Check System

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Home : 2002 : April : 18

Check System
By Teri

I'm in my first year of teaching 3rd grade. I was concerned about implementing a good and positive discipline system for my students. While in college, I "heard" that classroom management was the most difficult aspect of
the first years. For the most part, it has been a great success. My class is very respectful and responsible.
First, during the first days of school, I focused on it being "their" classroom. We did a class name and motto. They created a banner illustrating our choice. Then, after building this idea of "their" classroom, we discussed rights (as opposed to rules). I gave them the

list of rights (respect, making mistakes, etc.) and then they gave examples of one.

I allow my students to self-monitor their behavior. When they are not doing what they're supposed to be doing, they give themselves a check. The check pad is a sticky-note at their desk. I have one student who isn't honest about his marks and, therefore, we both keep a list of his checks. I keep one at my desk and he keeps one at his desk. The great thing about this system is it doesn't impair the process of teaching. You would simply said, "Teri, give yourself a check for playing with your pencil." and then go on to teaching.

Mid-year, I had to link recess to check marks because the weekly incentive was not enough. In 3rd grade, they do need a daily reminder. If they get more than 1 check, then they have to sit out at recess. It's done incremental also. For example, if they get 3 checks, then they have to sit out 10 minutes, but if they get 2 they have to sit out 5 minutes.

At the end of the week, if they don't have a certain number of checks, then they get to attend Fun Friday. If they don't, then they get to go to a buddy room to do work for that teacher, complete their homework, silent read, etc. Occasionally, I give a special surprise during Fun Friday to keep the students motivated.

I also have my students complete a behavior report each week. I will add comments, like whether I agree or disagree with the analysis. Generally my students are quite critical of themselves. The parents have to sign it and the student has to return it. This is also a great way to communicate with parents. I've had positive parent feedback about the behavior reports.

Also, if there's a day that the students, as a class, have been particularly disruptive, off-task, etc. then I will reward all the students who haven't gotten a check for the day. This is a wonderful way to reward the students are always good. Sometimes it seems like you spend all your time with the discipline problems.

I hope this doesn't sound too complicated because it really isn't. It self-managed by the students which is the beauty of the program. My only concern is it's daily negative reinforcement. I do like that it rewards the kids who are always good. They'll always get to go to Fun Friday.

Good luck!