Holding True

A recent post by Renee Dinnerstein has made me reflect on the behavior management system I've had in place for the past 3 years.  When my teaching partner and I first instigated this system, (found on the many teacher blogs) it sounded like a wonderful way to praise kids for positive behavior, instead of always focusing on the negative. 

Imagine clothespins on either side of the Ready to Learn section.  This chart hangs publicly on a cupboard door in my classroom.

Each child has a clothespin with his/her class number written on it, and they all start off on "Ready to Learn" each day.  They can move up and down the chart depending on their positive (or negative) behaviors.  If they reach the top of the chart in one day, they receive the infamous "jewel" to add to their clip.  However, in reality, I wasn't consistent with "moving kids up" and it turned into more of a burden for me.  I have my days of forgetfulness, too much on my plate, mommy-brain, which I'm not especially proud of!  Aside from not being consistent, the bigger question is What message am I sending to my students?  Are kids' positive behavior choices a result of them trying to move up for the "jewel" or were they truly making positive choices because it's the right thing to do?  Some kids are oblivious to it, and they are who they are.  They are going to help a friend in need, regardless if there is a behavior chart in place.  Others were motivated by the chart, being sure to tell me about their heroic actions at recess, or how they shared a marker with a friend.  The question is:  Would these kids do the same thing without the chart? 

The answer is YES.  A chart is not needed to create a caring classroom community.  I plan to ditch this system and go back to what I know best.  It starts with class conversations about what it means to be friendly, caring, empathetic, cooperative, responsible, curious, etc.  It also means ME being a good listener and actively listening to the millions of stories and experiences of my students, albeit sometimes they can be never ending!  I'm not saying there will not be consequences for not-so-good choices, such as taking a breather during an activity, etc. but having a publicly displayed chart that points out who is behaving in a certain way, this is a practice that will disappear in my room this fall.

My teammates and I have started a "Virtue of the Month" character project that is also a wonderful way to highlight the beauty of human nature in meaningful ways.  We read books that have the virtue tucked into the meaning/lesson of the book, and fantastic conversations are sparked as a result.

I've learned that I need to trust my instincts, and not get caught up in the latest trends.  I knew deep down that something was off with the system but I didn't put the breaks on.  It sometimes takes someone to gently spell it out, (Thanks, Renee!) to remind you of what you already hold to be true.  I'm anticipating some nauseating feelings are ahead of me with the Common Core State Standards and trends that go along with the CCSS,  but I'm ready with my sword, shield and a bottle of Tums. :)