My CT’s classroom management is through a system called Helping Hands. Each student has 2 “hands” on the wall with their names on them. If they are called down or reprimanded, they receive a warning, and their name is written on a small portion of the board. If they are not called down, or receive a warning, at the end of the day, they color a smiley on their homework sheet green. If they lose a hand, they are required to have Silent Lunch, or a “Thinking Walk” at recess, depending on the time of the day. If they lose a hand, then they must color a yellow smiley on their homework sheet. Additionally, whoever called the student down and asked them to remove their hand will write a small note on the bottom of the homework sheet for the parents to initial. If a student loses both hands, then a note is sent home and they are sent to the office. Additionally, they must color their smiley face red for the day. I have yet to see or hear about a student having a “Red Day” so far. In fact, I have seen only about 2 “Yellow Days” since January, and I find that accurately reflects the dynamic of my classroom.
My students are well behaved and quick to follow instructions. The school is involved in a PBS program that allows classes to earn beans for good behavior. Just the reward of getting to put the class’ bean in the jar can and does motivate my students to follow directions, stop talking, or sit quietly.
I believe that a great deal of the management and order within my classroom comes from respect. I am lucky enough to have a class of 22 students that know, inherently or through practice, to respect their teacher. In return, they are shown respect and receive independence, rewards and recognition.
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