management ideas

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management ideas
By Laura

I have been in your same shoes before. I took over a classroom 3 years ago and had to start from scratch. It was not fun. I am not still currently working in that classroom but I do have an idea. If it sounds like something
you might like to try go ahead. You may have already tried this. I will tell you how our Emotionally Impaired teacher uses this management idea.
It is a level system. Each student has different levels during the day. Each level has a certain amount of privileges tied to it.
Example:
Level dark green-highest level, students can interact in the classroom with no restrictions.
Level

light green-second highest, students can do most things but have one or two mild restrictions after breaking one or more of the classroom rules
Level Yellow-Middle level. Students have lost more privileges after breaking more classroom rules
Level orange-second to the lowest. Students have lost almost all privileges for continuing to break classroom rules
Level Red-lowest level. Student has lost ALL privileges and is not able to leave assigned area for any reason, not allowed to talk.

I know this sounds somewhat abstract. The classroom rules will have to be designed as a class so that students will have ownership. I always add my only rule which is respect. That covers pretty much everything.
As far as privileges go it can be as little as not able to sharpen pencil at will or use the bathroom, get a drink. You can also use things such as no recess, lunch with supervision. You have to really get parents to agree to this system and if one of your step is to be sent home then you have to have parents agree to that as well. It is so hard to have to keep track of any behavior problems and still teach. I know exactly what you mean about feeling like a baby-sitter. I can try to give you more ideas if you want to email me. I am not a pro at management but I have a few things that worked for me. It really depends on the students. By the way, this level system should be used with all of your students not just the behavior ones. And you can praise and say wow look Tim has stayed on the greens all day or week. I hope this will help a little.