5 Favorite Behavior Management Techniques

As teachers, we're always on the hunt for behavior management techniques that work.  That's because we all know that if students aren't behaving, they're definitely not learning.  Today, I thought I'd share some techniques that have worked successfully in my classroom.  You can read all about them, or you can check out this FREE video where I explain them all:

I also have a ton of FREE bonus resources in the download for the video, so checking it out is totally worth your while!

Technique #1:  Behavior Chart

The first technique is one that I learned about when I was student teaching.  It's a BEHAVIOR CHART.  The set-up is easy.  You just place four different colored index cards behind a small card with each student's name in a pocket chart.  

Then, using the chart is even easier.  First, designate a consequence for each different card in the chart.  For instance, you'll likely have a warning card.  There's no consequence for that one. Then, you might designate the white card with a "write a letter about your behavior" consequence.  Then, the blue card might be "lunch detention." And the red card could be a "meeting."  If a student makes a poor choice that impedes his or her own learning or that of their classmates, just simply change the student's card in the chart.  It's a very simple and visual way to manage students' behavior.

If one of the consequences is "write a letter," you can just create a letter format for students to grab when they need to write to you.  I always saved students' letters just in case parents or administration had any questions about how students were behaving in class.  If you're looking for the letter format, you can find it in the download for the video.

Technique #2:  Behavior Cards

Another simple idea is BEHAVIOR CARDS.  They're just two sets of cards.  One is a "keep it up" card that acknowledges good behavior.  The other is a "stop" card that encourages students to make a better choice.  Make copies of each set of cards.  Then, after students know about the cards and how to act when they receive them, make it a habit to hand out "keep it up" cards all the time.  Then, if a student makes a poor choice, you can just stick a "stop" card on his or her desk.  When the student makes a better choice, just swap out the stop card with a keep it up card...and continue teaching.

Technique #3:  Positive Behavior Punch Card

Another behavior management technique that really works is the POSITIVE BEHAVIOR PUNCH CARD.  To implement these in your classroom, first make a set of the card (available for free here).  Then, give each student a punch card.  Explain to students that when they are following directions, working well at learning stations, completing their daily This or That Warm-Ups....or any other behavior that you want to see more of, you'll punch a hole in their behavior card.

Their goal is to earn 10 positive behavior hole punches.  These cards can be collected and redistributed each class period if you would like.  This system works because it focuses on positive behavior.

Once I had a few systems for managing students' behavior, I found that finding ways to recognize and/or reward students for doing the right thing was just as effective for improving students' behavior.

Technique #4:  Prize Cards

One idea is PRIZE CARDS.  Typically, I make about 25 cards. Ten of them have tangible rewards listed on them like pick your own seat, or skip one question on a test, or listen to music while you work and the other 15 cards have expressions of praise like “you’re a rock star,” or “you are so important to this class.” 

Then, after students meet a behavior goal whether it’s getting all the punches on their punch card, or earning 5 “keep it up cards,” or going an entire week without a card flip on the behavior chart they have a chance to pick a card from a bag or basket.  They might get a card with a compliment or an actual reward…this keeps the prizes random and fun.  I have a set of these in my classroom management resource, but they’re certainly something you can create on your own. 

Technique #5: Notes of Encouragement

Another way to recognize students is to write simple NOTES OF ENCOURAGEMENT to them.  I like to write "great news" notes to students.  These notes make it super simple to quickly write a note to your students.  Students will treasure your kinds words and work even harder to earn more.  You might want to keep a chart to record who you've already written notes to.  Find a set of notes HERE.

The ultimate goal of behavior management is to create an environment where all students can learn and feel successful.  Creating systems that are easy to implement, fair, consistent, and accentuate the positive have been game changers in my classroom.  I hope that you've found some ideas to help you and your students.  Don't forget to check out this video to learn more and download a bunch of classroom management freebies!

Thanks for stopping by,

Mary Beth

3 Activities to Teach Irony - Engaging Ways to Help Students Master Irony

Have you ever been faced with a classroom full of blank or even confused faces when you ask students to find, discuss, or analyze the irony in a piece of literature?  I know I have!  Irony seems to be one of the concepts that students struggle with year-after-year.  That's why I thought it was time to develop some hands-on and engaging lessons to get students mastering situational, verbal, and dramatic irony!  I thought I'd share some of the ideas with you today. I hope they'll help your students get excited about irony, too!

IDEA #1:  Irony Hunt

Send students on a search for irony with this fun activity.  First, you'll need to create a set of irony cards. I've found 12 cards to be the perfect amount.  On some of the cards write down situations that are truly ironic.  Then, on other cards write about situations that are not ironic...maybe just bad luck.  Then, create a sheet where students can record whether or not each card contains irony. I like to include a section on the worksheet where they can explain their answer, too.

Next, place the cards around the room.  I copy two sets so that students can easily spread out while completing the activity.  For an extra fun challenge, you can actually hide the cards.  You could tape some under desks, behind the door, above the windows, or inside the class novel.  Of course, you don't actually need to hide them.  You can also put them in plain sight for students to easily find.  

