I tried really hard to use a behavior chart! I had it all laminated. I spent time talking about it! I really wanted it to work! I had used it for maybe a month before realized the detrimental damage it was doing to my class. Kids were now making fun of kids who clipped down. They "expected" Johnny to end up on red... Johnny might have cared on day 2-3 but he couldn't maintain perfect behavior and so he ended up not caring about the color and his self esteem went down because he felt not good enough. Then I had Susie who began to have anxiety attacks over clipping down or up and anytime I asked her to move her clip she would start to cry. Kids also started to compare themselves to others... "well Alex is the smartest and the best because he's ALWAYS on Purple!!" Or "Johnny is the bad kid!" My 2nd graders were not dealing with it well at all. So I ditched it as soon as I realized it was becoming this much of a problem. The power of communication is so much more powerful! It also taught my students how to communicate what they did, why they did it, how to fix it, and what the consequences are. The students who always get green and don't move up or down are usually forgotten about too when there is a clip chart. Johnny told me on the last day of our chart, "I don't care! I'm always on red! Everyone thinks I'm a jerk! I'm a jerk!" Huge eye opener! This 6year old was basing his whole life around this chart! His parents were concerned, I became concerned! I put an immediate stop to the chart that day and had a conversation. I communicated to him and by the end of the year, Johnny was doing great! He was able to correct his behavior without me even having to talk with him. I could just signal to him and he knew to stop and think. He'd be able to tell me he needed a break. He could tell me why he had an outburst and what he needed in order to calm himself. If I kept that chart, I don't think he would have been able to progress at all! His parents were so happy for him! If you can make the chart work, than that's great!!! It just didn't work for my class at all!! 😊
Thank you for ditching these. Peers can be cruel. Plus sometimes behaviors are communications and we must remember that. So instead of addressing the behaviors, let's find out the reasons behind the behavior
I ditched my behavior chart as well this year!! I am using the Zones of Regulation. It focuses on helping students to regulate their behaviors. It incorporates a 'calm down box' and teaches strategies to help kids keep themselves in the 'ready to learn' zone. It goes really well with the movie Inside Out from Disney last year. It's great! I'll never go back :)
I also teach kindergarten and I got rid of my behavior chart before last school year. I was afraid to try it but it was one of the best decisions that I have made. I felt like having a clip chart made me reactive to their behaviors all day. For example with a chart if a student poked someone on the carpet they would have had to move their clip. Without the chart I was forced to talk to the student and have more engagement with them. When my students misbehaved I had to get to the bottom of it rather than just telling them to move their clip. Great Video!
I hate the chart as a parent. It has become a great source of stress for my pre-k student. He tries hard to get to green and when he does not it is a blow to his self esteem.
Love that you got rid of your behavior chart. I have not had one for years and don't miss it at all. I also don't think they change behaviors. The same students always moved down and felt defeated. Thanks for sharing your reasons.
Kayla Galligo that's my inner battle. I refuse to give my preschoolers a reward or sticker every time they do something well. I want them to just do it bcuz it's the right thing to do. I feel better with a weekly reward.
You gave good reasons to get rid of the behavior chart- I'm surprised it took you 11 years to realize it didn't work. As a prek teacher, we are not allowed to use it.
My son was obsessed with the behavior chart in his K classroom. First thing he would do when I picked him up was tell me everyone's color and describe what they did. It was very frustrating. When I para-pro'ed in a K classroom later, we kept the behavior chart in a notebook away from the student's view. This was a huge improvement.
Thanks for sharing! I got rid of my behavior chart this year for the first time as well. I am also going to rely more on having convos with my kiddos and directly contacting parents as needed. I will also be throwing in a little bit of 123 Magic strategies to give simply warnings as opposed to moving a clip down.
I've taught for 24 years and for the last twenty I haven't used a behavior chart and couldn't be happier. We work on a class goal and citizenship instead of focusing on the negative all the time. Kinder is a time to grow and learn how to be in school. If they need extra support they get their own chart to help them.
