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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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?
