Love and Logic

I approach classroom management using a Love and Logic system. Love allows children to grown through their mistakes. Logic allows them to learn from the consequences of their choices. This means that in the classroom 1. I will set limits without anger, threats, or repeated warnings and 2. When children cause problems, I hand these problems back in a loving way. I use the Love and Logic approach because it teaches children that their actions have consequences.

All children are expected to follow the classroom rules below. When rules are not followed, I use logical consequences to help the child learn from their behavior. For example: A student who rules in the hallway will try again while walking, a student who is playing in the hallway, will have a specific spot in the line next to the teacher, or a student who has made a mess will clean it up. I have high expectations for my learners and hold them accountable.

Positive Reinforcement

I love to reward students for following classroom rules and doing what is expected of them. Students are rewarded with fuzzies. They have multiple opportunities to earn fuzzies throughout the day. I pass them out to students who are on task, who turn in homework multiple days in a row, engaging in classroom discussion, being a kind friend, etc. At the end of the week, children can go shopping with their fuzzies for coupons. Some of the coupons include shoes off for the day, sit at the teachers desk, or write with a marker. None of the rewards come from a treasure box. They are special privileges for students who are doing what they are asked to do. I prefer to give fuzzies but occasionally I will take them away from students who are not following rules.

Uh-Oh Slips

One way I communicate with parents for children who are not making good decisions is through an Oops note. Students who receive an Oops note have either had several reminders to follow classroom procedures, put someone in danger, or are not allowing themselves or others to learn. Before a child receives an Oops note, I have a behavior conference with them, I will sign, they will sign, and they will take it home for the parent to sign the note. It is rare for me to send an Oops home with a child. I am always very hopeful that once a child receives an Oops note, they will fix their behavior.