When we return to class on Tuesday, my little friends will notice the absence of the behavior chart.
Matt Gomez-"Reward Free Year" and Amy Night-"Too High A Price" have shared their thoughts on not publicly posting behavior in the classroom and I'm listening.
What changed my mind? More than a few things have made me rethink my management tool. When MissJ moved her name straight to the bottom, instead of one color down, I thought, "This isn't helping her.". When MrJ said, "So what if I move down a color? Mrs.P will give me grace.", I cocked an eyebrow. When I forgot to move 'em all up at a certain point on any given day, someone would remind me that the chart is ever before our eyes. The treasure chest will also be given a big "Buh-Bye". When all but one student earned dips into the chest for completing the February choice homework calendar, I knew that the one student would be devastated. (Yes, there are times to remain firm with expected completion dates, but extenuating circumstances do exist. I chose to honor February's met goals with a different privilege.)
If your class is similar to mine, the same handful of students are not hitting the top color on the chart, on a daily basis. And the others are. A certain smugness has grown around my top-of-the-chart students. At the same time, I can see a reckless giddiness mounting in the friends who routinely drop down the rainbow. I would hate to be tracked in this way, in my job. I would be discouraged if my coworkers expected me to be late for work most days, causing my nametag to be moved down the rainbow chart. I would prefer that my boss meet with me on a regular basis, discuss goal-setting and offer constructive feedback. So, that's what I'm going to do with my little friends.
Let me be honest, a few children have issues that will still present a problem and I plan to help these children in changing those behaviors. Maybe my plan will falter, but I have to try. I'll let y'all know how it goes! To round out this post, I'd like to share my new favorite song, "Words" by Hawk Nelson.
(check out the video on their website)
Since my class happens to be The.Chattiest.Bunch.EVER (I should trademark that phrase), I'm using the chorus during Bible time, throughout April, to learn more about the power of our words.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts! I think you have hit the nail on the head. Your students are lucky to have a teacher who puts their needs first. Let us know how this change goes. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your thoughts! I'm thrilled that you stopped by!!
ReplyDeleteThis same thought has been running through my head all week! I think I may have to follow your lead and take down my chart before class starts Monday. I'm worried about losing that little bit of help that my behavior chart can sometimes give, but... well, we'll see!
ReplyDeleteWe'll do it together!
DeleteI've been wanting to remove my chart, too! Sadly, my students love it and would be devastated if I removed it!The good news is I make sure every one of them moves to the top of the chart by the end of the day! My group is quite chatty, too! When I sit back and listen to them I hear kindness and thoughtful processing of information so I feel like the chattiness is a good thing!
ReplyDeleteJenny
I'm working on a mini personalized version of the rainbow colors, to use with each child, privately. I know I'm lucky to have a small class and can even consider the possibility of doing this one-on-one!
DeleteUnfortunately, my chatty class has strong opinions that are not grounded in love. We've been working on this all year. Sometimes I have parent help in this area, and other times I do not. What do you do when a five-year-old decides on the first day of school to not like another student--for no discernible reason? Despite numerous days filled with emotional/social coaching, etc., this child has stubbornly clung to that stance. Most of our chatting (at inappropriate times) is centered around this problem. Because everyone has something to say about it, in ten seconds flat.
I may have a post in there, somewhere!
Love your thoughts Chrissy. I think behavior charts are like unexamined wallpaper. Most teachers use them simply because that's what others do and they haven't taken the time to examine their use like you have here. :)
ReplyDelete❀ Tammy
Forever in First
it is always good to see you!! I hope you like the song :-)
DeleteI guess I am one of the few, I have never used a behavior chart. I teach 4K and have always started the year with the kids helping me sent of the rules and the expectations in our classroom. They have an ownership in what we do and how we treat each other. That being said, that doesn't mean over the years that I haven't had to have individual behavior "charts" that the student, parent and I have agreed on and have implemented for a time sometimes as little as a week or two and some children who have needed it for a few months. It is pretty much what you stated above, you have to meet with the individual child and come up with a plan, or goal. I think you will find that your chatty kids are just that chatty and that as you said there is already an inherent amount of kindness going on amongst your charges, and they alone with you guiding them will bring about the type of classroom environment that will help them learn and grow as well as nurture them in their relationships with each other. Good Luck, I am sure you will find it will work out beautifully. This is my 24th year of teaching kindergarten in the public schools, 6 of those years in K5 and the rest with K4, always a great adventure. Enjoy it!
ReplyDeleteSue, thanks for sharing your heart! I can't find any way to keep in touch with you, via your profile. I hope you will come back and comment again!
DeleteI hate the clip chart...I have one. It is cute. And it is a come and go thing. Some years, it is a whole class that needs support and some years I don't. This year, I have been trying to only use the upward part of the chart, to remind me to stay looking for the positive choices students are making. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteLaurie
Chickadee Jubilee