Building Relationships, Part 1

Hi Friends!  In just 2 weeks, my students will arrive for full-time learning!  Here in Georgia, teachers will return for pre-planning in a week.

One of my passions is behavior, and building relationships is the backbone to well-behaved students.  I started bonding with my students (& their families) this past week.  I encourage everyone to just THINK about this option.

I blogged about my 2nd grade pre-conferences here.  In Kindergarten my conferences are run a little differently.  Here are my topics:

1.  I smile, shake hands, and try to warm the newbie up to having an outgoing teacher.

2.  I sit down with my new friend and the parents.  I use this time to make sure they received my school supply list (enclosed in my back-to-school letter sent the previous week).  I also discuss our class snack, sight words, etc.

3.  While the parents are filling out a survey, I do a little bit of testing using the ESGI program.

This program does require a subscription, but I highly recommend it.  Our school purchases this subscription for all the Kindergarten teachers.  If you do not have this subscription, I created a little screening packet that goes over basics upon meeting a child.  You can grab it HERE, or click on the picture:

When using the ESGI program, I do a follow-up of our May registration assessment:  upper/lowercase letter identification, counting, identifying numerals and shapes.  If a student knows all his letters, I'll ask letter sounds.  If a student masters these, I move on to sight words and then a Fountas & Pinnell reading assessment.  Two of my babies will be ready to start Guided Reading in August. =)

4.  I use this time to verify parents' email address and have them sign up for Remind.  I've said it before, "Go sign up NOW if you don't already use Remind."  I love sending blanket text reminders to all of my parents in one message.

5.  Finally, parents may tell me ANYTHING they want me to know about their child.

At this time of year, we still anticipate several more Kindergarteners to enroll.  But I did get a head start on building relationships.  I schedule the conferences in 30 min. blocks (most take 15-20 mins.), and I work on setting up my classroom in between.  I only spend a couple of days doing this, so it doesn't take a chunk out of my "off-time."

I certainly hope this will be something you consider; you will not regret it!! Happy Building!  =)

Daily Behavior Plan

So often I put students on a behavior plan too late!  I always wonder why I didn't begin sooner.  It really helps those students that need constant reinforcements.  This plan has been so versatile- kindergarten through fifth for me.  Some years they work toward earning smiley faces.
I first go over the goals with the student and parents.  I choose 2-4 goals.  If a student violates a goal, I write it on the appropriate line.  My activity times are not exact, but I want to see if there's a pattern.
I do not carry this plan around.  I do not run over to my desk every twenty minutes.  I mark the number violated when it happens.  Then I'll go back to put in stars.  I keep it on my desk, and the student is welcome to look at it throughout the day.
It's important to keep increasing the goal.  Once they are filling it with stars, they get to go FREE from the plan.
I do not reward them.  This is positive in nature, but it is more severe than the average student sitting nicely, ready to learn.
Trust me- this works!  Most students don't realize how often they need to be redirected.  With a child's natural aim to succeed, he wishes to meet those goals. =)
Click here for the Google Docs plan:  https://docs.google.com/document/d/1j6ojPKICRMpzjonv0lOG1UaZ4G5XJlMSipdzc9lwJyI/edit

I'm PROUD!

Two years ago I started such a special tradition:  Friday Circle.  Some background first-  I love Responsive Classroom.  This program helps teachers focus on positive reinforcement and create a classroom dependent on respect- for the teachers AND the students.  Every morning we begin the day with a meeting- a greeting to each student, a few shares about our lives, and information about our day (in the form of a written letter from me and any random classroom announcements).

Then I came up with the idea of a Friday Circle.  At the very end of the day, we sit for just a minute and reflect on our week.  They let me know they're ready with thumbs-up on their knees.  Then we share something we're proud of, either academically or behaviorally.  At the beginning of the year, I discussed the difference between being proud of yourself and bragging.  We go around the circle, and everyone has to start with, "I'm proud..."

I hear, "I proud that I got 3 stars on my card."
"I'm proud that I helped a friend at Recess."  (Then I'll ask him to be more specific.)
"I'm proud I earned another point for Accelerated Reader."

It's such a sweet time of reflection.

Time-Out

Time-out in my room is a place to cool down; it's not a punishment.  I like to teach children to self-regulate.  Thanks to Responsive Classroom, I've gotten many great ideas over the years.  One is to have EVERYONE  try out the time-out chair.  My students know to move themselves to the chair if they ever need a break.


** I realize we've all started school.  You still might want to check out this book:  It's another Responsive Classroom book that I refer to every year.

http://www.amazon.com/First-Weeks-School-Strategies-Teachers/dp/1892989042/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1412554004&sr=1-1&keywords=the+first+six+weeks+of+school

The Waiting Game

Great way to review self-control: Cookie Monster's Waiting Game. It mimics the marshmallow test. http://youtu.be/XsC2W587_Fc