Alright, I’m linking up with other K teachers for a book study on The Daily Five! Here are my reflections on Chapter 1. I’m so excited!!
1. How do I teach new behaviors?
Practice makes permanent, in most cases. We do a LOT of talking the first few weeks of school. We discuss what is desirable, and what is not. We also take turns showing what the correct and incorrect behavior looks like.
2. How do I teach expectations?
I start of by doing a lot of modeling! As kindergarten teachers, we know how important that is! Sometimes you can think you’ve done enough, but in reality they need so much more. So, when in doubt, model some more! I also praise students who are exhibiting the desired behavior. That definitely gets the attention of the other students.
3. How do I monitor student behavior? whole group? small groups? individual?
In whole group, it’s pretty much ok, I don’t have to monitor as much because I am in close proximity to all of the students. If I do, then I may call their name, or look at them and hold up a finger, which lets them know that they’ve earned a behavior point (not a good thing). In small group, usually I let my eyes do the talking! The majority of them gets it at that point. I have had to give individual behavior charts to some students.
4. What do I do when a student is not exhibiting desired behavior?
If after trying to change their behavior positively does not work, then unfortunately we have to move to negative consequences :-(. Each students earns 2 points before moving on to the next color, all the way to red. I usually keep up with it on my clipboard, but lately I’ve gotten pretty good at keeping up with it in my head. They also do a great job of keeping up with it.
5. Whose classroom is it?
Well, in my defense, I have done better with this! It used to be 100% mine, and now I think I’m about at 65%-45%. Don’t look at me like that! I’m working on it!
6. Locus of control?
They start each day on green, and have to add sticks to it. The go to yellow, then orange, and then red. Thinking about eliminating orange. We’ll see.
7. Where are supplies stored?
Up, up, and away! I know, that sounds bad! I have what they need out, and they are responsible for the upkeep of what is in centers. Sigh, I have a lot to work on!
Check in tomorrow, for my special announcement about my 200 follower giveaway!!! Don’t miss it!