One of my grandchildren was constantly asking me if I was proud of him for doing the simplest tasks, especially if he did it without be told or reminded. It was a constant Are you proud of me that I put my shoes away? Are you proud of me that I washed my hands? Are you proud of me....? Turned out that his very young pre-k teacher always told her students she was proud of every little thing the children did. I told my grandson he needed to ask himself if he was proud that he did his best. I also had a little conversation with his teacher that children do need to be praised, but also to learn to do their best without expecting constant praise.
The one time in my elementary school career that I had to move my clip down was because of note passing. My friend gave me a note apologizing for (I think) calling my sensitive, and I wrote that I forgave her. My teacher saw and yelled at me (JUST ME) for note passing. I had to go move my clip down for the first time. I started having a panic attack, one of my first, and she told me to “dry it up”, “stop being so dramatic”. At recess, I had to stand on the fence. I was balling my eyes out, and tried to cover it with my book. My teacher called me out once more and said, “We can all see you.” I’m in high school and still remember this, this was detrimental. Some teachers just aren’t built for it.
Funny I was thinking about this too. Last year only two of my students really used the chart. The rest didn't need it. I am so sick of year after year, having to explain to parents that their child didn't get up to the top color, not because he/she wasn't amazing today, but because we just didn't have the time to change colors... Our days are so "go, go, go". When behavior is in check, I don't even think about the darn chart and neither do they (mostly). I am moving to flexible seating this year so I think that is all the change I can handle for now, but maybe mid-year, I can "ditch the chart," too! I am thinking about doing weekly (daily for those special kids who need it) behavior reports via Remind or through Seesaw this year anyway. I thought for those kids who struggle behaviorally, they can record themselves setting behavior goals and then can report how it's going. Parents of those kids would then have CONSTANT feedback in their child's own words. Just thinking out loud! Thanks for the inspiration!
I also teach kindergarten. I use the same chart. I use that alongside paying the child at end of day depending on where the students clip ended. I’ve also thought about removing it. But I have a challenging class. So I thought to maybe just cut off the bottom negative part of the chart. So students can only move up or down on the positive side of that chart. Your thoughts? Thanks.
I totally agree with you on this chart as well!!! I don't use one either because I have also tried and it was the exact same issue with peers paying too much attention! I used Class Dojo last year and was OKAY with it but it's very similar to the chart in the fact that it is visible. Have you thought of using a mystery student of the day? I am seriously considering using it!
I use classdojo, but I don't display it daily. The kids hear it. It is more of a reinforcement because sometimes they don't know who gets the positive so its a quick enforcer for positive behavior (outside of myself complimenting behavior). The few times I have to use the negative points- it literally snaps everyone's attention. No need to point out the behavior---they know whether they were on task or not.
I love this my son is in prek and his classmates come over to me everyday telling me he is on red and that he didnt behave I think its isolation for my son :(
Hi Adam, I will be teaching Kindergarten for the first time this fall. I saw your video on ditching the behavior chart and am VERY interested in this. I too have had a chart all 8 years I taught first grade, 1 year of PK and 3 years of fourth. I had the same problems as you. I would like to chat about this with you if possible. Thank you, Wanda
I hate clip charts!! Especially for the younger Kindergarten/1st grade kids. They are constantly battling impulse, decision-making, and have underdeveloped parts of the brain that create lapses in judgment. My son had come home for the last several days after clipping down, and am so SO discouraged as his parent. I feel like the clipping down is excessive, like the teacher is very sensitive to every minor mistake. I really appreciate your vibes on this!!
i was in the classroom last year as a volunteer. Those charts are horrible. especially when the kid starts to whine in front of the other students... or cry. They were thinking about it all day. they stressed how much they disliked their teacher because the teacher didn't listen and gave them a clip down OMG that's so annoying. I agree that we need to converse more with kids instead of talking at them.
