As a class, we create a list of behavior expectations the very first day of school. This helps children make connections with behaviors and consequences. In our classroom, we have three golden rules that our list of expectations fall under -- be safe, be respectful, and be responsible. The list below provides examples of what that will look like in our kindergarten classroom.
Be Safe
- Keep hands and feet to yourself
- Push in your chair so others do not trip
- Walking feet inside the building and along school walkways
- Always let the teacher know before you leave the room (restroom, office)
- Help keep your friends safe
- Eyes and ears on the speaker
- Voices are off when someone else is speaking
- Raise your hand to speak
- Work quietly and independently
- Be polite (say please and thank you)
- Use kind words to others
- Clean up your messes and table space
- Be as ready for school as possible each day
- Be honest
- Help your friends
- Follow directions
Consequences
Should a child repeatedly show me he/she is not being safe, responsible, or respectful, an email or phone call is made to alert parents/guardians. I believe in using logical consequences when possible. (EXAMPLE: A child will be removed from the building area if he/she chooses to throw blocks; throwing blocks is not safe.)
I do my best to pull children aside when I speak to them about their behavior. (No one likes to be singled out in front of a group -- even young students feel this way.) If negative and disruptive behavior(s) continue, I will arrange a conference with parents/guardians and the principal.
Behavior Trackers
In our classroom, we think about behavior often. This includes tracking our daily behavior for families to see and have a conversation about each evening. At the end of the day, each student brings me their daily take home folder, and we talk about the choices they made throughout the day.
Here's a sample of what a behavior tracker looks like...
I do my best to pull children aside when I speak to them about their behavior. (No one likes to be singled out in front of a group -- even young students feel this way.) If negative and disruptive behavior(s) continue, I will arrange a conference with parents/guardians and the principal.
Behavior Trackers
In our classroom, we think about behavior often. This includes tracking our daily behavior for families to see and have a conversation about each evening. At the end of the day, each student brings me their daily take home folder, and we talk about the choices they made throughout the day.
- Green means... "I had a good day!"
- Yellow means... "I could have made better choices and needed fewer reminders from teachers."
- Red means... "I did not make safe, responsible choices."
Here's a sample of what a behavior tracker looks like...
