Kindergarten•Routines
From Selfies to Special Friends: 10 Creative Ways to Manage Behaviors in the Classroom
July 28, 2015This post may contain affiliate links. You pay the same and I get a small commission
As a teacher, I know firsthand how challenging it can be to manage behaviors in the classroom. But, over the years, I discovered some fun and engaging ways to motivate students to behave well. Here are ten of my personal favorites:
1. Tried and true: As simple as it sounds, praising students for their good behavior can go a long way. I loved telling students things like, “I love how quietly you’re sitting, Henry. Thank you for being such a great listener.” The other kids usually want to be praised as well and will start doing the right thing!
2. Scoreboard: I did this all last year and it was not even for a prize. for different groups, boys versus girls, teacher versus student, and table groups. I created a scoreboard and tallied points for different groups, boys versus girls, teacher versus student, and table groups. The kids loved it!
3. Token economy: Another favorite of mine was the token economy system. Students earn a cotton ball or marble in a jar for following the rules or completing their work. When the jar is full, the class gets a reward.
4. Special Friend: Have a special animal the student gets to sit with if they do an awesome job. The special friend will only sit with a quiet friend making good choices.
5. Special Something: Kids love rewards, no matter how small. I often gave out special stickers, stamps, or even a piece of candy to students who were following directions.
6. Selfies: Take a video or picture (or pretend to). Tell them you might send this to their parents so they need to be on their best behavior!
7. Super Spot: Draw a smiley face or use scented lip balm to make a spot. You could even use smelly markers!
8. Mystery Student: Pick a random student to watch for good behavior. Pick a name out of hat and see if this student is doing well. Tell the students you are picking a name and will see if they are following the rules, walking in line. If so they get a little prize or sticker. The trick is anyone can be the student so they all think they are working toward the prize.
9. Individual Cheer: Give a cheer to someone who is doing good. Let’s all give Jacob a Trucker Cheer. Then we say “Good Job, Good Buddy!”
10. Behavior Colors: I have four colors with lights beside them on my board. I light up the light that they are currently on for their behavior. You can get the posters here for free!