My daughter suffers from ADHD and learning disabilities and they have the chart at school and i hate cause it makes my daughter depressed. Because of her adhd it makes it hard for her to focus and when her teacher calls her out on her actions she shuts down and cries etc and then she stays clipped down but on her good days shes clipped up. She just started therapy for her adhd and we're gonna put her on medication to help with her adhd to hopefully help her calm down and be able to focus better so she can learn.
i approve of this post i hate it, my daughter class has it and i feel it causes judgement of other children. i believe if the student is not doing good they should go to the dean of the school or the principal or a call, text or email to parents
A. S. Hey there! It's going great! I still do a lot of positive reinforcement, but I hit the expectations hard at the beginning of the year and don't let anything fly for a while. Kids will learn quickly what they can/can't do. I still have situation where an individual behavior plan is needed, but not often.
Yep...I would have to agree...conversations are better in the long run....some students really love those behavior charts, but I don't really think their behavior has the right motives always... conversations are honest and open and show the teacher really cares... thanks for sharing this...
In china the adults have a SOCIAL CREDIT system. If you score low on social credit, you might not get a job or be allowed to travel on airlines. The chart system is getting the students ready for the social credit system when it finally comes to America..... unfortunately.
You have great insight. If I had a kid, or if I were a kid, I'd like to check out your class. I mean, you'd be my first--choice for a teacher. Question: Are behavior charts the norm now in schools? This is the first I've heard of them. But, then, I grew up in the 50's, so....
Janet Mitchell I used Class Dojo for a bit, but found it didn't keep up with it. I've taught my kiddos The Essential 55 by Ron Clark this Spring and it worked wonders! Their respect for peers and me grew tremendously and it was a much more positive atmosphere for everyone!
+Jamie Reynolds I teach in IL. I am VERY lucky to only have 18 students! 23 would be tough, but I'm sure they all love being in your room everyday! Keep up the great work in GA!
do you teach in a title one school?? i understand what your trying to say and do..however when your teaching upper grades in certain areas its very much needed along with other consequences and incentives.... it may work for certain classrooms but others it may not....please keep that in mind...thanks for yohr vlogs...
Thanks for watching. No where in any of my videos do I claim that what I'm doing will work for everyone and I sincerely hope it didn't come across that way to viewers. . Yes, I do teach in a title one school. I still offer incentives and there are consequences for actions. My 5 year olds know that I demand respect from them and in return they'll get respect from me. In my room it works well enough that we don't need names on a chart as a constant reminder. Thanks again for watching and supporting my channel. I wish you well in the upcoming school year! 😁
Wow, do not use that CHAMPS behavior chart, My kids work to gain outside time with good behavior! I really love the T Shirt, and collect them. This year in rural Alaska no tshirt, frowny faces not connecting and no smart board! How can this square dancer teacher get that awesome tshirt?
I tried really hard to use a behavior chart! I had it all laminated. I spent time talking about it! I really wanted it to work! I had used it for maybe a month before realized the detrimental damage it was doing to my class. Kids were now making fun of kids who clipped down. They "expected" Johnny to end up on red... Johnny might have cared on day 2-3 but he couldn't maintain perfect behavior and so he ended up not caring about the color and his self esteem went down because he felt not good enough. Then I had Susie who began to have anxiety attacks over clipping down or up and anytime I asked her to move her clip she would start to cry. Kids also started to compare themselves to others... "well Alex is the smartest and the best because he's ALWAYS on Purple!!" Or "Johnny is the bad kid!" My 2nd graders were not dealing with it well at all. So I ditched it as soon as I realized it was becoming this much of a problem. The power of communication is so much more powerful! It also taught my students how to communicate what they did, why they did it, how to fix it, and what the consequences are. The students who always get green and don't move up or down are usually forgotten about too when there is a clip chart. Johnny told me on the last day of our chart, "I don't care! I'm always on red! Everyone thinks I'm a jerk! I'm a jerk!" Huge eye opener! This 6year old was basing his whole life around this chart! His parents were concerned, I became concerned! I put an immediate stop to the chart that day and had a conversation. I communicated to him and by the end of the year, Johnny was doing great! He was able to correct his behavior without me even having to talk with him. I could just signal to him and he knew to stop and think. He'd be able to tell me he needed a break. He could tell me why he had an outburst and what he needed in order to calm himself. If I kept that chart, I don't think he would have been able to progress at all! His parents were so happy for him! If you can make the chart work, than that's great!!! It just didn't work for my class at all!! 😊
Thank you for ditching these.
