advice from a textbook

Home

Chat

Blogs

Collection

Directory

Home : 2004 : January : 21

advice from a textbook
By LS

Hi, I've never written a behaviour contract, yet I have an excellent classroom management textbook from Teacher's College. (written by James Levin and James F. Nolan) Here is a breakdown of what these authors suggest:
-
A behaviour contract is usually short-term and should offer a specific (and motivating) reward when the targeted behaviour is met.
- Targetted behaviour must be realistic and clearly described.
- Stay neutral and use information from past behaviour to plan the contract.
- Set a clear time period for the behaviour and a time to meet when the period is up.
- Make sure the student

understands, agrees and signs the contract with you. Everyone should get a copy- incl. parents, child and teacher.
- If the behaviour is not met, no excuses should be accepted. Explain neutrally why the reward can't be given. At this point you have to evaluate the effectiveness of trying another contract.

Hope this helps a little. I recommend this textbook to any and all - it is called "Principles of CLassroom Management" by the authors above. Good luck...