The Behavior Chart Linky

The 3am Teacher has set the teacher blog world on fire this week.  She bravely posted her views on the behavior chart systems that are everywhere.  Then she doubled up on guts and asked for others' views.  This is another timely post.  I have the charts printed laminated and ready to go.  Will I still use them?  Read to the end to find out.

I have a really good class when it comes to behavior across the board.  Really the only trouble spots I have is one who makes up things to get others in trouble and a couple of boys who think the bathroom is the original Rumpus Room.  A behavior chart is not going to impact either of these at all and personally I think they have to be dealt with directly, immediately and one on one.

But... my class struggles with effort and urgency.  They get nothing done quickly, even going out to recess.  I feel we should be getting more done, but can't get the group as a collective to pick up the pace.  (I am reminded of when m mother asked my brother to pick up the pace.  He replied that "This is the pace I have chosen for the day.")  They are also chatterbugs to the point I can't turn my back to turn on my Promethean Board before 10 full blown conversations have erupted.

So we need something.

And it is going to be a chart (actually two), but with a twist.  There will be no individuals on it.  Instead the chart will be based on effort.  The class will start in the middle and go up and down all day based on the effort as a whole.  At the end of every day, we will use chart number 2 to sow where we ended up.  After today, when we determine the goals as a class, we will be working towards a reward for "Extra Special Effort".

I am looking forward to hearing other teacher's takes, if you are as well follow the linky back.
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Pay It Forward!

Have you seen the wonderful movie Pay It Forward?  Since it first came out I have really tried to keep the concept in my heart.  I was so excited to see Herding Kats in Kindergarten post about her great chance at a custom freebie.  I have a TPT store set up, but nothing in it yet, so this is double special.  What a great reason to get motivation!  Here are the rules:

Pay it Forward

The first three people that comment on this post will get a gift from my TPT store.  All you have to do is follow the rules below.

1. Within a month, I will create something unique to share with the first 3 people that comment on this specific post - just tell me a skill, subject or type of file that you would like to receive (ir "I need a game for blends." or "My kiddos need more practice with number sense.")
2. ...but, in order for your present to arrive, you must play along. Spread the love on YOUR own blog promising to send a little something special to the first three that comment on your post.
3. You get 72 hours (that's 3 days) to re-post this SAME post, or I'll have to move on to the next person.
4. PLEASE, only comment if you are willing to pay it forward.

So, if you are interested, comment away! Please include the following in your comment:

Name
Blog address
E-mail address  A skill or subject you'd like me to create a custom unit  for!


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Jumping right in!

Jumping into the blog world seems appropriate given all the other things going on around/ by/ with my class.  I have been following many wonderful bloggers for quite a while, so I didn't think I had anything to offer.  Maybe I don't have much to offer, but I have a lot to ask.  So that is what I want to focus this blog on.  The questions and boy are there a lot.

First up.  What is the most valuable thing you have learned about the blog world?  (This is your cue to tell me not to embarrass myself.)