Not all student behavior is entirely appropriate, I wish it was and I am sure I am not alone. So, setting up procedures and rules from day one is extremely important. As is being consistent with the procedures and rules. In my classroom with my cooperating teacher the students take an active role in monitoring their own behavior. They know when the go above and beyond that they will be rewarded with kind words and praise. They receive stickers for their passports to choose rewards such as flexible seating and having lunch in the classroom with us. Having students hold themselves accountable for there own behavior is a great undertaking for both myself and the students. I have to be patient and subtle when monitoring student behavior. My response to student misbehavior must be sensitive to individual student needs and respects students’ dignity. When students take control over there own behavior they know they are earning respect and creating a wonderful classroom environment.  

        The classroom newsletter lets parents and student know the expectations for the week and up coming events. This is part of the procedures set at the beginning of the year to have communication between families and us. Another paper that goes home at the beginning of the week is the behavior chart. This stays in the students folder and parents must sign and return each day. Knowing that families will see their behavior everyday, students take an active role in monitoring their own behavior.

          I have included two videos. One is from the classroom at Dunbar Intermediate and the other is from Richmond Elementary. I have included both videos to show that not all student behavior is entirely appropriate or the same. In the video from Dunbar Intermediate I have to be much more strict compared to the video from Richmond Elementary. The Dunbar classroom was fourth grade and the Richmond classroom is second grade. I find it interesting to see how these two different groups of children hold themselves accountable for there own behavior. There are several reasons for the difference in managing behavior, but as a teacher I have to take responsibility first.