Give your students a list of "TO DO's", instead of a list of "DON'Ts". Teach, practice and model what you expect.
Praise students for positive group behaviors, with and without being prompted..."I caught you being good", situations.
When addressing a negative or inappropriate behavior use phrases such as "I really need your help". Focus on the positives, on the strengths and qualities of individual students or the class as a group.
"I know that you are a bright kid, but..." Address the negative behavior, but empower the child to be a positive part of the solution. Teach students to be self-correcting, "What is it that you should be doing right now?"
Positively reinforce those students who regularly engage in the appropriate expected behaviors.
Use behavior situations as teachable moments. We want students to learn from their experiences and make appropriate choices.
TREATS
Don't forget to call parents who 90% of the time only get called when their child misbehaves to tell them their child had a GREAT day. Parents need that positive reinforcement too.
Take time each afternoon after your students leave, if humanly possible, to engage in some talk time with your teacher assistant (if you're lucky enough to have one) or, a fellow teacher. Just verbally "walk through the day"…what worked, what didn't, the victories, the crisis, exchange ideas or just listen to each other. My teacher assistant and I got into this habit very early in our partnership. Yes, there was always a mountain of paperwork, phone calls, meetings to make, but we purposely set this time aside. We had the classroom for severely behavior/emotionally disordered students, and it was vital therapy for us each afternoon. It is a wonderful way to "unload" the stress and emotional baggage of the day, so you won't take it home.
Treat yourself to a cup of very hot tea and chocolate (ANY kind) after a very long and hair raising day!
Suggestions for Rewards and Reinforcers
Primary Students
Stickers
Tokens
Points
Praise
Popcorn or ice cream parties
Teacher's helper
Candy
Applause
Run errands
Certificates
Time with teacher
Play a game
Stamps
Student of the Week
Using colored chalk
Extra points
Teacher attends student's social or sporting event
Watching a video
Sitting beside a friend
Food or treat coupons
Extra computer time
Secondary Students
Peer tutoring
Lunch picnic
Lunch delivered
Extra time in high interest areas (shop, art P.E., library)
Have a soda
Use a camera (take a roll of film and have it developed)
