I am delighted that your child is in my class this year. With your encouragement, your child will be part of many exciting and rewarding experiences this academic year. In order to guarantee your child and all of the students in our classroom the excellent learning climate they deserve, I will be utilizing a classroom credit and debit system to cultivate a positive learning environment. Below are the school-wide expectations that students will adhere to:
School Wide Expectations
Make Good Choices
Prioritize
Listen With Your Heart
Classroom Expectations
I will reflect respect.
I will be responsible.
I will display good manners.
I will practice acts of kindness.
I will always do my best.
1-2-3 Magic
1-2-3 Magic is the discipline program that I use in my classroom. Parents and teachers have used Dr. Thomas Phelan's evidence-based program successfully since 1984. 1-2-3 Magic is a simple, precise, and effective way of managing expected behaviors in the classroom by using a gentle and firm manner. 1-2-3 Magic is a "teacher-in-charge" strategy, that requires no arguing or yelling. Two primary behaviors serve as the focus of this discipline program. The first is to stop student behaviors that need to be eliminated, and the second is to start behaviors that students need to be exhibiting.
A key element of 1-2-3 Magic is the "no talking, no emotion" rule. This means that when teachers are using counting as a discipline technique, they do not talk, explain, or rationalize with the student. They also do not show anger or emotion during or after the behavioral incident. This approach is to assist the child with thinking about his/her behavior and to take responsibility for the choice(s) that the student made.
This three step system clarifies what behaviors are expected at all times from students, guiding them to make good decisions about their own behavior, creating a positive, productive learning environment for all.
Step 1 involves managing undesirable behavior by counting 1-2-3. On the count of 3, the student must take a five-minute time out. The "counts" are outlined below.
1. If a student is exhibiting undesirable behaviors, the teacher will "count" him/her. This means, calmly tell the student "That's 1" and hold up one finger.
2. If the student continues the undesirable behavior, the teacher will calmly say "That's 2" and hold up two fingers. At this point, the teacher may remind the student about having to contact his/her parent if 3 is counted.
3. If the student continues, the teacher will hold up three fingers and say "That's 3, Take 5." At this point the student will go to a designated area to take a 5-minute break and possibly complete a reflection sheet or write a letter to his/her parent. At this time the teacher will notify the parent (via Remind-text message, email, phone call, or a note home) of his/her child's conduct being less than satisfactory.
Severe Clause---Send to Administration
If a student demonstrates harmful or hurtful behaviors (e.g. aggression, bullying, etc), the teacher will skip the counting and send the student immediately to an administrator and notify the parent.
Step 2 involves encouraging good behavior. There are several methods for encouraging constructive actions in students, such as praise and extra privileges.
Step 3 involves using valuable tools for maintaining healthy relationships with students, including active listening, shared fun, and class meetings.
All of these steps work together and contribute to a positive classroom environment where your child will feel welcome and comfortable, and where he/she will work and learn productively.
I use "Remind" to keep you informed of your child's conduct if it is less than satisfactory, Please sign up to receive important messages. This way your child will understand we are always working together as a team to communicate successes and difficulties. Also, please let me know if your child is experiencing any situations at home or elsewhere, which may be affecting his/her behavior.
If your child makes inappropriate choices frequently, I will call you to discuss strategies for improvement and/or set up a conference to meet with you so we can work together to help your child be successful. Thank you in advance for your support at home.
We believe the ultimate goal of discipline is self-discipline or self-control. Instead of thinking as discipline as punishment, it should be considered a positive way of helping and guiding children to achieve self-control. In this way, children develop positive attitudes and habits that are so important in real life and overall happiness. Your child deserves the most positive educational environment possible and together we will make a difference.