Peers can be cruel.
Plus sometimes behaviors are communications and we must remember that. So instead of addressing the behaviors, let's find out the reasons behind the behavior
Positive discipline!
I ditched my behavior chart as well this year!! I am using the Zones of Regulation. It focuses on helping students to regulate their behaviors. It incorporates a 'calm down box' and teaches strategies to help kids keep themselves in the 'ready to learn' zone. It goes really well with the movie Inside Out from Disney last year. It's great! I'll never go back :)
I also teach kindergarten and I got rid of my behavior chart before last school year. I was afraid to try it but it was one of the best decisions that I have made. I felt like having a clip chart made me reactive to their behaviors all day. For example with a chart if a student poked someone on the carpet they would have had to move their clip. Without the chart I was forced to talk to the student and have more engagement with them. When my students misbehaved I had to get to the bottom of it rather than just telling them to move their clip. Great Video!
I hate the chart as a parent. It has become a great source of stress for my pre-k student. He tries hard to get to green and when he does not it is a blow to his self esteem.
Love that you got rid of your behavior chart. I have not had one for years and don't miss it at all. I also don't think they change behaviors. The same students always moved down and felt defeated. Thanks for sharing your reasons.
Liza Brown I'll never look back either! Haven't missed it at all this year!
Help me out! What do you use instead? I want to ditch my clip chart
I am ditching mine next year. No reason to reward children for doing what is expected, they should just do it! Props to you sir!!
Kayla Galligo thank you!
Kayla Galligo that's my inner battle. I refuse to give my preschoolers a reward or sticker every time they do something well. I want them to just do it bcuz it's the right thing to do. I feel better with a weekly reward.
You gave good reasons to get rid of the behavior chart- I'm surprised it took you 11 years to realize it didn't work. As a prek teacher, we are not allowed to use it.
My son was obsessed with the behavior chart in his K classroom. First thing he would do when I picked him up was tell me everyone's color and describe what they did. It was very frustrating. When I para-pro'ed in a K classroom later, we kept the behavior chart in a notebook away from the student's view. This was a huge improvement.
I wonder how you kept it in a notebook?
@@DogandaTopHat Folded it up and put it in the notebook
Thanks for sharing! I got rid of my behavior chart this year for the first time as well. I am also going to rely more on having convos with my kiddos and directly contacting parents as needed. I will also be throwing in a little bit of 123 Magic strategies to give simply warnings as opposed to moving a clip down.
Read "Punished by Rewards" by Alfie Kohn and you will ditch your behavior chart too!
I've taught for 24 years and for the last twenty I haven't used a behavior chart and couldn't be happier. We work on a class goal and citizenship instead of focusing on the negative all the time. Kinder is a time to grow and learn how to be in school. If they need extra support they get their own chart to help them.
One of my grandchildren was constantly asking me if I was proud of him for doing the simplest tasks, especially if he did it without be told or reminded. It was a constant Are you proud of me that I put my shoes away? Are you proud of me that I washed my hands? Are you proud of me....? Turned out that his very young pre-k teacher always told her students she was proud of every little thing the children did.
I told my grandson he needed to ask himself if he was proud that he did his best. I also had a little conversation with his teacher that children do need to be praised, but also to learn to do their best without expecting constant praise.
I ditched my behavior chart a few years ago, too, for many of the same reasons you gave. I do not miss it AT ALL!
