This semester I would like to reward more. After a year of practice I can definitely say that I have become more consistent with my consequences, but, unfortunately, I cannot say the same for my rewards. More often then not the rewards get left behind for consequences. The focus has been taken off those who deserve rewards to those who earn consequences. Those students are being over looked and under appreciated. This year, I am going to make sure that I hand out tickets everyday and have weekly raffles, where students can collect prizes. I believe if I focus on positive re-enforcement I will be able to deter misbehavior before it even happens. I am taking a different, more preventative approach. I hope that it works. Wish me luck. :)
My first week of school was hot. Capital H-O-T, hot. I cannot accurately describe the inferno my room was during the first week of school, but my shirt was drenched in sweat by the end of each day, even outside in the sun was cooler than my classroom. My classroom has no windows that open and faces the east. My air condition was broken over the summer by a summer school teacher; she busted one of the pipes trying to rearrange my classroom, so much for that idea. Anyway, back to my first week, while my students and i suffered in 90 degree weather, I was able to lay out the rules and procedures, and have all my students practice them. This year I spent more than one day on rules and procedures; I spent the whole week and included activities in which we were able to practice and review all the rules and procedures. What was different this year is that I addressed all the vagueness in procedures from last year. I developed better procedures like having my students put there discarded paper on the corner of their desk and as I walk around the classroom I will pick it up and throw it in the garbage. Having this procedure in place has almost entirely eliminated the leaving of the the seat. This year that is no longer a problem. Another thing that is different are my consequences last year I gave to many warnings and did not give any real consequences. This year I have found the answer. One warning, then detention, then call home, parent conference, and as a last resort referral. I am glad to report that one month into school. I have not written up any of my students. Yay for me! I have decided that I will handle any issues within my class instead of transferring my problems to the assistant principal. The more consequences I can directly give the better. This year is, so far, off to a great start. I am excited for this school year. GO Tigers!!!!!
