management

My philosophy of managing student behavior in the classroom begins with helping children learn to be responsible for their own choices. Appropriate behavior is modled and is expected so that everyone in the classroom is respected. Conflict resolution strategies are discussed daily.

I have three rules in my classroom:
        1.) Never hurt anyone on the inside or the outside.
        2.) Treat others as you want to be treated.
        3.) Use good manners.

In the beginning of the year and at times throughout the year, I ask the children to come up with suggestions that would help the students in our classroom do their best learning. Children know what they need to do. They just need re-direction (as do us all) once in a while. Making mistakes is a part of learning!

I use positive management strategies such as praise for a job well done. For those students who are more visual in their learning, I use the stoplight system. Everyone starts each and every day on a green light. Yellow light is a warning and reminds students to pay more attention to the choices they are making. Red light means stop. There is a consequence for red light behavior. Students have opportunities to earn having their name put on the board by demonstrating examplary behavior. We also work on rewarding ourselves (by saying good job me and patting ourselves on the back, etc . . .) when we are making good choices.

I will upon occasion set up behavior management systems with students, but this will be done only after consult with the child's parents. In all behavior management systems, children are asked to think perhaps a little bit more about the choices they make and how they can change what doesn't work. Specific patterns may be targeted for improvement.

Part of facilitiating a learning environment that is fun, safe and risk-free is accepting the truth that making mistakes is a part or growing. Children in my classroom know that each day brings new possibilities. They know they are respected and valued for who they are.