CHP 5: Management

I feel that I have established an effective PBS system in my classroom.  Students participate in the creation of the classroom rules which are posted, in positive terms, clearly in the room.  Also, I make certain that the rules are kept to a minimum and are consistently enforced.  At the beginning of the year, I dedicate large amounts of time for modeling good behavior in multiple settings.  I also use the concept of token economy in my classroom.  However, instead of individually rewarding students for good behavior, students are awarded on positive group behavior.  I feel that emphasizing a "team approach" to good behavior prepares students for the workplace.

I do feel that I could have more efficient transitions.  The Color Wheel provides students with rules for different situations, thus creating smooth transitions.  I think this system would be extremely effective in my first grade classroom, and is something I want to incorporate in the future.  The system require much practice on both the teacher and student parts, but once mastered it should prove successful.  I also like the idea of "tootling."  I learned very quickly that young children are born with the natural talent of tattling.  Some are quit the experts and truly find a calling in the practice.  However, "tootling" would train students to look for positive behaviors and hopefully reinforce good behavior on their own part. 

This chapter has made me aware of some weaknesses in my management system.  I want to include the Color Wheel to aid in the improvement of transitions.  I also want to better train my students to look for positive examples of behavior rather than emphasizing poor behavior.  I think "tootling" will be an excellent tool in my early childhood classroom.