Cold Pricklies?

[RachelleJames]

When I was in elementary school, I had a teacher that used a reward system based on a students behavior. She had a chart with everyone's name on it. At the end of the day, if a student was good, he/she got a warm fuzzy by their name. If a student was bad he/she got a cold prickly by their name. If a student didn't get any cold pricklies throughout the week, they got to pick out a prize from a little treasure chest. I was thinking of using a system like this in my classroom. I was talking to my mom about it, and she doesn't know if it is such a good idea because it could discourage kids who do have behavioral problems. I mean there are kids who act out because of very sad reasons, and I don't want to punish them because they don't know better. Then again, it could show them that they will be rewarded for good behavior, and maybe they will try harder. I wanted to know what you thought about it, or if anyone knew of a better way to do it.

[Chef Dave]

I agree with your mother.

I was an elementary teacher for 17 years. I think it's great to recognize positive behavior but negative behaviors should not be "rewarded" with any recognition ... unless it's an immediate consequence like sitting out of recess etc.

[TwinkldyTeacher]

In my classroom, my students can earn points on a chart. If they stay on Excellent all day they earn a point on the chart. Students who are not Excellent do not get any recognition either positive or negative at the end of the day. Students can earn points for a variety of rewards such as lunch with the teacher, trips to the treasure, etc.

[s.kindel]

We give each child their own chart and when they earn stickers they stick it in a box on their chart. When it's all filled up, the get to pick out of the treasure box. They don't get a sticker for just having good behavior, they earn them for behavior during circle time, being "caught" being a good friend/helper without being prompted, resting quietly during rest time. We found that just giving them for "being good" did not work well.

Stacey

[upnorthteacher]

I agree that the behaviors you want to reward with attention should be the positive ones. The more specific behavior, the better. Children learn well from specific praise & reinforcement, rather than general praise. If there are specific behaviors you are trying to teach some children to avoid, you can do individual plans & charts, with recognition for going a specified amount of time without doing the undesireable behavior. I have used this as a private system between a student and myself, and it really worked well with students with autism and asperger's syndrome.

[Boxcar]

I think specific verbal or written praise is better than material trinkets. It has to do with intrinsic motivation and all that.

[minimiracles]

I am wondering what age you teach. I have always found that with preschoolers rewarding at the end of the day is hard. It is better to reward at smaller intervals during the day, or for certian activities (free play, circle, etc.) I would never put up a bad behavior symbal for a number of reasons, one being that they may not care what is in the board as long as something is, also you don't want other parents noticing things like that.
Good luck with whatever you decide to do.:)

[Boxcar]

I've seen preschool teachers do the stoplight thing with fours and fives. It does work sometimes. I do agree that the confidentiality issue is important to consider.

You're right about the smaller intervals thing. Obviously, written praise won't work with preschoolers - unless it is a note home to the guaridan that is read aloud. A teacher can do verbal praise in something like:

The children are leaving Circle to go off to Choice Time. A little girl named Nancy has been very good during Circle today. As she gets up to leave, the teacher says "Nancy, you did very well in Circle today. You sat criss-cross-apple-sauce and listened to the story. Good job." If Nancy is having a really good day, the teacher might periodically comment when passing Nancy as she circles the room "You're doing a good job sharing today," or "You used your words. I'm proud of you."

Of course, the teacher should do this for every child. I just picked one to use as an example.

[tamara]

Why not make this a team effort to help the "negative" behaviors turn into positive ones. One year we numbered cards 0-10 our "bumble bee" started on number 0 when we saw positive behaviors the bumble flew to number 1, then 2 and so on. Beside the # 10 card was a present, when the BB got to 10 the class was rewared whatever. Ack. the postive behviors. Make a big deal when the BB moves and tell why he is moving. Great way to teach social skills, team effort. Also, we used 10 ice cream cones. You can change out montly to match your theme. Don't know your age- but this was for three to four year olds. Great Visual !!