After 11 years in the classroom I have seen it all… everything from faded stoplights to complex coding that even baffles teachers as they go to fill out daily charts. I admit I have tried my fair share of behavior systems and often change and alter them as the year progresses. I know that there isn’t a one size fits all answer to behavior and teachers need to do what works for them and their students, but I wanted to take a minute to share with you my plan for the new school year. This idea will be put to the test in August when 20 new students walk through my classroom door, but for now I will share with you my vision for behavior.
I created my bulletin board space by using some craft paper gift wrap. I love using gift wrap because I can find fun textures, prints and colors. I am a sucker for bold prints and colors so I love layering my borders. For this board I chose the White Dots Bulletin Board Border and the Yellow Polka Dot Scalloped Border.
To make my behavior chart bright and colorful I decided to create a fun banner.
I used the yellow Paint Chip Supply Strips and punched holes into the sides. I strung them onto my Black Baker’s Twine. I cut the black and yellow Polka Dot Fabric Pieces into 1/2 inch strips. I tied them in between the yellow paint chip strips. I added some black felt letters onto the paint chip supply strips.
Now time for the behavior cards. This year I want to focus on positive reinforcement of desired classroom behaviors. So my students won’t be turning cards or using a clip chart. They will each have their own yellow paint chip card with their name on it, in which they will earn bees for positive choices.
To start with I took my clothespins and used some colorful Washi Tape to transform them.
I then took the Black and yellow pipe cleaners and Glitter Tulle and made little bee toppers for the clothespins. You can do this by cutting your pipe cleaners into thirds, cut a 2 inch strip of tulle and fold it into thirds, wrap the pipe cleaners around the tulle to create your bee. When you come to the end twist the pipe cleaners around the tulle to fan the wings out.
Use a dab of hot glue to attach the bee onto your clothespin. I strung my cards up using my baker’s twine. this way if a new student comes or someone leaves you just change out the card. Using the clothesline setup helps as those back to school numbers fluctuate.
I used my silhouette and some black vinyl to put names onto each card, you could just as easily add a label or write them on with a sharpie. To make the bees I used some of my favorite clipart to create small bees. I cut them out and then laminated them for durability. They attach easily to the cards using small velcro dots.
I will focus on 6 classroom behavior traits which will foster a positive learning environment. As you develop your own system you might find you need more or less, or the expectations might even change as students progress through the year. For now we will be focusing on these:
- I follow directions
- I am a good friend
- I am always respectful
- I try my very best
- I use my inside voice
- I am kind to others
Download a copy of the Behavior Cards to print and use in your classroom HERE.
Every time that one of these behaviors is displayed a student can earn a small bee on their card. These will be kept in a bucket by the board and using mini velcro circles they can velcro them onto their card. If a student isn’t following one of these expectations they can have a bee removed. By individualizing the behavior chart the students will always be earning / losing bees at different times so the focus will not be on any one student. A reward system will be set in place, once they fill their card up they will receive a slip which they can collect and save to redeem for classroom rewards like extra computer time, lunch in the class, free time with a friend, no homework, treasure box, etc.
Here is a smaller version of my behavior chart I will be using this school year, whether you have a class of 4 or 25 this is a great way to individualize your behavior needs and meet students where they are to encourage positive choices.
What behavior management systems do you use? What are your favorite ways to display or track student progress?