The one time in my elementary school career that I had to move my clip down was because of note passing. My friend gave me a note apologizing for (I think) calling my sensitive, and I wrote that I forgave her. My teacher saw and yelled at me (JUST ME) for note passing. I had to go move my clip down for the first time. I started having a panic attack, one of my first, and she told me to “dry it up”, “stop being so dramatic”. At recess, I had to stand on the fence. I was balling my eyes out, and tried to cover it with my book. My teacher called me out once more and said, “We can all see you.”
I’m in high school and still remember this, this was detrimental. Some teachers just aren’t built for it.
Funny I was thinking about this too. Last year only two of my students really used the chart. The rest didn't need it. I am so sick of year after year, having to explain to parents that their child didn't get up to the top color, not because he/she wasn't amazing today, but because we just didn't have the time to change colors... Our days are so "go, go, go". When behavior is in check, I don't even think about the darn chart and neither do they (mostly).
I am moving to flexible seating this year so I think that is all the change I can handle for now, but maybe mid-year, I can "ditch the chart," too! I am thinking about doing weekly (daily for those special kids who need it) behavior reports via Remind or through Seesaw this year anyway. I thought for those kids who struggle behaviorally, they can record themselves setting behavior goals and then can report how it's going. Parents of those kids would then have CONSTANT feedback in their child's own words. Just thinking out loud! Thanks for the inspiration!
Thank you!!! About time someone does this i HATE clip charts!
I also teach kindergarten. I use the same chart. I use that alongside paying the child at end of day depending on where the students clip ended. I’ve also thought about removing it. But I have a challenging class. So I thought to maybe just cut off the bottom negative part of the chart. So students can only move up or down on the positive side of that chart. Your thoughts? Thanks.
I totally agree with you on this chart as well!!! I don't use one either because I have also tried and it was the exact same issue with peers paying too much attention! I used Class Dojo last year and was OKAY with it but it's very similar to the chart in the fact that it is visible. Have you thought of using a mystery student of the day? I am seriously considering using it!
I use classdojo, but I don't display it daily. The kids hear it. It is more of a reinforcement because sometimes they don't know who gets the positive so its a quick enforcer for positive behavior (outside of myself complimenting behavior). The few times I have to use the negative points- it literally snaps everyone's attention. No need to point out the behavior---they know whether they were on task or not.
You should try class dojo. It's a behavior monitoring system that is connected to parents email and phone.
JessShontrelle I have used it in the past. Not lately, but may try it out again. Thank you!
I love this... it is what has been on my heart for awhile now and you've explained the why part well. Thanks.
Thank you!
I hate charts too! I deleted Microsoft Excel from my computer!!
I cried
I love this my son is in prek and his classmates come over to me everyday telling me he is on red and that he didnt behave I think its isolation for my son :(
Hi Adam,
I will be teaching Kindergarten for the first time this fall. I saw your video on ditching the behavior chart and am VERY interested in this. I too have had a chart all 8 years I taught first grade, 1 year of PK and 3 years of fourth. I had the same problems as you. I would like to chat about this with you if possible. Thank you,
Wanda
I hate clip charts!! Especially for the younger Kindergarten/1st grade kids. They are constantly battling impulse, decision-making, and have underdeveloped parts of the brain that create lapses in judgment. My son had come home for the last several days after clipping down, and am so SO discouraged as his parent. I feel like the clipping down is excessive, like the teacher is very sensitive to every minor mistake. I really appreciate your vibes on this!!
i was in the classroom last year as a volunteer. Those charts are horrible. especially when the kid starts to whine in front of the other students... or cry. They were thinking about it all day. they stressed how much they disliked their teacher because the teacher didn't listen and gave them a clip down OMG that's so annoying. I agree that we need to converse more with kids instead of talking at them.
I know this video is old but bravo 👏👏👏 Have you read any Alfie Kohn?
Hilarious 😂 great video. I can relate to the students saying I don't care. lol your reaction is the same as mine.
JessShontrelle thanks!
