Case 18Rewarding Respectful Behavior

By Danielle, Marianne & Hilary

Introduction

Early elementary age Using an Incentive/reward system, how it worked & under

what circumstances 2 verbatim relationship-based responses as to why the

students behavior needs to change Identifying strengths & weaknesses in Mrs. Anderson’s system Helping students understand expectations for behavior at

school may vary from those at home Child-rearing practices in lower-income homes affecting

students behavior Child-rearing practices of parents affecting how a teacher

manages student behavior Our design of a written plan to form a set of rules for

respecting the school

Question 1

Using an incentive/reward system How did it work? Under what circumstances was it used?

Question 1

What incentive system is used? Behavior chart & treasure box

How did it work? Used everyday for the whole class

What circumstances was it used? Treasure box is the reward on Friday’s

for good behavior all week

Question 2

Using 2 verbatim relationship-based responses as to why the students behavior needs to change

Question 2

2 Verbatim Responses to Students Use “I” statements telling them how

you feel – “I like working in a peaceful classroom; how can we make our classroom peaceful?” or “When someone uses words in a hurtful way, I feel hurt and confused; how do you feel?”

Question 3

Identifying strengths & weaknesses in Mrs. Anderson’s system

Question 3

Strengths of system:› Addressing the issue in a positive way› Praising the positive behavior

Improvements to system:› Plan to integrate positive behavior back into

regular expectations› Contact parent

Question 4

Helping students understand expectations for behavior at school may vary from those at home

Question 4

How to help students understand differences in school & home

expectations: Role play, books, discussion Relate expectations in school to the

child’s home lives

Question 5

Child-rearing practices in lower-income homes affecting students behavior

Child-rearing practices of parents affecting how a teacher manages student behavior

Question 5

Affects of Socioeconomic status on behaviors: A student’s behavior wouldn't necessarily be linked to their

parents’ income level; parenting can be effective & positive or inconsistent & negative in any home in today’s society

It has been shown that families with lower socioeconomic tend to› have access to less resources that may help with raising children,

including behavior support› Have less time to spend on reinforcing positive goals› Have less money for extracurricular activities for children which

results in more video game, TV, & solitary time for children› These factors can lead to chaotic & inconsistent parenting, which in

turn lead to difficult behaviors in children from these environments or children

Question 5

Affects of parenting styles on a teacher’s management plan: A teacher’s overall behavior management model for the

classroom should not be affected by the individual parenting styles of her students’ parents.

A teacher could modify the plan, if needed, for individual students who may need some additional support

Parents should be involved in the expectations & implementations of the behavior model; they would also be given skills & resources to use ideas at home

Extended thinking

Designing a written plan to form a set of rules for respecting the school

Question 3-extended thinking

A written plan for forming a student-faculty rules of respect committee:

Put out notice of forming a committee, include commitment & expectations

Accept applications of those interested in being part of committee

Have an “orientation” of when committee will meet, what will be discussed & what the expected results will be

Make sure there are a mixture of administration, faculty, & students, & post first meeting

Question 3-extended thinking

Written plan continued:

Have several “brain-storming” meetings of what rules need to be addressed & what are reasonable expectations

Once rules have been accepted, they must be adopted by the school administration

A school wide assembly can be held to introduce the new “Rules of Respect” to the students

Rules are given to each child on a laminated card, teachers will have posters to display in rooms & large posters will be displayed at school entrance, office area & cafeteria

Conclusion

Consistency is the key to any successful classroom. “The number one problem in the classroom is not discipline: it is the lack of procedures & routines” (Harry Wong Well Managed Classroom)

Conclusion (continued)

Many teachers have difficulty with “behaviorally challenging” students, when the real problem is a lack of consistently enforced rules and expectations at school & at home. When teachers put a realistic & respectful rule plan in place, & enforce it consistently, they will be able to effectively teach, rather than babysit, their students.

Work cited

Classroom Behavior Management Checklist http://scf.angellearning.com/section/default.asp?id=201320%2D21047

Harry Wong Well Managed Classroom http://scf.angellearning.com/section/default.asp?id=201320%2D21047