Three strikes...!

As I've previously mentioned before, it appears as though my fourth graders are experiencing a bit of "mid-semester buzz".  They appear to think that rules are relaxed or that they might be exempt from our behavior management system.  Not a chance!  :)

 

I think most teachers experience a low where students become comfortable with the atmosphere and learning environment they are put in.  This might result in a difficult period where rules are needing to be enforced or a lack of respect.  With more challenging classes, I think teachers might have to alter their behavior system to keep things interesting and successful. 

 

In my situation, I decided to keep the red-yellow-green behavior management system and add an extra "step" so-to-say to the process.  As noted in my last post, students always begin the day on green.  For minor or low-risk behavioral problems, students turn their card to yellow and can work their way back to green.  If students turn to red, they receive a "problem solve" that they must complete with a school counselor/psychologist.  In my small groups, I have never had to turn a student to red, thankfully, but I have had instances where students received a yellow.  Lately, I've noticed that students are very comfortable with me and one another, and think it is acceptable to talk out of turn, talk when a classmate is speaking, blurt, or answer without raising their hands. 

 

So, I researched several different strategies that other teachers have used to fix this problem.  My solution came from an idea I found on Pinterest.  Although it's not the same, I was inspired by the idea of creating a "Blurt Chart."  However, in my class, students are granted three strikes before they turn their card to yellow.  Here is what my chart looks like:

 

As you can see, each student gets three yellow dots, or strikes.  [Get it?  Yellow dots for a yellow card.  Cheesy, I know :) ]  I put Velcro on them so I can easily take them off without ruining the poster.  The poster is posted in a visible location where I can easily access it without removing myself from the teaching area.  I also have a pocket attached to the wall so I can put the yellow dots in a safe place if they have been removed.  If my portable classroom was big enough, I would have students remove their dot themselves, but due to lack of space, I remove it myself if needed.

 

Honestly?  So far, it has worked LIKE A CHARM!  My kiddos get so nervous if I wander over towards the poster - they assume someone is getting a strike!  I also hear them saying things like, "Shh, you need to listen to Tommy so you don't get a strike!".  They hold one another accountable so nobody loses a strike.  It is also a great way to have students learn to be responsible for themselves. The best part is, each day begins new, with a fresh opportunity to be "strike-free" for the day. 

 

I can't say this method will work for you, or it will be an end to all of your troubles, but I can tell you from experience that I have implemented this strategy and it has worked out really well!  The amount of blurting, talking out of turn, and not paying attention has gone down and our lessons are more constructive and positive.  Sometimes, you just have to roll with the punches and alter your strategies to fit the ever-changing needs of your kiddos.

 

My goal is to not need the chart by the end of December.  Cross your fingers!

 

Emily  :)