Thursday 4 September 2014

How I support positive habits and behaviours in my class

I recently drew up a list of ways that students in my class are supported and encouraged to succeed, I thought it might be of interest to you.

❏ All projects that require support from parents have detailed briefs and rubrics handed out before the project begins and Rubrics are completed after. This is to ensure that the correct information goes home. 
❏ Binding or stapling of work books  to prevent loss of pages.
❏ Blog used for downloadable calendar pages and briefs/info on projects. Include valuable links to quality websites.
❏ Briefs for all projects and themes in detail, broken down into chunks, include due dates and assessment criteria.
❏ Carpet talks/lessons with Grade 4s at the front. Small group teaching for Languages and Maths.
❏ I check email +/-4 times a day in case parents have concerns/questions
❏ Miss Menas checks that the correct books are in the bags in afternoons for first 6 months
❏ Miss Menas and I check diaries twice daily for 6 months and in the mornings only after that
❏ Pegs outside for bags have a name tag made by the students. This encourages taking pride in their belongings and respecting others' space.
❏ Class Dojos (https://www.classdojo.com/) to encourage and reward good behaviours and habits (see long list of reward choices pasted into your child's diary)
❏ Computer skills  taught daily on class computer
❏ Diaries are detailed and complete with page numbers and due dates, always give enough time to complete work. Each item is discussed and explained at pack up time at 2:15pm. Subjects are colourful and clearly labeled on the board, with Grade labels to help show work specific to each Grade.
❏ Extra lessons at exam time as needed
❏ Extra week of revision in class before exams (not offered in mainstream)
❏ Flash drives for research and documentaries to enrich learning
❏ Colourful Flip file subject labels printed by me to help with organisation
❏ General Flip file to help organise loose pages
❏ Internet offered at school after work is complete and afternoons daily till 5pm with permission and prior permission from Homework club teacher
❏ Memos handed out for all workbook Questions in case correct answer was not recorded by student
❏ Mentors for Grade 4s throughout the year
❏ Mind mapping workshop given in term one and mind maps used throughout the year
❏ Mind-maps used in class for all writing tasks
❏ Pre-cut worksheets to save time
❏ Proof reading slips used for all writing tasks with space for peer evaluation
❏ Wet wipes, tissues, moisturizer, anti bacterial liquid soap and air freshener on my desk for students to feel more at home and cared for
❏ My own bright and cheerful stickers for their books handed out liberally
❏ Rubrics to make marking objective and show weak areas to be improved
❏ School library offers research books daily and at break
❏ Star charts to reward academic work/improvement. For every 10 stars, students are allowed to choose a prize from the prize box. Prizes include things like stickers, special pencils, mini tubes of moisturiser, small toys, tennis balls, note pads, cosmetic jewelry, novelty erasers, craft supplies, marbles, finger boards and bookmarks.
❏ Stationery checks done monthly to ensure all stationery in class
❏ "Think sheets" for poor behaviour choices as well as mediation within the classroom for conflict resolution
❏ “While you were away” packs for children who are absent, detailing what was covered and copies of any notes handed out.
❏ Extension work for fast finishers.
❏ Extensive bookshelf with 1000+ of my own personal books, both fiction and non fiction
❏ Healthy eating is encouraged and rewarded with dojo points
❏ Calligraphy lessons given to children interested and as support to those who struggle with handwriting
❏ Creative art and craft projects (with bedazzles!) throughout the term, to stop and celebrate life!
❏ Children encouraged to post their writing to the blog to show that writing can have a real purpose beyond the creative writing exercise book. Almost always they receive positive feedback from teachers and students from around the world.
❏ Photos of moments of good bahviour of hard work are captured and posted on the blog. Seeing their neat desk on the internet encourages and reinforces good habits.
❏ Champagne awards to children who show perseverance, respect and helpfulness handed out on Fridays in chapel.


No comments:

Post a Comment

Getting feedback is important to our writers. Let us know what you liked or what you learned.

Steps to Comment:

1. Write your comment in the box below. Be sure that you have proofread it for spelling, grammar, punctuation, and capitalization. Students should have a parent check it!

* Write your comment like a letter by including a greeting, content and a closing.
* Compliment the writer in a specific way, ask a question or add new information.
* Do not reveal any personal information.

2. Choose an identity. (If you have a gmail account, use it. If not, choose name/url. You can leave the url blank if you do not have a blog.)

3. Click "Publish your Comment". You may preview your comment before publishing if you'd like.