Then, instruct students to find and read all 12 of the cards.  After they read each card have them note whether or not the situation is ironic. 

Students love this activity because it gets them out of their seats.  It's also a great way to get students thinking about irony.  

If you're looking for a set of cards already created for you and your students, you can find them in my Irony Mini-Unit resource.

IDEA #2:  Irony Flip Cards

Students love making simple irony flip cards.  All they need to do is fold a piece of paper in 3 sections lengthwise.  Then, have students label each section with a different type of irony:  situational, dramatic, and verbal.  Next, have students add a little piece of tape so that they create a flip card that they can rotate in response to irony clues that you read to them.  

Speaking of irony clues, you'll want to prepare at least 15 irony clues to read out loud to the class.  I like to keep them pretty short like: "There is an outbreak of roaches in a pest control office."  I also like to use examples from books or stories that we've studied.  For instance, since we read My Brother Sam is Dead in class, I might write one clue that says: "Mr. Meeker sympathized with the British, and then he died at the hands of his allies."

After students have their flip cards ready, and you have a set of clues, you're set to do the activity.  Just read the clues and have students flip their cards to display which type of irony is in each example.

As an extension, you could challenge students to write a few ironic situations themselves.  Then, they could read them to the class while their peers flip their cards.  

Don't worry, I have a set of clues and even a flip card that's ready for students in my irony mini-unit if you'd prefer to skip the prep and get right to the teaching.  

IDEA #3:  Irony Foldable

I've found that foldables are incredibly motivating for students.  Students get a little giddy when I bring out the scissors and glue sticks...and I can't blame them.  Hands-on activities are always the best!  That's why this final idea is always a hit with students.  

First prepare a set of shutter cards with the beginning of an ironic situation on one side of the shutter cards.  For instance, you might write, "Your team wins the championship and your couch says..."  Then, have students finish the situation on the other side of the shutter cards.  Students might write, "You guys should try much harder next time." 

Once students have written the ending for 3 ironic situations, have them cut apart the shutter shapes and glue them onto a piece of paper so that the shutters open in the middle.

Finally, have students explain why the situation is ironic under the shutter shapes.

The end result is a pure demonstration of students' understanding of irony.

There you have it, 3 easy and fun ways to teach irony.  The coolest part is that once students have completed these lessons, they actually retain their learning.  There's nothing better than hosting discussions about irony during the next literature unit.  No more blank or confused faces.  Just a whole lot of hands in the air!  

I hope you've found some ideas that might work in your classroom.  If you're looking for more, then this 3-Day Irony Mini-Unit might be what you need.  Not only are these activities ready for you and students, there's also a ton of instructional lessons.  Guided notes, reading passages, writing activities, and so much more!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Mary Beth

P.S.  You can find a ton more FUN literary devices mini-units in this bundle.  Just click HERE to learn more.

Free Stackable Classroom Posters!

You know how they say that "necessity is the mother of invention?"  Well, that was definitely the case when I was faced with a super narrow bulletin board in the classroom.  I was perplexed about how to use the space.  Then, I remembered how much I love displaying motivational quotes in the classroom and the idea of the stackable poster was born. I decided to create a long, narrow poster with an inspirational quote.  

Then...I couldn't stop creating them!  Seriously...it's becoming an obsession! That's actually a good thing for you, because I have a bunch that you can download for FREE!  

They're super simple to install.  First, just cut out each of the poster strips.  (I've provided gray lines for you to cut along.)

Next, lay out the poster on a table or floor (be sure to add a little space between each poster strip).  Measure the assembled poster to make sure that it will fit where you want to display it.  The poster measures approximately 43 inches long and 10 1/2 inches wide when it is assembled.

Then, begin stapling or taping the poster up on a wall, door, or bulletin board.  I made a spacer template to that I could make sure that the poster edges lined up.

I created a tiny sliver of a piece of paper to serve as the spacer guide for each strip of the poster, too.

Then, I realized that I could also turn the strips over and tape the poster together on the floor first, and then hang it up.  Either way...the assembly process is quick and easy!

Once the first poster was hung on the bulletin board and I saw how modern and fun it looked, I went a little "stackable-poster-crazy" and made a bunch of them!

The coolest part is that you can display them in so many places!

You can even attach a string to the top and hang it around your classroom.

Ready to download your own set of FREE stackable posters?  Well, then you're in luck!  I've put together 3 of the posters in this EXCLUSIVE FREEBIE.  Just click HERE to download your posters....but wait...

I have another set of posters for you!  Head over to Brain Waves Instruction and you can download 2 MORE FREE STACKABLE POSTERS!

I hope they make your students happy!  I hope they make you smile!  I hope they add a little fun to your school year!

Thanks for stopping by!

Mary Beth

P.S.  Be sure to grab your posters here, too!

How to Create a Positive Classroom Culture with S.T.A.R.

I'm super psyched to be linking up with the Secondary Smorgasbord (thanks ELA Buffet and Desktop Learning Adventures for getting this blog linky started) today!  We're all discussing ways to create a positive classroom culture.  

