At the base of the discipline plan I use the idea that the purpose of discipline is not to control children and make them mind, but to teach them to make responsible decisions, thus empowering them. Children will receive positive feedback for making good choices about their behavior, while receiving guidance when making inappropriate choices.

Class Rules:   In order to teach these skills, I will communicate to my students that in every situation there is a range of choices.  These choices all have consequences.  I will be guiding the children to develop their problem-solving skills and increase their responsibility for decision- making.  The goal is to have students thinking before acting in difficult situations.  They should think, “I have a problem.  What’s my plan?” I have included the breakdown under each rule to give you specific behaviors I expect in my classroom.

      Be Respectful (1)                          Be Responsible (2)

·        Have a positive attitude ·        Show effort ·        Cooperate with others ·        Speak politely ·        Show self-control ·        Keep hands to yourself

·        Complete work    ·        Follow directions    ·        Stay on task    ·        Be organized

      Be Prepared (3)                                 Be Safe (4)

·        Be on time ·        Bring take home folder to school and             put  it in basket ·        Take care of morning duties

·        Walk in the school ·        Follow safety rules in the school and                  on the playground

 “Stars to Success” Behavior Chart:  The children will each have a behavior notification in their planner each day. The children will start off each day with 4 keys (one for each “Be Attitude”).  During the day if your child is not making appropriate behavior choices, then your child will pull a key from his chart.  At the earliest possible time, I will discuss with your child why they had to pull a key and what a more appropriate choice would be.  Below is how their behavior for the day will be determined.

Green = Excellent Day - Sticker/Stamp

Yellow = Good Day - J

Blue= Try Harder - L

             Red = Rough Day -  ü 

If your child did not receive all 4 stars (all four colors) for a particular day, I will record which behavior your child chose that warranted a key being pulled.  You are responsible for initialing in the appropriate area.  If your child does not return his/her planner signed following school day, he/she will not receive a sticker for rule #3- being prepared- the following school day. 

Consequences:                                           Rewards:

1.      Verbal warnings- up to 3 2.      10 minute Time-out 3.      30 minute out of class  "time-out" 4.      Phone call home 5.      In-Class separation for  1 day 6.      ISS- days to be determined 7.      Conference with parent(s)

Each week students will have a chance to visit the class treasure box if they have earned 3 or 4 stickers/stamps for each week.  In addition to the weekly rewards, a special reward will be given to those who earn all their stickers for an entire month! There will also be a time as to where they will be able to earn “wii” points. The designated “wii” time is the last Friday in every month.

 “Special points” can be earned through appropriate behavior when traveling through the halls, at special area classes, and when visitors are in our classroom.  When a point is earned, we will add it to our classroom graph.  After we have reached our goal, the children will be able to vote on what special treat they would like to have.  Special treats may include:  lunch with a friend, time with the class pets, popcorn party, prizes from the treasure box, etc. 

I appreciate you taking the time to read and familiarize yourself with this plan. I view helping children develop positive behavior skills as a very important part of my job.  I love watching how our classroom becomes an environment of not only learning, but also a loving and respectful family.  I look forward to having your child as a member of my 2011-2012 classroom family.