How Is Our 'Bear'~Havior?

A question frequently asked by parents throughout the school year is, "So, how is my child's behavior?"

Classroom management is especially important at the beginning of the school year. It sets the precedent for the rest of the year and the tempo of attitude in your classroom. I've found that my "How's My 'Bear~Havior?" system to be very engaging, good habit forming and most of all positively reinforcing for my little cutie~pies' behavior. They feel safe in our classroom environment and know exactly what is expected of them in our daily routine.

I have a whole "bear" theme in my classroom which my kiddos LOVE! I also love the ease of using a clipchart!

The children's names can be quickly moved "up" the chart and it creates a great visual to reinforce those good habits and behaviors which we love to see!

This system is pretty simple and this is how it works:

During the first week of school when rules and expectations are modeled, I introduce my "How Is Our 'Bear'~Havior?" Clipchart to the class.

Each day they earn the opportunity to move their "Bear" Clip up to the next color on the chart based on their behavior (for example when they make good choices, perform their responsibilities well, follow instructions, being good listeners, stay on task and most importantly when they follow the class rules).

The beginning color on the chart is green. They are called "Climbing Bears". Every student is a "Climbing Bear" and strives to continue "up" the chart as they progress. When they reach the top of the chart, they've earned "The Golden Bear" award for that week.

Keeping in tune with my commitment toward a positively reinforcing behavior management system, each color on the chart sends an encouraging message to the students! 

At the end of each day, each student receives a 'Teddy Bear' token whose clip was moved up and can earn up to four tokens each week. 

I punched the tokens out using a 2 1/2" circular scrapbook puncher. It was quick and easy!

With their four tokens they can then exchange them into "Bear" Bucks. (I couldn't resist throwing in a little monetary exchange to reinforce their money math skills :) 

My kiddos LOVE to collect them and place them into their "Reward Stash"! 

They can then use their 'Bear' Bucks to earn reward coupons or select a prize in the class treasure chest where specific reward items or coupons are worth from one 'Bear' Buck on up. 

 They are always really excited to save their 'Bear' Bucks and trade them in for coupon rewards that they themselves have worked hard to earn. It's wonderful to see the look of pride in their expressions when they earn each 'Teddy Bear' token or 'Bear' Buck and receive their reward coupons or treasure!

*For any kiddos whose 'Bear' Clip remains on the first green color, I send home a short note to their parents encouraging them to discuss the importance of making good choices at school and to remind them to keep trying. I believe in all they can achieve and remind them that they "Can Do It!"

It's so important to ensure that these little kiddos are given every opportunity to receive positive reinforcement when they perform their responsibilities well, follow instructions, being good listeners, stay on task and most importantly when they follow the class rules. 

I disagree with having behavior charts that can potentially demoralize a child's self esteem and shut down their initiative to perform their very best.  So rather than "dinging" them for poor behavior choices, I'm committed to reinforcing GOOD behavior choices in my behavior management system.

As with any behavior management system implemented in your classroom, it must be clear to your students and consistent in order for it to be most effective. 

If you would like to grab my "Bear"~Havior System and use it in your classroom, 

Click Here.

Through encouraging words & positive reinforcement, you'll definitely find #happyclassrooms . :)