Teaching Positive Behaviors....
Children come to first grade with some excellent skills in classroom learning behaviors and academics. One of my goals is to help children become successful independent workers and learners. In this way, children can continue to learn when working alone or with a partner, even while the teacher is working with another child or group. We also want children to be able to get along with others so that they have an enjoyable school experience, look forward to coming to school, and so that social issues do not get in the way of classroom learning.
So we spend time at the beginning of each year teaching, modeling, and having the children demonstrate group and independent classroom learning behaviors and effective communication skills. Throughout the day, we relate this work to our School Rules:
Respect and care for yourself
Respect and care for others
Respect and care for property
Respect everyone’s right to teach and learn
Use Safe Behavior
Teachers reinforce positive behaviors, remind children of those behaviors, and redirect children as needed in order to help them develop independence and responsibility. There are a number of formal and informal systems in place to reinforce and acknowledge positive behaviors. On an individual level, these include verbal acknowledgment (“I notice,” “Thank you,”), mini-certificates, stickers, etc. As a class, the children will work toward earning a “Magical Mystery Tour”, a special curriculum-related learning opportunity.
We also use a “Stop and Plan” system to work with children when they are having a hard time following school rules. This system is designed to help children reflect on their behavior, and come up with better ways of handling situations. If the behavior continues, children may be asked to work with us during part fo a recess.
When children need more.....
When children stay in during recess, they will make up the class work that they have missed as a result of behavior. They may also work with me on a reflection sheet that will go home at the end of the day to be signed by a parent and returned.
You can expect to hear from me if your child has needed repeated “Stop and Plan” times, or has needed to stay in during part of a recess to practice appropriate behavior or make up work missed as a result of inappropriate behavior. If this is a continuing issue, we’ll want to develp an individual positive behavior support plan so that your child can be more successful.
If a child is defiant (refuses to follow directions) or aggressive, that child will go directly to the administrative office or to another staff member away from the group. Staff members will work with the child, develop consequences, and help the child develop a plan. If this should happen, you would definitely hear from me, Ms. French, and/or other school personnel.
Our overall goal is to maintain a caring, respectful school community where children feel safe, are excited about learning, and can be socially and academically sucessful.
This document is an overview. If you would like more details, please see me.