Clip Chart

I love my new clip chart for behavior management.  I've used a stop light with magnetic cars for the past 7 years, and I liked it a lot. The cars were moved for bad behavior. But this one is an  incentive for extra effort, since everyone is aiming for OUTSTANDING behavior at the top of the chart.  With my previous system, most followed the rules, and that was good.  But this clip chart recognizes the "Bucket Fillers" -- the children who are helpful and show kindness to others.  When a teacher notices and comments on a child's good behavior, their clip is moved up. And clips can be moved up and down throughout the day, so one infraction can be reversed with a little effort.  It just makes the children more aware of ways to help others in our little community of learners. In only 10 days of school, I've seen children voluntarily pushing others on the swings, picking up paper towels from the bathroom floor, taking responsibility for picking up crayons and toys, pushing in chairs for others, and lots of other little random acts of kindness. My favorite part is that the whole class CHEERS when a classmate gets up to "Outstanding." Thanks to my co-worker, Mrs. Franzen, for telling me about this system -- and to all the blogging teachers who have "filled my bucket" by sharing so many wonderful ideas this year.