Behavior Management Strategies - Winter Themed Behavior Systems
Ready to spice up your behavior incentive programs for winter? As whole class systems, both of these are sure to promote a sense of teamwork as your students work together toward a common goal, while also reminding your students that they are responsible for the behavioral choices they make.
Helping Santa Fill His Beard
Rachelle over at What The Teacher Wants charged her kiddos with a secret mission - helping Santa fill in his patchy beard. How? With good behavior, of course! Observed throughout the day, if the class as a whole displayed exemplary behavior Rachelle awarded them with a piece for Santa's beard. And, once his beard was filled out, they were rewarded with a secret surprise and the fun started all over again!
Marshmallow Points
Originally designed by Ashlyn of The Creative Teacher as a small group behavior system {incentivizing each row to work together to earn points}, this fun winter program could also work well as a whole class incentive system. You, of course, would only need one mug of hot chocolate and students would earn 'mallow-points' when observed making good choices as a whole. When students have added a specific number of marshmallows to the hot chocolate, they earn a reward! A hot chocolate party in the classroom. A Christmas cookie decorating party. Stinky feet day (i.e. learning with no shoes + wear your favorite pair of Christmas socks). Etcetera!
Examples of Exemplary Behavior
Because it's always a great idea to remind your students what is expected of them and set them up for success, discuss ways in which they can earn points. [NOTE: Putting them into "we" statements offers ownership!]
- We were focused and attentive during the lesson.
- We set a goal and reached it! [Set specific goals with your students, offering them feedback and encouragement]
- We were complimented by another teacher/adult! [Specials, walking in the hallway, assemblies, substitute teachers, etc.]
Whether you use one of these whole class system in conjunction with your regular individual behavior plans/programs, or simply think it would offer a fun way to help your wiggly kiddos get through the holiday season, we know they will get your kiddos excited about positive choices!