The adage "The squeaky wheels get the grease" too often holds true in schools. In many schools, many misbehaving students get the bulk of the staff's attention. In such a climate, educators can easily overlook students' positive behaviors.
Students gain special recognition when they do something positive - in or out of the classroom - that benefits the school or community. My students' parents get a phone call from me whenever their child does something good in class. Then they get an "End of Advisory Certificate of Recognition" which gives them plus Pride Points from their homeroom teachers. The certificates remain posted in the class bulletin board until the Parent Teacher Conferences wherein their parents personally pick up the certificate of recognition.
This program in my class is to give recognition and focus more on positive behaviors. The criteria for behaviors worthy of positive referral are open- ended to allow as many as possible to be recognized.
It is a great way to recognize the little things that happen that help make a great environment. This program has been newly implemented this school year but the students and parents are showing positive response to this.
CLASSROOM REWARDS I USE
Tangible Reinforcers
Posters
Stickers
Pencils
Books
certificates of recognition
Activity Reinforcers
hall passes
display work
do artwork
sharpen pencils
independent study activity
work in "quiet corner"
computer time
play board games/ card games
watch videos
preferred sitting
work with a peer on a classwork
draw
Help the Teacher
Construct bulletin boards
pass out materials
collect papers
do research on the internet
tutor othe students
take attendance
arrange furniture
clean the classroom
use the computer
Social Reinforcers
grades
smiles, nods, hugs
certificate of merit
wink, eye contact
stickers
approval
encouragement
positive comments on papers
applause
positive non verbal gestures
drawings on papers, smiling faces
pats on the back
check marks
being asked opinions, advice
Recognition
Letters/ positive referrals to parents
work displayed photograph posted on Bulletin Boards
stars
Intrinsic Reinforcers
Fun
Meeting goals
Learning (for the sake of learning)
relaxation, quiet time in the classroom
novelty, surprises
self-satisfaction
feeling of success
enjoyment of their work posted
self improvement
openness
having options, alternatives
playfulness
self awareness
constructive feedback
achivement
HOME VISITS
The homevisits also introduced me to the community that my students live in. I was able to talk in a casual way to the family members and get to know my students in a more personal way. I can positively see that this will create a good working relationship with the parents of my students.
Source: Classroom Teacher's Survival Guide: Practical Strategies, Management Techniques, and Reproducibles for New and Experienced Teachers
5 comments:
Ms Angala -- I am very impressed by your students' poetry. I can tell they are speaking from their hearts. My blog is about science, technology and society. You're welcome to visit anyway.
Ms. Angala:
My name is Adam Maksl and I am a graduate student and freelance journalist at Ball State University in Muncie, Ind. I am writing an article talking about blogs and how they are being used positively in education. I saw your posting on the NWP blog project site. I also took a look at your students’ “Digital Anthology” blog. I would like to talk to you about your use of blogs in teaching.
I would like to talk to you over the phone for this story. Would you have time during the next few days when I might be able to call you? Please let me know as soon as possible. Thank you.
Adam M.
Graduate Student
Department of Journalism
Ball State University
Muncie, Indiana 47306
Maria,
I think Kanisha and Tra's poetry convey my emotions today. I seem to be going through a haze as I cope with end of the year events on my job. It is only by reflecting on who I am that I have been able to emerge into the light. Please encourage these talented students to continue to share their thoughts. They certainly brightened my day.
Sincerely,
Catherine Thomas
I tried to contact you through your blog but was unsuccessful. Perhaps I need a tutorial. Anyway, I wanted to say that I kiss your feet and the feet of your students. This amazing prose needs to come together into a book. Let's seriously publish. I'm in! Tell your students they're stars!
Love,
Susan
Hi Ms Angela,
Your blogging passion brought me here.
I like to know if you are still single. Nop I mean i like your blog and my i ask if you could give me a link back to my blog http://depedteacher.blogspot.com because your blog is already in my list. Not just because of your writing but because of your bxxxxy. hmmm.
let me know your fe
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