My favorite little classroom management tool is Class Dojo. If you haven't heard of this, SIGN UP NOW!! It's free for now, but I'm not sure that it always will be.
If you're not familiar with it, here's a quick synopsis: You set up different classrooms (I have one for each of my groups) and positive/negative awards that you want, or you can keep the awards it already suggests. Then you begin your class and click on their avatar to award them a point DURING class. I have it pulled up on my Promethean board for them to see, and then my phone acts as a remote.
If a student is off task, I simply click their name on my phone and award a negative point. It makes a sound on the board and shows instantly which child is off task. The sound alone helps to refocus the entire class. It works the same way when awarding positive points.
At the end of each group, I give them Skittles for every positive point they have (I try to keep it at 3 or less so I'm not buying too many Skittles). The kids love it and really work hard to keep their avatar happy! When I was in the regular classroom last year, I would email reports to parents at the end of each week so they could see what their child was earning points for. I would recommend adding comments to explain most negative behaviors, though. And if the parents don't have email addresses, you can print off the behavior report to send home as well. It really is an amazing tool!
Thanks for commenting on my blog so I could find yours! I have heard a lot about Class Dojo and think it's about time I tried it for myself. Thanks for the tip.:)
ReplyDeleteKristin
iTeach 1:1
I just found your blog through the linky and I'm your newest follower!
ReplyDeleteThe REAL Teachers of Orange County
Hi there!
ReplyDeleteI found you through the Teaching Tip linky party - and LOVE the Dojo idea. It's going on my to-be-implemented-ASAP list :)
I really like the accountability of sending e-mail reports to the parents. What a wonderful way of tracking behavior progress during the day.
Thanks for sharing :)
~Jessica
Joy in the Journey
I'm for sure going to have to check out Dojo. Sounds like a great idea!
ReplyDeleteą®Rikki
The Hive
I love class dojo! I was going to do that as my teacher tip too but since I had all ready written about it, I decided to do something different. Thanks for the visit on my blog! I'm your newest follower!
ReplyDeleteMrs.T
Teaching Mrs.T
I think that it sounds wonderful! I have the app downloaded on my ipad but I don't have a smartboard (yet)! It really does sound great! I am a new follower!
ReplyDeleteHilary
Second Grade is Out of This World
Class Dojo is what I can "Behavior Management Heaven". Doesn't it just work like a charm and then you have reports that are even better! I have been using it for a little over a year and I'm a firm believer. I have a post on my blog about the many many ways you can use it in the classroom that are in addition to the lovely behavior part.
ReplyDelete~Dana
Live Learn Teach for Life