Effective Classroom Management Systems and Strategies for Starting the Year (Part 3)
Welcome to part 3 of my three-part Classroom Management Series. Effective classroom management is crucial to our role as educators. Without a well-managed classroom, we can't fully focus on our main job—teaching. In this episode, I’m diving into the world of Positive Behavior Intervention Support (PBIS) - hang on, stay with me... While this topic might evoke mixed feelings, I'll be sharing how I've found a happy balance with PBIS in my classroom, creating a transformed and effective three-tiered classroom management system that reinforces positive behavior. If you missed Episodes 198 and 199 where I discussed classroom rules and morning meetings, I highly recommend checking those out for a complete understanding of my philosophy.
Whole Class Rewards:
I've developed a simple yet effective system for managing whole-class rewards. Each day, my class sets a daily integrity goal - I talk all about this in episode 199. If - as a class - we achieve this goal, we earn a Class Dojo point for every student. While opinions on Class Dojo may vary, it's a tool I've embraced due to my school's plan. Additionally, I track classroom behavior through tally charts for each integrity trait, like respect, responsibility, safety, kindness, and patience. This allows me to acknowledge positive behavior and reinforce our classroom expectations.
Group Rewards:
Moving on to group rewards, I organize my students into groups with their group names hanging above their group. When entire groups meet expectations, they earn points. By engaging students in tracking their progress, they take ownership of their behavior. Then, at the end of the day during our closing circle, we count points, fostering a sense of healthy competition and shared responsibility.
Individual Awards:
Individual awards play a significant role in recognizing exceptional behavior. I select two students daily who embody the integrity trait of the day. They receive positive office referrals, I take their pictures, as well as earning other privileges. I’ll also sometimes include honorable mentions to ensure more students receive recognition, fostering a positive classroom atmosphere.
My approach to classroom management emphasizes simplicity, predictability, and engagement. Whether you're a seasoned teacher or new to the field, these strategies can be tailored to fit your classroom needs.
If you're interested in further exploring these methods, join my upcoming workshop on September 19th at 7:30 pm Eastern Standard Time. Visit www.burnedinteacher.com/classroom-management to register and gain insights into creating a positive classroom community.
Feel free to connect with me on Instagram at @burnedinteacher and share your thoughts. Let's work together to banish burnout and build a thriving classroom environment. Thank you for tuning in today, and until next time, keep nurturing those positive behaviors!
Call to Action: Things You Can Do Tomorrow
- Reflect on Classroom Behavior Goals: Take time to reflect on the behavior goals you have for your classroom. Consider the specific positive behaviors you want to encourage and the overall atmosphere you aim to create. This step will help you identify areas where you can implement targeted strategies to reinforce those behaviors effectively.
- Implement a Three-Tiered Reward System: Begin implementing a three-tiered reward system in your classroom. Create a simple tracking method for classroom rewards, like Class Dojo points or tally charts for integrity traits. Choose rewards that encourage collaboration and individual awards that recognize positive behavior.
- Organize and Streamline Management: Set up systems to manage your chosen rewards effectively. Create a tracking tool, such as a Google Sheet, to record student behavior and award distribution. This helps ensure consistency and authenticity in your choices.
Resources Mentioned in This Episode
- CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR MY CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT WORKSHOP
- Ep 198: Effective Classroom Management Systems and Strategies for Starting the Year (Part 1)
- Ep 199: Effective Classroom Management Systems and Strategies for Starting the Year (Part 2)
- Ep 130: Transforming the Classroom with My Disruptive Behavior Solution (Part 2)