As teachers we all strive to create a classroom that brings the very best out of our students.  We all want our classrooms to be a place where students feel safe and encouraged.  Here's the thing though, a positive classroom culture is not something that happens by accident.  It's something that needs to be nurtured and built throughout the school year.  

Today, I thought I'd share four really easy ways to do just that.  Each technique works together to form the word "STAR."  

S - Set Goals

T - Team Building

A - Accentuate the Positive

R - Reach Beyond the Classroom

I like to infuse the S.T.A.R. positive classroom techniques in my lessons all year long...and I hope you'll find some that can work in your classroom, too!

Setting goals is essential to a positive classroom culture.  That's because when we set intentions to better ourselves, we naturally improve our classroom community.  While it's important to teach students how to set, measure, and reflect on goals, I think it's also powerful to set goals as an educator.  

As teachers we naturally set goals all the time.  However, have you ever shared your goal setting process and reflection with students?  This can be a game changer.  The next time you set goals whether it be for a unit you are planning or school event or for students' success rate on an assessment, share it with students.  Show students how you set specific, measurable goals, and then, show them how you reflect back on your goals.  Modeling goal setting is so powerful!

Here's a goal setting idea that's perfect for students at the beginning of a new school year.  With this activity students progress through a goal-setting guide. 

 Then, they create a fun speech bubble with their goal inside.  As a class they combine their goals on a bulletin board.  In the center of the bulletin board is a quote poster that says, "Take Our Word For It, It's Going to Be a Great Year."  This activity helps students not only set goals but it projects a spirit of positivity right from the start of school.  You can find a FREE download of this goal setting and bulletin board resource HERE. 

Team building is essential to a positive classroom community because when students have strong skills to work collaboratively, the entire classroom is a more positive place to learn.  Encouraging teamwork among students helps them improve their speaking, listening, and social skills.  One of my favorite ways to foster team building is with lessons that not only help students master critical ELA skills, but also encourage them to work together as a team.  

Here's one of my favorites.  In this lesson students practice reading comprehension and figurative language while they work cooperatively with their peers.  First students work together to put a fable in the correct order.  Then, they answer questions as a team.  Finally, they reflect on their experiences as a team using figurative language while making a pennant banner.  

Download the Team Building lesson for FREE HERE.

This activity is just one way to encourage students to work together as a team.  You could also find a ton of team building activities at this website.  I've found that making time to teach students how to work together has done wonders for creating a positive classroom culture!

Let's face it, if we want our classrooms to be positive places then we need to make it a practice to recognize students' individual contributions.  It can be as simple as spending a portion of the class period highlighting students or creating a bulletin board filled with news clippings, pictures, and examples of students doing awesome things, or writing personalized notes on students' papers recognizing their efforts.  Or, it can be as elaborate as assemblies or awards.  The idea is to make time to point out what kids are doing right!

Encouraging students to accentuate the positive with one another is also a critical component of creating a positive classroom community.  I love getting students to do that with this simple activity.  All you have to do is hand out a piece of colored paper to each student.  Have them write their name creatively and boldly at the top of the paper.  Then, have a discussion with students about what makes a good compliment.  Brainstorm meaningful compliments together.  Then, explain to students that they will be writing compliments to their classmates.  Have students place the paper they created on their desk and instruct them to move to a different desk.  At that desk they should write a meaningful compliment to their peer.  

Then, challenge students to rotate around the classroom until they have written a compliment for everyone.  Students love this activity.  Their compliment-filled-paper becomes a treasured item and a reminder of the positive classroom environment where it was created!  If you'd like a FREE version of this activity along with others that promote kindness in the classroom, just add your email address below and check your email inbox!

If you happen to work with adolescents, you know that they can be a bit self-absorbed.  Students are often stuck in their own world.  However, I've found that if prompted, they have a deep desire to make a difference in their schools, towns, communities, and world.  That's why my final tip for creating a positive classroom culture is to set up opportunities for students to reach beyond the classroom.  Give students a chance to make a positive difference in others' lives and see how that impacts the culture in your own classroom.

Here are some ideas to help students reach beyond the classroom:

--- Have students write letters or design cards for residents in a local nursing home.
--- Set up a reading-buddy program with a lower grade in your own school or district.
--- Task students to complete a school beautification project.

--- See if a local community organization needs help with their newsletter and have students write articles for the publication.
--- Task students to complete random acts of kindness in their school, home, and community.

--- Have students research community service projects that matter to them (Case for Smiles, Room to Read, Soles4Souls) and complete a community service project together.
--- Let students turn their poems into place mats that can laminated and donated to programs like Meals on Wheels or Shelters providing food.
--- Encourage students to assemble appreciation gifts for pivotal people in the community like police officers and fire fighters.

The ideas for helping students help others are endless...and that's a good thing!  Giving students an opportunity to see the good in themselves by doing good for others is essential to creating a positive classroom culture!

I hope you've found some easy ways to create and nurture a positive culture in your classroom.  If you're on the hunt for even more ways to make your classroom a better place to learn, be sure to sign up for the free set of kindness activities!

Thanks for stopping by,

Mary Beth