for organizing the classroom library during recess."
Bucket fillers are similar to shout outs. Read the story Have You Filled a Bucket Today? by Carol McCloud. Talk with students about how everyone has an invisible bucket that they carry around with them. We can either be bucket fillers by saying and doing positive things for others or a bucket dipper by saying or doing negative things to others. You can choose to have a physical representation of this in the classroom such as a bucket for students to fill up with slips of paper to recognize and encourage other students.
2. Positive Reinforcement is More Effective than Negative Reinforcement
For example substitute, "you guys should be able to line up in 10 seconds" with "do you think we can do better? I think we can line up in 10 seconds. Let's try it again."
Set goals with students. I write these goals on the board just like an objective to remind students what we are working towards.
3. Have a Class Compliment Chart
In my classroom I have a laminated hundreds chart that we use as our compliment chart. When the students get a compliment from another teacher or administrator we draw out numbers and those numbers are then crossed off the chart.
If another teacher gives the students a compliment we draw out three numbers, if the compliment is from an administrator we draw out five numbers, and if it is from a substitute teacher we draw out ten numbers. Students can earn compliments for being quiet in the hallways, following directions during specials, as well as other good behaviors that are recognized.
When students get ten numbers in a row they earn whatever reward was agreed upon. My students voted to earn a sports party.
4. Have students Earn Points
It seems so simple, but students love to earn points in their table groups. As a teacher it also helps students hold each other accountable. The table that earns the most points at the end of the week can earn lunch with the teacher or whatever agreed upon reward.
My students are not in table groups often enough to earn points. However, I use points when lining up. I have two lines. Students can earn points for their line by being quiet and straight. The line with the most points gets to go into the lunchroom first.
5. Leadership List
Have a secret list of students that are following directions throughout the day. When we go out to recess I recognize those students on my list and let them go play first. Students love the mystery behind this motivator, and it is a great way to recognize and reward students for their leadership.
Remember to stay consistent, keep it positive, and try out some of these positive behavior hacks. Share your favorite behavior motivators in the comments. I hope your year is getting off to a great start teacher friends!
-Carly
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