Table points

 Each child has a small card inside a pocket on the corner of their desk, every time they are caught being good, doing what they need to be doing, they get a “hole” punch on the card..if they get 5, then they get into the “goody box” then…it does make a difference when others see good kids being rewarded..those that talk too much certainly start trying to earn hole punches..it has worked for me for years. This year  a new student  was a real chatter box until he saw how others were getting something from the goody box…he has since toned down his talking…

PAX good behavior game

Incorporate talking in their day…think pair share etc….

www.classdojo.com. Give them points for talking less.

Class dojo is great. I even pull it up on my phone or tablet and use it in the hall, at lunch, etc.

 What is class dojo?

 I’ve looked into Class Dojo-is it really that simple to use? It doesn’t become too much of a time consumer for you? I don’t have a tablet, so I would either have to use my phone or my interactive white board. I just sometimes think it would take up more time to be marking off every kid that I would be doing more of that than teaching.  Another simple, quick idea from Dr. Jean-I call them “X marks the spots” she called them something else-take a good smelling chap stick. When they are working quietly they get an “x marks the spot” on their hand. You would not believe how much my students have loved this the past couple of years! I try to have a couple of different flavors to mix it up. And I be sure to put a black X on the cap so I NEVER end up putting it on my own lips! 😉

I used one of my son’s old baseball trophies ( a tall one). the best table got the trophy. I moved it throughout the day.

 I have a chatty class.. and when I really need them quiet, I explain how when, they are thinking really hard, they need it quiet and I can tell who is really thinking hard by how quietly they are working. Then I reward with Table Points or a small treat randomly. I also use the phrase “Smart kids are sitting quietly” or “Smart kids are working quietly” etc. I also reward by moving their clip up if they are following directions. It takes a lot of work just remembering not to get frustrated. Lots of STAR/deep breathes… and occasionally temporarily moving someone away.

 I use beanie babies–the quietest table who is working hard gets the “busy bee” beanie baby. They love it. I also use beanie babies on the carpet–elephant for good listener, owl for smart learner, etc. It truly is a motivator. Sometime I pick–sometimes the kids get to pick.

 I play music for the class when they work quietly. I keep the volume at a minimum so they have to be quiet to hear it. It’s very motivating…

Whole brain teaching. I love it.

Whisper to them…

The loudest voice in the room monitors the volume. Make an effort to be more quiet. I also use a quiet bell… If it’s too loud I ring it and that is their warning. if it gets too loud again, they can’t talk at all. www.teachertipster.com/

Sarah Hudson PAX good behavior game!!!!!!!!! It will change your life!!!!!!!

 Ann Graber Flanagin, do you take the beanie babies away when the group starts talking? Because I totally use beanie babies in my classroom for so many thing (like introducing sounds, acting out stories, etc.) and I love your idea. I’m just not sure how that would work.

I also use a beanie baby for extra good behavior! It’s amazing how wonderful they listen just for a chance to hold the beanie baby 🙂

 I’ve used a wind up music box. When they talk I open the music box until they stop. If they have music left by recess they get 5 “extra” minutes.

Maybe offer some small reward, like you read an extra bit of a book if their quiet?

 Heidisongs Resources – her blog post for today is on this very subject! Google her.

Build in times they CAN talk, like think, pair, share during rug time. At the tables or desks try to give them a few minutes to share what they learned before next transition, then have them switch gears. I also find it helpful to video the desired behavior and unwanted behavior and then share it during a class meeting.

 PAT time and a behavior ladder. Then clearly state what you expect.

I give table points to the quiet tables. Whichever table has the most points at the end of the day is “top table” the next day. The”top table” gets to do everything first the next day:  line up, drink water, etc. A little peer pressure helps keep the kids quieter.

Keep them engaged by keeping them active. Changing activities often and keeping them wondering what fun thing you will have them doing next. Then use the anticipation of activities…

 Read My Mouth is a Volcano by Julia Cook and put the strategy on a poster to hang in your classroom.