Anyone who has ever been around a group of children has learned rather quickly that chaos can and will reign supreme unless a good conduct plan is implemented.
I believe in using huge amounts of positive reinforcement and praise rather than yelling and writing office referrals. I find that it is best to lose a small battle and win the war than lose control of a situation with an enraged or upset child. I try to take a step back and approach the child later..when we are both calmer and ready to resolve whatever difficulties we are having. I believe that educators must set a good example for our young charges. We all know they learn best by example. I hope that my students always feel safe, loved, and capable of awesome accomplishments in my classroom.
So..What do I do to achieve some peace in our little space of the world? Each child has his own pocket on our Good Conduct bulletin board. (Yes..I LOVE library pockets..they are the coolest organizational tool you can have in a classroom!) Each pocket has cards labeled E, S+, S, S-, N, and U. If a child breaks a class rule,then the child must pull a card. They can easily see their conduct go from an E(excellent) to an S+(satisfactory plus). They immediately relate their behavior to their conduct grade. If a child keeps at least an S for the day, they are rewarded with some small token or treat. Anything from an S- down results in notes or calls home, timeouts , or an office visit. I reserve office visits for serious infractions only. Violence of any kind results immediately in an office visit and an N or U in conduct. Consistency is the key!
Am I human? Oh yes! I have raised my voice a few times in the classroom, fussed at a child when it would have been best to back away for a bit, or generally been grumpier than I should be. But I do know this..I am much happier and relaxed when I am consistent with our behavior plan and follow what I know in my heart to be the best course of action.
bad advice I received when I began teaching...
Do you respond better to someone who looks and acts like the grinch or someone who treats you with dignity and respect? Really! Smile alot! You'll be amazed at what it can do..in any situation.
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