Behavior Expectations in Miss Hinkson's Classroom
My classroom behavior expectations were developed using principles of Capturing Kids' Hearts, for which I attended a training in 2011.
Social Contract
My goal in regards to behavior is to have my students self manage; that is, hold each other accountable for behavior. I also believe in giving students a say in how they expect our classroom to run. To facilitate this, my class develops a Social Contract at the beginning of the school year. The contract is a list of words that dictate how everyone should behave in the classroom, myself included! The development of the Social Contract occurs during the first week of school. Students first answer these four questions:
1. How do you want to be treated by the teacher?
2. How do you want to treat the teacher?
3. How do you want to be treated by other students?
4. How do you want to be treated when there is conflict?
From there, we can narrow down a list of words or phrases that best describe how we want our classroom to run. Each student signs the contract and agrees to follow its expectations.
Rewards
I use a variety of reward systems in my classroom:
All students working together toward a common goal (whole class tries to earn points towards extra recess)
Individual students working for an individual reward (positive note home, affirmation, small treat, extra privilege)
Small groups of students working toward a group goal (small group earns points for a small treat)
My rewards are intermittent and not guaranteed. My number one rule with rewards is: If you ask for a reward, you will not receive a reward. I also believe in using positive reinforcement and am often complimenting students that are displaying the correct behavior.
Consequences
Students who do not follow the Social Contract are subject to consequences.
Consequences are on an individual basis and may include:
"Think it Over Sheet"
Time off recess
Loss of group privileges
Note/phone call home
Detention
Checks & Fouls
Since this system is designed so that students self manage, there are two additional tools to use in conjunction with the Social Contract. A "check" is a silent symbol that students can show at any time at school. The purpose of the check is to remind peers of the behavior they should be displaying at the time. I explain to students that if they keep each other in check, the teacher never has to discipline students. A "foul" is something that anyone in the classroom can call on another person (student or teacher) if their feelings are hurt or they feel they haven't been treated fairly. If you are "fouled" by someone, you must immediately give the person two "put-ups" or compliments. Fouls are not to be abused or students lose that privilege.
Social Contract
My goal in regards to behavior is to have my students self manage; that is, hold each other accountable for behavior. I also believe in giving students a say in how they expect our classroom to run. To facilitate this, my class develops a Social Contract at the beginning of the school year. The contract is a list of words that dictate how everyone should behave in the classroom, myself included! The development of the Social Contract occurs during the first week of school. Students first answer these four questions:
1. How do you want to be treated by the teacher?
2. How do you want to treat the teacher?
3. How do you want to be treated by other students?
4. How do you want to be treated when there is conflict?
From there, we can narrow down a list of words or phrases that best describe how we want our classroom to run. Each student signs the contract and agrees to follow its expectations.
Rewards
I use a variety of reward systems in my classroom:
All students working together toward a common goal (whole class tries to earn points towards extra recess)
Individual students working for an individual reward (positive note home, affirmation, small treat, extra privilege)
Small groups of students working toward a group goal (small group earns points for a small treat)
My rewards are intermittent and not guaranteed. My number one rule with rewards is: If you ask for a reward, you will not receive a reward. I also believe in using positive reinforcement and am often complimenting students that are displaying the correct behavior.
Consequences
Students who do not follow the Social Contract are subject to consequences.
Consequences are on an individual basis and may include:
"Think it Over Sheet"
Time off recess
Loss of group privileges
Note/phone call home
Detention
Checks & Fouls
Since this system is designed so that students self manage, there are two additional tools to use in conjunction with the Social Contract. A "check" is a silent symbol that students can show at any time at school. The purpose of the check is to remind peers of the behavior they should be displaying at the time. I explain to students that if they keep each other in check, the teacher never has to discipline students. A "foul" is something that anyone in the classroom can call on another person (student or teacher) if their feelings are hurt or they feel they haven't been treated fairly. If you are "fouled" by someone, you must immediately give the person two "put-ups" or compliments. Fouls are not to be abused or students lose that privilege.