My classroom management style is to praise publicly, correct privately and reward team effort.
I have placed a traffic light on the left side of the chalk board, in front of the classroom.
Each student has a colored disk on the green light at the beginning of each class. Only the individual student and I know which color is his or hers. The green light indicates staying on task/good behavior. The student's goal is to stay on the green light.
If a student begins behaving inappropriately or begins to slip off task, his/her colored disk is moved to the yellow warning light. This is done with eye contact and without comment. This is usually all that is necessary to correct the situation.
Rarely a student's disk has to be moved from the yellow to the red light. The red light indicates a consequence is due. A talk with me, in the hall, is the usual consequence the first time the disk lands on red. During this talk the student and I discuss what he/she feels is an appropriate consequence (lose a recess, write an apology letter, etc.). If the offense is very serious the student and I will discuss with the principal and pray about it during recess. The student will lose a privilege. The student's disk always starts out a new day the green light.
Team effort, of good behavior/staying on task/other "good deeds", are measured on the race track under the chalk board at the front of the classroom.
The race car is advanced forward whenever I observe the class working as a team. When the race car reaches the finish line the class is rewarded. This may be a popcorn party, movie and popcorn, and extra recess, etc.
If you are aware of previous or ongoing management issues with your student, I encourage you to share your concerns with me so, together we can be proactive and give your student the best possible chance for successful self-management.
Red Team | Grading Policy
I believe in setting high expectations based on each student's ability and that it is my job to equip the individual students with the tools and knowledge needed to succeed to their own potential. I will be basing my grading on the Concordia Lutheran School's report card. Grades will be based on assessments, percentages, improvements and efforts of the students. If you have a concern about a grade given please feel free to contact me and we can set up a time to discuss the concern.
