I wrote this post when I Guest Blogged for Alisha at The Bubbly Blonde. I've had a few questions about how I use my coupons, so I thought I would re-post the info here.
A BEHAVIOR MAGIC WAND??
If you have been teaching a few years, you've probably asked yourself what the best behavior management plan is for you. Over the last 22 years, I've seen a lot of things come and go. I guess if there were a magic wand, we would all wave it and have no need for this conversation! Well, after a lot of trial and error, I'd like to share with you what works for me.
If you have been teaching a few years, you've probably asked yourself what the best behavior management plan is for you. Over the last 22 years, I've seen a lot of things come and go. I guess if there were a magic wand, we would all wave it and have no need for this conversation! Well, after a lot of trial and error, I'd like to share with you what works for me.
About 10 years ago, I was using the Stop Light clip chart where students started the day on green and then moved down if behavior declined. Although I liked the general idea, I disliked the negative aspect of it. If it's 8:30 am, and you are on yellow, what are the chances for a stellar day???
Well, one day, my friend saw a similar clip chart online, and we thought, "Wow! Maybe this is what we've been missing!" We implemented it right away and loved it!
I'm sure most of you are now familiar with the rainbow ladder, but if you aren't, here's a pic.
I'm sure most of you are now familiar with the rainbow ladder, but if you aren't, here's a pic.
Each student begins the day on green and moves up or down depending on his/her behavior. On yellow at 8:30? Better get moving on up!!
I loved the positive spin! I mean, seriously! Think about it! My days are not always filled with green. If yellow (or Heaven forbid, orange) creeps in, I want the chance to change my behavior and turn my day around! Don't you?
CLASS STORE...BUT, IT COSTS $$$
So, the plan was in place. I just needed some sort of incentive to inspire that "green or above behavior." Enter, Class Store. I decided to distribute tickets to those students who ended their days on green or above. On Fridays, students used their tickets to shop in our class store. Simple enough, and it worked. But...during those less than great parental involvement years, it was expensive. What to do now?
Ticket distribution:
Green: 1 ticket
Green: 1 ticket
Blue: 2 tickets
Purple: 3 tickets
Purple: 3 tickets
Pink: 4 tickets
FREEBIES, ALL AROUND!
I had a list in my file of free ways to reward kids, so I thought, why not turn those items into coupons and allow the students to spend their tickets that way. That's what I did, and the kiddos LOVED it. They still love it! I love it! My pocketbook loves it! There's love all around!
Do you have to use tickets? NO! I've used pennies, and that works great, also. They can exchange them for nickels, etc.
Do you have to use tickets? NO! I've used pennies, and that works great, also. They can exchange them for nickels, etc.
About a year ago, I compiled all my coupons. They've grown from about 10 to 50. I'm sure the number will continue to grow! I've recently updated them to include full page coupons to use in a catalog binder, as well as the original individual coupons.
These precious papers are from my hostess, Alisha!
You have 3 printing options!
1) 1 Large coupon per page for a Catalog Binder
2) 6 Different coupons per page
You have 3 printing options!
1) 1 Large coupon per page for a Catalog Binder
2) 6 Different coupons per page
3) 6 copies of the same coupon per page
These coupons make my life so much easier.
JUST A THOUGHT
I introduce the Class Store system at the beginning of the year.
IDO NOT, however, introduce all the coupons at one time. I find it is more fun and fresh to introduce new coupons each week. And, really, the kiddos are not ready for all the coupons right off the bat.
IDO NOT, however, introduce all the coupons at one time. I find it is more fun and fresh to introduce new coupons each week. And, really, the kiddos are not ready for all the coupons right off the bat.
I have to tell you, this is the only behavior plan I've truly enjoyed! If you are looking for something new, you may want to give it a try! Whatever your behavior plan, make sure it works for you and makes your life easier!
My coupons are available on TpT .
My coupons are available on TpT .
Have a beautiful day!