PBS for Kids - Arthur, Elmo and Clifford not included

PBS. Ew. When my mom began mentioning PBS to me during my Sophomore Year at UNC, I was very confused as to why the Public Broadcasting System was sponsoring programs in elementary schools across the country. Seriously. When I finally got around to asking her and finding out for myself what PBS (Positive Behavior Support) is all about, I, to put it bluntly, hated the idea.

My personal beliefs in management and behavior are this: Students/Kids/People in general should behave in a respectful, kind manner that involves following rules, laws, and meeting expectations. If and when these are exhibited, that person may receive a reward, at an unexpected and random rate. Basically, I think that the work/behavior/etc. should be done all the time, and if you happen to get rewarded for it, then that’s just a bonus. My impression of PBS was that of constantly being bribed --- as opposed to what I believe the actual concept is, which is rewarded as a positive consequence.

Through my time in a PBS school this semester, I hate to admit it, but I’m singing a different tune. Many of the reasons and thoughts that I have come to are outlined amazingly well in the “Creating A Classroom That Promotes Positive Behavior” article. I think what is the most logical thing to me is a bulleted point early on in the article. “Agree on unified expectations, rules and procedures.” For a student to adequately and appropriately behave and perform in a classroom, they must know what is expected of them. The PBS system definitely lends itself to clarifying for students what is expected of them, and giving them goals and commendations for reaching these expectations.

CT's Classroom Management

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.