Behavior Mods

The Lesson Plan Diva is having a Linky Party!  She asks what kind of behavior plans do you use?

Well here goes . . .

I try to use various incentive programs to keep kids motivated and on track (such as my compliment tree, class compliments to earn class parties, etc.)  For the past 9 years I have used a chart I made which looks like a playground stuck to my file cabinet.  Every student has a mighty mini men clip holding his/her name (I hot glue a magnet to the back of the clip).  Every student starts on the playground.  For every occasion which I have to seriously reprimand a student, the student will move the clip to a different area on the playground.  The 1st talk moves them to the "Warning" section.  After that the clips are moved to a series of benches for 5 minutes time out, 10 minutes time out, and then 15 minutes time out in another classroom.  If anything continues after that point I call administration.

I usually don't have to ask too many students to move a clip, but sometimes there are students who need continuous monitoring as well as daily parental communication.  In these cases I may use a sticker chart taped to the student's desk.  A sticker is earned each time the goal is accomplished (such as staying on task, completing work, or any other area of difficulty the student is trying to overcome).  In more severe and continuous cases I have Daily Checklists I send home with the student.  The checklist is broken down into subjects/segments of the day.  We usually focus on 2-3 goals.  This checklist is discussed with the parents and it is up to the parent to check and sign the Daily Checklist each evening.  The parent is also to discuss the checklist with the student and determine small incentives and consequences for meeting or not meeting goals.  If the student achieves his/her goal of smiley faces (given for each segment of the day for each area of focus), the parent will reward the student with the incentive they agreed upon (special time with mom/dad/friend, computer time, trip to the dollar store, etc.).  If the goal is not met, it is up to the parent to follow through with the agreed upon consequence (early bedtime, loss of a privilege, etc.).  It's a lot of work, but it does work for some students.  It holds them accountable AND it makes the parents take a more active role in the behavior issues, following through up at home.