My daughter suffers from ADHD and learning disabilities and they have the chart at school and i hate cause it makes my daughter depressed. Because of her adhd it makes it hard for her to focus and when her teacher calls her out on her actions she shuts down and cries etc and then she stays clipped down but on her good days shes clipped up. She just started therapy for her adhd and we're gonna put her on medication to help with her adhd to hopefully help her calm down and be able to focus better so she can learn.
i approve of this post i hate it, my daughter class has it and i feel it causes judgement of other children. i believe if the student is not doing good they should go to the dean of the school or the principal or a call, text or email to parents
Great video. Can you tell me about your flat screen tv? Looking to purchase one. Need recs. One that my laptop can hook up to. Thanks!
Brooksy On A Budget I will definitely put a video together. I actually have a newer setup than the one in this video. So worth it!
How is going without the behavior chart? Is it still going well?
A. S. Hey there! It's going great! I still do a lot of positive reinforcement, but I hit the expectations hard at the beginning of the year and don't let anything fly for a while. Kids will learn quickly what they can/can't do. I still have situation where an individual behavior plan is needed, but not often.
Teachers Learn Too The
You are my hero!
Kathryn Kashner thanks! I love what I do. You're a teacher so you're a hero too! 😉
Yep...I would have to agree...conversations are better in the long run....some students really love those behavior charts, but I don't really think their behavior has the right motives always... conversations are honest and open and show the teacher really cares... thanks for sharing this...
: )
In china the adults have a SOCIAL CREDIT system. If you score low on social credit, you might not get a job or be allowed to travel on airlines. The chart system is getting the
students ready for the social credit system when it finally comes to America..... unfortunately.
You have great insight. If I had a kid, or if I were a kid, I'd like to check out your class. I mean, you'd be my first--choice for a teacher. Question: Are behavior charts the norm now in schools? This is the first I've heard of them. But, then, I grew up in the 50's, so....
Awesome video
I agree with you!
Thank you! Yay!
" Thing 1 , Thing 2 , and the Principal too " . lol
hey have your student's ever pulled down the fire alarm
Haven't had that happen yet! Another K teacher in our building did a few years ago tough!
How do you feel about Class Dojo? As a parent, I loved it! I don't know how it works Teacher side tho.
Janet Mitchell I used Class Dojo for a bit, but found it didn't keep up with it. I've taught my kiddos The Essential 55 by Ron Clark this Spring and it worked wonders! Their respect for peers and me grew tremendously and it was a much more positive atmosphere for everyone!
where do you teach? I teach in Calhoun, GA and I would have to have 5 kids absent to have only 18 in my class. Do you have a parapro full time?
+Jamie Reynolds I teach in IL. I am VERY lucky to only have 18 students! 23 would be tough, but I'm sure they all love being in your room everyday! Keep up the great work in GA!
do you teach in a title one school?? i understand what your trying to say and do..however when your teaching upper grades in certain areas its very much needed along with other consequences and incentives.... it may work for certain classrooms but others it may not....please keep that in mind...thanks for yohr vlogs...
Thanks for watching. No where in any of my videos do I claim that what I'm doing will work for everyone and I sincerely hope it didn't come across that way to viewers. . Yes, I do teach in a title one school. I still offer incentives and there are consequences for actions. My 5 year olds know that I demand respect from them and in return they'll get respect from me. In my room it works well enough that we don't need names on a chart as a constant reminder. Thanks again for watching and supporting my channel. I wish you well in the upcoming school year! 😁
Behaveyor plan!
I can see why you got rid of the chart. Especially with kindergarteners . They're just young and curious .
agree with you.
My teacher never uses these, thank goodness
If I were an elementary school teacher, clip charts are a no-no
youre awesome
Monique Palmer this made my day! I just love what I do!!!
Wow, do not use that CHAMPS behavior chart, My kids work to gain outside time with good behavior! I really love the T Shirt, and collect them. This year in rural Alaska no tshirt, frowny faces not connecting and no smart board! How can this square dancer teacher get that awesome tshirt?
class dojo can do
oh no
Why am I here?
Use Class Dojo instead of email. It's way batter!