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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