September 2014

Behavior Management

Tuesday, September 23, 2014

Over the past 10 years I have tried many things for behavior management. Usually, it is a variation of the original clip system, and of course my few lovelies that need their own system, but with ~~age~~ wisdom and Marzano/Kagan training I decided to switch things up 3 years ago.

I wanted to use a point system that was similar to rubrics used in the classroom so that students could self assess themselves. My (what was supposed to be) second year in second grade I had planned on having the students self monitor themselves using gold coins at their desks. They would have 4 coins and depending on their day lose them. This would give them a sense of ownership and it wasn't displayed for all to see. Well, that thought went out the window when I was moved to kindergarten- a land of its own!

So, in my new ~~land of unknown~~ kindergarten classroom I needed something that was simple and would keep a ~~squirrel~~ kindergartener interested. I kept the 4 gold coins but added them to a pot. I also added the most AMAZING incentive I have ever used....Rainbows!

I *probably* originally saw the idea on Pinterest, but that will link you to the brilliant Mrs. Lee.

Build Your Rainbow is their reward system.

The red rainbow piece stays at all times and has their names written on it. Each day they end on a 4, they earn a rainbow piece. When the rainbow is complete they earn treasure box. It's easy and kids LOVE it. My kindergarteners couldn't get enough of it. When I was moved back to second I decided to give it a try.... and apparently second graders LOVE it too!

The other piece of my management system that earns them their rainbow pieces is this....

A snapshot of an in-progress set-up from last year.
Rules are posted above, students had a star with their name on it,
and black ribbon separated the points.

Students begin their day on a 3 (good). If they have shown extra effort, kindness, or AWESOMENESS they move up to a 4. If it is a day that they are struggling to remember the rules they move down to a 2 (fair) or 1 (poor). This is a fluid system and they can move up or down throughout the day. Until recently, I never believed in 'allowing' students to 'earn' back points. However, since trying it, I like it! It gives kids incentive to keep trying and make their day better.

So there you have it. How I do behavior management in room 220. I'm not an expert, but do have experience ;)

~Jenny~

Currently

Monday, September 1, 2014

Linking up with Farley for some....

Currently I should be working on my crazy list of things to do because my headfeelslikeitisgoingtoexplode from it! But, instead I am ignoring it (trying to) and posting this :)

listening

I am obsessed with the Jack Johnson station on Pandora. I am going on week 3 of it, and I cannot get enough. Seriously.Go.Listen. You will not be disappointed!

loving

That pumpkin has made its way back to the menu at Dunkin Donuts (my thighs and butt do not) and that fall is right around the corner. Living in FL your senses to seasons have to be more sensitive. Luckily mine are and I can already see the changes :)

thinking

TOO MUCH! Back to my head is going to explode. Lesson plans need to be done, pacing for the year, formative/summative assessments (that my county kindly did away with last minute) need to be made, and of course there is creating. The list does.not.end.

Determined to SHINE through it all!

wanting

Yeah, my office STILL is not done :(

The curtains are made but not hung

The shelving unit is there but no baskets

Artwork needs to be hung

It saddens me....but at the same time, I don't know that I will utilize it the way I want to. I would love to go in there, close the door, and work! But I also know that I will feel like I am isolated and missing out on my family. Guess I need to finish it first before I can make that decision.

needing

TIME

Not enough time for work

Not enough time for chores

Not enough time for play

Not enough time with the boys

Not enough time with the Mister

Not enough time for ME!

(Please let me know if you find a way to freeze time)

3 trips

Greece- the white buildings and blue water

England- pomp and circumstance

California- road trip along the coast

All on the bucket list. Hopefully sooner rather then later.

Go check out Farley and see what others are currently up to.

~Jenny~

6!?

He's not so little anymore :(

Last year E started kindergarten on his actual birthday. Poor kid now thinks that the first day of school is his birthday. His birthday was during the first week of school (now questioning my reasoning of ensuring delivery before September 1) so he was greeted with his traditional birthday donut.

Poor boy was so tired.... 6am wake up calls are rough!

Sugar had hit and he was ready to celebrate at school!

On Saturday we celebrated with friends and family. This was our first time have a 'friends' party and one that wasn't held at the house. I LOVED being able to walk in and quickly set-up with minimal decorations and at a set time walk out and not have to worry about clean up. It was a beautiful thing!