Rewards and support
- Intervene positively whenever possible. A rewards system, positive notes to go home, and verbal recognition go a long way to encouraging desirable behaviour.
Consequences
- Establish consequences for breaking rules concurrently with the establishment of rules.
- Allow students to determine what punishment should fit what infraction.
- Cool down. Do not administer any consequences without a level head.
- Reflect on any situation during and afterwards: could this situation have been avoided? What could be done in the future to prevent this? Discuss this with the student requiring consequences to better understand management revisions.
Pop Stars is a reward system that really got the students motivated. There are points and monetary rewards, which students can save to buy pencils and erasers—but they can also lose for breaking rules.
Though this system worked very well with third grade students, it does not lead to intrinsic motivation. I do not think I would use a system like this.
A Happy Go Home Note makes students proud of themselves and shows parents that the teacher is paying attention!