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Classroom climate is key for maximum learning to occur in my classroom.
Creating a warm and caring atmosphere where children are free to take risks
is key. We want children to feel part of a family-like community of
learners in our classroom. Children who are treated with respect learn to
respect others. My students know that we look out for one another, help
each other, and honor each other's feelings.
Character Counts and PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports)
are part of our school culture. Children hear
reminders every morning on the announcements as they are asked to "be
respectful, responsible, save and caring citizens, and to please be kind to
each other." A whole school dedication to these ideals goes far in ensuring
they are present daily.
**New** Check out a new addition to our classroom climate...Click on the
Bucket to learn about our new Bucket Fillers program:
 (Special thanks to Carol
McCloud, author of Have You Filled a Bucket Today? A Guide to Daily
Happiness for Kids for granting me
permission to use this graphic from her book.
MORNING MEETING
We start the day with a morning meeting where the children are welcomed with
a song, sharing of the day's events, and an opportunity to discuss anything
of importance in their lives. We sit in a circle so we all can see each
other which helps in communication. We also go over the wonderful things
the children are doing in class as well as some areas that need attention or
change. By pulling together every morning, we all take an interest in each
other. I also use this time for positive talk to the children. They learn
that we try "to be the best we can be." We go over our mission statement
many mornings. We also discuss the uniqueness of all of us and how
different children have different talents and it is up to ALL of us to help
each other. The following books state well what I attempt to do every day.
(Click to purchase resources:)
 
   
We also sing songs, do poems, read favorite books, do calendar, and morning
message at this time. The day begins with a positive energizing message. I
want everyone engaged and excited about the day ahead.
RULES
School Expectations:
Be Respectful
Be Responsible
Be a Safe and Caring Citizen
CLASSROOM RULES:
Listen
Share
Raise Your Hand
Be Helpful
Put Things Away
Keep Hands, Feet, Objects, and Unkind Words to yourself.
BEHAVIOR PLAN
We also have a clearly defined behavior plan in my classroom. The children
know my expectations and consequences for making other choices. Our plan is
related to our yearly theme. This year our theme is "Bee" Smart "Bee" Green
so our behavior plan revolves around the hive. Each child has a bee with a
picture of him/her. This goal is to keep their bee in the hive every day by
following the rules and being kind to each other.
Behavior Levels:
GREEN- Child is behaving...no reminders
YELLOW- Child has one reminder...no consequence since
we all make mistakes and can learn from them.
ORANGE- Child has two reminders...consequence is a 10
minute time out in "thinking chair".
RED- Child has three reminders...another 10 minute time
out and a "Think About It" note goes home for a parent signature. The
parents also help their child develop a plan so a red day does not happen
again. (Rarely are students ever on red)
If everyone stays on green or yellow for the day, we have a stuffed animal
bee that buzzes with that we get to do when we leave for home. Children
love this! If everyone stays on green...we get to hear the bee buzz twice!
Try it...it works!
Children also color a calendar in their "B.E.E." Keeper Binder so that their
parents know their color of the day. On weekends, parents sign the back of
the calendar so I know they are aware of their child's behavior.
PENNY STORE
We also have a classroom economy system that involves earning "pride
pennies" for good behavior. Children on green or yellow earn a penny
daily. Children on orange or red earn no penny. I also distribute pennies
at other times during the day for special rewards and thank yous. Each
child has a small plastic container that serves as a bank. They love to
count their money(great math skill) and Tuesdays and Thursdays the bank is
open at the start of math time to exchange pennies for silver coins.
The "pride pennies" are plastic coins. Two times a month "Our Penny Store"
is open and the children can shop for a variety of fun things. Most of
these items are related to learning such as taking a book, book character,
or walkman/tape home. They can buy a pass to have lunch with me, play a
game with a friend, read in the hall with a friend in special camp chairs,
have extra computer time, etc. There is also a treasure chest with small
toys and McDonald Happy Meal prizes. These are donated by parents. I try
to encourage choosing all of the rewards so the children do not think that
they get a toy because they behave. Good behavior is an expectation in my
classroom. This system has been very effective for the past seven years or
so. I hope this page helps you understand how important classroom climate is
to my teaching!
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