When I make decisions about my classroom, whether academically or behaviorally, I try to keep in mind how I as an adult would feel if those decisions were made for me. Having said that, I'm not a fan of keeping public records of children's behavior. The last time I was a student myself was almost 10 years ago during my Masters, but as an adult I wouldn't have been okay with my professors publicly keeping track of class conduct. I would have been one of those students who never had a problem, but regardless, it wouldn't have felt right. I guess I feel the same way for kids. For me as the teacher, it doesn't feel right. I was kind of surprised to read Nikki's post from Teaching in Progress recently, because I assumed I was the only one who felt like I do. She expressed the same concerns, but she said it so eloquently. (Read it here.) Now she's created a linky with alternatives to behavior charts, and she invited me to link up. I'm all over it. If you'd like to see how I handle behavior without a chart on the wall, read this. It has something to do with this picture.
Thanks to Nikki for being bold enough to share her thoughts and create a linky with helpful alternatives. Go check it out!
I read her article, it was great! I think the kids have a tendency to blame everything and anything on those kids who have trouble following the expectations.
Kelly, you're probably right. The kids know who has the most problems whether there's something on the wall or not, but I think everyone's better off when it's not so public.
Great idea on the behavior!
ReplyDeleteWe have booed you, come on over and link up!
:-)
http://teachinglittlemiracles.blogspot.com/
Thanks for the Booing Kristi and Crystal!
DeleteI read her article, it was great! I think the kids have a tendency to blame everything and anything on those kids who have trouble following the expectations.
ReplyDeleteKelly @ I'm Not Your Grandpa, I'm Your Teacher
Kelly, you're probably right. The kids know who has the most problems whether there's something on the wall or not, but I think everyone's better off when it's not so public.
DeleteI love how you keep your notes on student behavior. Very easy and private. :)
ReplyDeleteLori
Conversations in Literacy
Thank you Lori. Privacy isn't always easy but it's a goal of mine.
Delete