As a student, I always appreciated structure,

consistency, and clear expectations. This is

what I strive to provide for my students. In my
classroom, all procedures are clearly posted
and are explained the first week of school, with
reminders throughout the school year as
needed. Examples of these procedures
include: how to line up, classroom
jobs/helpers, daily agenda, how to turn in
work/homework, expectations of working in
small groups, I can statements, how your
body should look when sitting at the rug,
entering the classroom in the morning and
dismissal in the afternoon, etc.

One of the first day discussions is making up our classroom rules. I use
district based rules (ex: Be safe, Be respectful, Be responsible) and have
the students add or give examples of what each rule would look like.
Each student signs the classroom rules making a promise to themselves
and to their peers that they will follow the classroom rules. Ageappropriate reward systems are put in place in order to encourage positive
behaviors. For example, Prekindergarten positive behaviors were tracked
by a warm and fuzzy jar, once the jar was filled the class voted on a
party (pajama day, dress up day, bubbles and balloons party, popsicles,
etc.). For the third grade students I tutored, I would track points based on
kind words or helpful suggestions to peers and the level of growth, focus,
and stamina of each students hard work. This would determine the
student of the week who I would buy breakfast for the following week. As
for my sixth grade students, positive behavior points were collected based
on the district PBIS: Be safe, Be respectful, Be responsible. The amount of
points earned would then determine how much money they would earn in
their weekly check, which they would either use to buy treats or save in
their classroom checking account. Consequence systems were put in
place as needed. For example, if refusing to do work, you would need to
come in during lunch/recess time to complete; or they might need to
write an apology letter to either their peers or teacher for negative
behaviors; or it might merit communication with parents about the childs
behaviors.