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!
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