1. Instill Trust
Why keep checks on your students when they can just keep checks on themselves. Here are ways I would use this strategy.
Walking in line: Let your students know you trust them and that they can handle it without you having to say a word.
Lunchroom or Recess: Remind the students of the lunchroom behavior, but let them own their own behavior. If you tell them you trust them, they are more than likely to deliver.
Classroom accountability: Let students know the importance of being good classroom citizens and learners and remind them how you feel about how smart and awesome they are. Let them know you trust them to make good choices and that you know they will not let you down.
2. Give each student a job
I learned this from a colleague, but she told me that if you give each student a job, they really will get good at it, and you can differentiate by ability levels. Each student has a job that has a different level of responsibility to fit their need. They also know that they will not get a job the first day. Some may and some may have to wait a week or two. I do this for two reasons: The first is so I can get a scope for what I need. The second is so I can train the kids on the jobs with a nice pace. A perk to this method is that you get things done for you in the classroom and you are not spending your prep doing it. When I give a student a job, they know the very specific expectations for that job and they own it. If they are not really cut out for that job, they are "laid off," and I give them a job when I see an opening for a new one. Here are some examples of classroom jobs I could have:
Line Leader, Door Holder, etc.
Lunch Counter
Attendance Runner
Desk Checker
3. Use self-monitoring techniques
Encourage each child to use self-regulation with their feelings. Think about it this way: Are they going to have someone telling them how to act in the real world? Probably not. Use strategies you think would be useful. I always think about what works for me, and then I cater it to their level. Below are some ideas for self-regulation.
Journaling
Putting together a puzzle
Going for a walk
Going to the restroom to wash off face
Offer an alternative activity for 5 minutes
4. Classroom Meetings
I will always facilitate classroom meetings, but the students are expected to run them. Each week, a different student runs the classroom meeting. My kindergarten class with probably have more broad discussions than a fourth grade class. Nonetheless, this gives them a sense of belonging, and they build self-confidence simultaneously. These meetings can be a great time to bring up many important issues. The issues can be as specific or as broad as you like. During the classroom meetings, we will start with two positive issues, and then two things we need to work on. Below are some issues to talk about during the classroom meetings.
Walking in line and not touching the wall
Lunchroom/Recess/Specials Behavior
Using Reading/Math strategies
Using classroom signals
Holding each other accountable
Turning in homework in the morning
Using kind words and manners
Using materials properly
I will know that my students have succeeded if they:
1. Are successful with their peers in and out of the classroom.
2. Have built a positive trusting relationship with the class and me as the teacher.
3. They performed their designated tasks for the week, with minimal discrepancies.
4. If my classroom communicated as a whole.
Recourses:
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/228135537347128828/
http://www.educationtothecore.com/2013/08/five-ways-to-build-your-classroom.html