Super Star!

It has been so nice having a 3 day weekend!  I vote for one every week!  How about you?  Have you enjoyed your long weekend?  I can't wait to hear about what my students did over their 4 day weekend.  YES, 4 days.  Friday was a staff development day in our district.  Lucky ducks!

 

Today I want to share with you a tool that I use for behavior management in my classroom.  I use a little bit of this and a little bit of that with regards to discipline.  I love the WBT concept so I try and use as many of those techniques with my class as I can.  But as any good, reflective teacher knows, the way in which we discipline can look one way in my class and look totally different in yours.  It's not a one size fits all kind of thing!  Discipline can wear any good teacher down and it can dictate the dynamics in your class.  I have a good group of students.  They are far from perfect though. I have to keep my finger on them at all times because they are high maintenance.  One little change in schedule, one little word, or one little action can throw us off course in a skinny minute.  You all can pretty much figure out what happens after that!

 

To keep the positive vibes going in my classroom, I pick a "Super Star Student" at the end of each day.  My students try to guess who that student is going to be and I really try to surprise them by who I pick.  You see, I don't always pick those kids who ALWAYS do what they are supposed to do.  I look for those who had to work hard that day.  I look for those who maybe had a rough week but really did much better that one particular day.  I look for ANYTHING, big or small, in a student that I can call their attention too to help encourage positive classroom behavior.  And yes, I do pick those "good" kids.  I just try to balance out who I pick.  I want them to all see that they are capable of being "super star students!"

 

So here's what happens at the end of our day:

 

1.  I pass out homework folders and check behavior for the day.

2.  Students pack up.

3.  We check the scoreboard (WBT).

4.  I pick a "Mystery Group."

5.  I choose the "Super Star Student."

 

When I get ready to choose, I start off by giving clues to who that student might be.  I might say things like this:

 

My super star student today set a great example while walking in the hall.

I liked the way this student had their eyes on me during group time.

This student worked well with his partner during our partner activity.

I liked the way this student completed all of their work on time.

 

Then, drumroll please, I say "My Super Star Student today is............!"  We then all clap and cheer and say nice things to that student (that took a lot of modeling at the beginning of the year).  When you are awarded this daily honor, you get a super star sticker (Target $1 bin find) and  a treat from the candy jar.  But wait, that's not all.  The super star student also gets to keep a special framed sign on their desk the next day.  I use a 4x6 acrylic frame for the sign.  It's just a special touch that reminds the class, and any visitors, that this student has been awarded a special honor.  You can click on the picture below to download your own "Super Star Student" sign.

 

Font:  Hello Literacy

Graphic:  Amazing Classroom

Background:  Coffee,Kids, and Compulsive Lists

 

 

I would love to know if you try the "super star student" award with your class. 

I would also love to know what you do to motivate your students to make those "smart" choices.

My toolbox is never too full for great behavior management ideas!

 

Hope ya'll have a great week!