Classroom motivation and management
I believe that students are motivated to learn through their own values and expectations of success; therefore, my role as a teacher is to provide opportunities to increase their expectations, which will result in greater success. Below are a few methods I have incorporated in my teaching to promote student success.
Behavior chart
![Picture](/uploads/2/1/3/5/21355418/1864985.jpg)
Our classroom uses a clip chart behavior management system. This system provides positive behavior choices and encourages students to self-monitor their behavior.
-Each student has a clothespin with his/her name on it. Each child starts out clipped to the center of the chart labeled "Ready To Learn".
-During the course of the day, the students have the opportunity to move their clothespin up or down according to their behavioral choices.
-Rewards are issued at the end of the day. This involves earning technology points, gaining extra free choice time or recess, or a receiving a golden ticket award which allows them to go to the office to pick a prize.
-The consequences during the day involve lost free choice or recess time, technology points deducted, or having a conversation about their choices with myself, the principal and the student.
-Each student has a clothespin with his/her name on it. Each child starts out clipped to the center of the chart labeled "Ready To Learn".
-During the course of the day, the students have the opportunity to move their clothespin up or down according to their behavioral choices.
-Rewards are issued at the end of the day. This involves earning technology points, gaining extra free choice time or recess, or a receiving a golden ticket award which allows them to go to the office to pick a prize.
-The consequences during the day involve lost free choice or recess time, technology points deducted, or having a conversation about their choices with myself, the principal and the student.
Social contract
![Picture](/uploads/2/1/3/5/21355418/1177065.jpg?444)
During the first few weeks of school we will create a social contract, or an agreement, together as a class. A social contract is part of the guidance procedures used through the program Capturing Kids' Hearts. To create a kindergarten social contract, there must be lots of guided classroom discussion about how the students would like to be treated both by their friends and by the teacher, and how they think they should treat others. There was also a lot of brainstorming about how to determine what a safe enviornment looks like. Once the class agrees on a contract, everyone will sign it by putting their handprint on it. Now the social contract can be refered to throughout the year. Students will be held accountable for agreeing with the contract. Students are taught how to affirm one another, or to "check" their classmates behavior in a positive constructive manner.