I believe in positive behavior management. My basic expectations for classroom behavior are: respect for self and others, materials and rules; be prepared; honesty; and self-control. I have a number of strategies I incorporate. One is a point based system where student's names are entered in a "generally good" zone. If they behave higher than basic expectations, their name is moved up and they can receive points and rewards. If behavior falls below the basic expectations, they receive minus points according to behavior. If behavior is severe but not requiring office intervention, I note it in an assignment book, behavior report, etc. Any behavior in violation of school rules (violence, skipping, etc)  is dealt with according to school policy.
        The second is individual daily tickets for students staying on task, correctly answering questions, doing something helpful, etc. At the end of the day, I draw a set number of names, depending on the number of students in the class. If they have minus points they lose a drawing. Rewards can range from pencils and little gadgets or supplies for class to treats.
        Another, my most appreciated, is a group reward system. I try to keep this on a monthly theme, but it is a weekly system. When students are seated in a group pattern, I put a container in the center of each group. Using some type of token, as groups are staying on task, being prepared, helpful, etc., I place the same number of tokens as there are members in the group in the container. At the end of the week just before release on Friday, I count the tokens in each container. The two groups with the highest count get to select from bags I have clipped to a chain. The bags may contain anything from gadgets  to disposable cameras. I usually put three to four items in each bag and they rarely contain the same things. (I am becoming a regular investor of Oriental Trading!)
        I have found a weekly report home to parents helpful. I identify any specific problems during the week, absences, missing homework, other concerns, or praise. By requiring parents to sign and return the form, I know the parents are aware of what is going on in class. I also like to do parent/class newsletters and would like to have a class Web site. I will experiment with any methods I can find to create a positive and encouraging working environment.