Follow these 7 tips and it'll be much easier to make behavior charts work for you and your kids.
Behavior charts are a mystery to many people. But they can also be very effective when used properly. These 7 keys will help you make the behavior charts work so that your children can be happier and better behaved.
Key #1: Use a single measurable goal.
If the behaviors you want your child to start doing aren’t measurable, then how will you (or your child) know when the behavior has changed?
Go for measurable goals you can see with your eyes like: Make your bed every morning. Do your homework before watching TV. Take out the garbage.
Key #2: Express the desired outcomes in positive language.
Instead of focusing on what you want your child to stop doing, focus on what you want them to start doing.
Say, “Put your dishes in the sink,” instead of “Stop leaving dishes around the house.” This small distinction will make a big difference.
Key #3: Start with small expectations…
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Playing with sidewalk chalk can be a fun reward for your child when the behavior chart is complete.
A major key to using behavior charts effectively with your kids at home is to find a reward that your child values.
Don’t worry. Money isn’t the only thing kids value these days…
Get creative and have fun…
Ask your child what she’d like to work toward having or doing and make a list.
Then see how the two of you can make it a win-win situation.
You’ll have a better chance to get the help around the house that you want, your daughter will feel involved and respected and she can earn the things and activities that she wants.
What a great match, right?
Here are some suggestions for simple, meaningful and inspiring rewards that can be used with to inspire your child to complete her behavior chart…
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If your student loves puzzle time, use it as an incentive for him to fill his behavior chart.
Like you, I never had a ton of money to spend on trinkets, toys, and rewards for the kids when I was teaching. So I had to get creative thinking about rewards and incentives I could use for students who completed their behavior charts.
There are tons of ideas that don’t cost anything. And for the ones that do, consider getting your room moms to help by donating some of the items in the list below like puzzles, pencils, or goodies for the goody bucket.
When using rewards for these behavior modification charts they must be meaningful to the child. Sara might not be inspired to work toward more time with the class pet, but she would love to visit her teacher from last year. So talk with your students and find out what gets them going.
Here are some creative ideas for classroom rewards…
- Puzzle time
- Nice note home
- Eat lunch with the teacher
- New pen, pencil or eraser
- Extra computer time
- Trip to the goodie bucket
- Lunch with friend in another class
- Bring a toy from home
- Extra time with class pet
- Be line leader
- Trip to the library
- Be teacher’s helper
- No Homework Pass
- Sit with a friend
- Visit last year’s teacher
- Play a game
- Gain points for class store
- First choice in class job rotation
- Cool call home to parents about great behavior
If a student has trouble staying seated while you're teaching, a behavior chart can help.
When you’re choosing behaviors to modify with students in your classroom, it’s important that they be well within the students’ reach and not at a level of frustration.
Focus on one easy-to-achieve behaviors before increasing expectations. It’s okay if the behavior you put on the behavior chart is one that he’s “supposed to do anyway.”
The whole point in using behavior charts is to help your student get in the habit of doing more of the good stuff that makes your classroom move smoothly and makes it conducive for everyone to learn.
Not only do you need to make sure that the behavior you’re working on is doable, but you need to write it in the proper way on the behavior chart.
Here’s what I mean…
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Coloring pages can be a great reward for kids after they complete their behavior chart.
The coloring pages you’ll find here are suitable for ages 3 and up.
There are some that have big spaces for younger kids who don’t have well-developed motor skills, and there are also coloring pages that have more detailed designs for older kids who are developing the ability to stay in the lines and want to make masterpieces.
These coloring pages can be used with crayons, markers, colored pencils, or even water color. You can print as many of them as you want – totally for free. Best yet, your kids are going to love them.
So take a look at the free coloring pages below and print the ones that you think your child will like. You can even invite your kids over to the screen so that they can pick the ones they like. This way, you can be sure that they like the coloring sheets you’re printing… [click to continue…]
Help your student have a great day by leaving one of these special cards on his desk.
If yesterday was a rough day, it’s important to start fresh so that grudges and resentments don’t start building up.
This simple activity can let your students know that you want to start fresh and have a great day together.
Here’s what to do:
- Print out these colorful cards.
- Cut on the dotted lines.
- Select one you think your student will like.
- Before your student comes into class, put the card somewhere your student will see it. (In their cubby or desk is a great place.)
- Watch for the smiles!
Note: There are more detailed instructions on page 2 of the download.
Share in the comments: What happened when you used these cards with your students?
What happened yesterday is over. Try to start fresh with your kids each morning.
If you had a bad day with one of your kids, it’s important to start fresh the next morning so no grudges and resentments start building up.
Here’s a simple thing you can do to help let your child know that you’re sorry about the rough day you both had…and that you’re looking forward to a great new day:
- Print out these colorful cards.
- Cut them up on the dotted lines.
- Select one you think your child will like.
- Before your child wakes up, put the card somewhere your child will see it. (The breakfast table, on the bathroom mirror, in one of his shoes, etc.)
- Watch for the smiles!
There are more detailed instructions on page 2 of the download.
Share in the comments: What happened when you used these cards with your kids?