I don't use bribery

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Home : 2001 : November : 16

I don't use bribery
By sy

Here is what I do when I go into a class

1. I look for the rules of the class, and see if they relate somewhat to my philosophy

2. When the students come in, I wait for them to settle down, and then introduce myself

3.
I give them a bit of my background...kids, animals ect.
4. Then I talk about the rules of the class:
I usally point to their rules and say " I want to talk about my expectations for the day. My rules and expectatations are similar to your teachers, but the number one thing I feel is important is respect. Respect for me, respect for you and respect for the class. This means

that when I am speaking I expect everyone to listen, and if one of you is speaking, I will give you the same respect and listen. Respect also means raising your hand. I will not even answer someone who calls out, so you will know why. Now usally I don't have to use this but, if you are calling out, out of your seat when inappropriate or constantly disrupting the class I will write your name on the board. If it happens again, I will put a tick beside name, and then finally a time out" The time out is putting them in a spot in the class, and let them sit for a moment, and then I will go and talk to them, asking them why they are there, what is their plan for next time etc.
I then let the kids know that I like to have fun, and the likelyhood of anyone getting a timeout isn't that good. I usually then give each a small piece of paper to ask me any question they like. About me, or anything they are intersted in. Throughout the day when I have a few minutes I answer their questions. They seem to like that.

The first child who raises their hand I praise quite strongly. I also use positive reinforcement, and say " Ireally like how so and so is working, I really like how so and so is raising their hand etc"

The trick is to ignore the people who don't put up their hand. I also ask them to raise their hands instead of all coming up to me.

I also use mute minutes, and carry music with me, so that when they are doing art, or some quiet activity they love to listen to music. Rule is music goes of when there is talking....this works so well, and the kids love it.

Those are a few strategies I use.......I have never used treats,,,,I have however used row points, and the row who wins gets to line up first etc.

Hope this helps