Last night in class (Special Ed and Behavior Issues) we discussed some important points regarding our ideal classroom behavior and how to reinforce that behavior. We also discussed behaviors we detest from students and what we do as parents/teachers to reinforce negative behavior. Now since I'm not a parent and not a teacher (yet) I thought I'd share what others in the class shared as well as myself...
1) Ideal student behaviors in the classroom- respectful to others and self, honest, organized, accountable for own actions, come to class wanting and expecting to learn, positive, open-minded.
2) How to reinforce ideal behaviors- verbal praise, positive expressions and body language, rewards through stickers, extra "personal time", treasure chest, one-on-one time with teacher, contacting parents by phone/letter to give praise.
3) Behaviors I detest in the classroom- interrupting others by talking or distracting movements, disrespectful/talking back, whining, tattling, swearing, name calling, jeopardizing safety.
4) What we do to reinforce negative behavior- raise voice, assume a situation without getting full detail of incident (based off of previous behavior), put our hand on our hip, slam things around, roll eyes, grunt (humf) or exhail loudly, interrupt or shush with hand.
And my final item to look at would be... What is your breaking point when kids/students push your buttons? How do you keep your cool? We all have tendencies to snap in certain situations. Kids know when they are misbehaving- why do they do this? Usually they misbehave because they aren't getting the attention they personally need or are not getting personally fulfilled. The teacher brought up the point that in order for us to be happy educators we must think about those tough situations and how we could remain under control so we didn't do something that might jeopardize our teaching career.
How can we as parents/aunts/teachers in the home keep happy and allow a positive environment in the home so that behavior issues don't happen at school?
The teacher also brought up a good point that we expect kids to sit still for much of the day, however teachers can get up and down at their leisure- but kids get punished if they aren't sitting still. Same goes for the house- we all need time to stretch, move and get our blood flowing. Why do we condemn kids for having energy? Don't we just need to give them options for movement and participation? You tell me...
6 comments:
great post. i needed to read this. i'll have to mull it over before i comment more.
i read a book called "raising cain" (you can borrow it) about boys and the harm we do to them in school and at home by constantly trying to control thier energy and emotions. it was a very interesting read.
i however, am still a crappy mom and told jaxson just last night to sit on the couch and stop talking. i should be jailed.
i just read the review of that book, raising cain, and it looks like one i need to check out. i need all the help i can get.
Oh how I love the education program. It really does get you prepped for having your own kids. Are you at ASU East? I replied to an earlier post and commented that you can have a copy of my "First Days of School." When are you done with schooling? I know a great school that is looking for a teacher next year, and I think you would love the team there.
"How to reinforce ideal behaviors- ...rewards through stickers..."
spencer uses sticker bribery on me all the time. i'll basically do anything for a stickers.
"Why do we condemn kids for having energy? Don't we just need to give them options for movement and participation?"
as if i already didn't feel horrible about the kind of mom i was to owen today...i'll have to remember these 2 questions the next time i want him to just sit still. thanks mandy. good things to ponder.
and jaime, i totally need that book. you should do a review of it on your blog.
there's some great points made in this discussion. ava is at her worse if she's been deprived of attention throughout the day. i've realized that even a 2 year old needs/thrives on the social interaction and praise that older children and adults need. i constantly feel like a bad mom since i can't give her all of that right now, but i have also realized how forgiving these children can be. thank goodness for the sweet forgiveness of these little ones!
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