The Best Of The West: My BIP (Behavior Intervention Plan)

Okaaay...

I finally figured out what to do regarding behavior in the classroom.

I would say that I am pretty strict and my kids definitely know how to act in my room...however, kids will be kids and there are those few who I just can't tell them enough to be quiet...take turns...keep your hands to yourself...NO you can not sharpen your pencil...be nice...etc...etc...etc!

I don't really like rewarding for good behavior, because that's just what I expect! But...I know that sometimes you must do so. I feel that I made a good compromise and this is what I did...

I purchased a piece of wood....long thin board (that is about the size of a yard stick) and I painted it 3 different colors...Green, Yellow, & Red. Chad drilled a hole in the top (in the green section) and I of course ran some ribbon through it to add the "Amanda Touch" and hung it on the wall. Above the BEHAVIOR STICK (haha) I made a sign that says "Which Color Will You Choose? Green, Yellow, Red"...they need to know that their actions are caused from decisions that they make! So...when they walk into my room they are to grab their clothespin (second pic) and place the clothespin on green (first pic). As the therapy session continues they will either stay on green or go down to yellow or red...and OF COURSE there is no going back up! =) For all those who stay on green they will fill out a "green ticket". For each time that they come to therapy and stay on green...they will get another green ticket, and at the end of each 9 week grading period...I will draw 5 names. Those 5 students will go with me to the computer lab for some SUPER FUN LEARNING!

My favorite quote last year from one of my favorite girls in the SCA (Self Contained Academics)...aka higher-level special ed class, she was also a cheerleader... Student: "Mrs. West are you a mom?" Me: "No...._______, why?" Student: "Because you look like a mom and your mean sometimes." Me: "HaHaHa. How am I mean?" Student: "Because you make us do a lot of work and when I leave I'm so tired. You wear glasses and you are strict to us." ...At this point I'm laughing in shock... Student: "I like you, we have fun, but sometimes your mean." HAHAHAHHA...I LOVE IT! She was in a group with her Best Friend Forever & Ever & Ever & Ever and boy did they love to talk. I finally had enough and split the group up and saw them individually...which really messed up the rest of my schedule but I was determined to make a point. I sent a note home and I met with both mothers and after that....WA-LA...it was like magic! They knew I was serious and this was no laughing matter! I love that girl and she, to this day, is one of my favorites! I saw her several times today and she was begging me to take her!

GOTTA LOVE THOSE KIDS!

...Anyways enjoy the pics...I could tell stories all night!