Class Code of Behaviour

Class Reward Systems

Individual Rewards

I try to encourage and praise students for their hard work, effort, and progress as much as possible. I will often leave a little note or certificate on a child's desk to show them I noticed how well they were participating, an improvement they made, or that they were showing extra kindness or leadership in the classroom. I have a prize bin with small toys and pencils, erasers, stickers, tattoos, and fidgets that I use for prizes for games, etc.

Class Rewards

Sometimes, I will catch the whole class having an awesome work period, collaborating well and staying on task, showing kindness to others, or demonstrating something like excellent behaviour while going through the hallways. I will sometimes give the whole class reward such as a few minutes of extra recess, getting to play board games, the "Directions Game, " a class game of Jeopardy, or a fun Kahoot.

Restorative Practice Circles

Restorative practices will sometimes be used to address discipline and school climate problems such as bullying, discrimination, violence, theft, vandalism, and other conflicts. It helps to build positive relationships and make schools safer places to learn. Restorative practice circles teach students to reflect on how their actions impact others. They also develop communication and empathy skills. During restorative practice circles, students work towards a resolution and restoration of trust. A circle is made including a facilitator (teacher or resource teacher/V.P./principal),  the students involved and some supportive friends for each party or possibly the entire class family. Those involved are asked questions about what happened, what they were thinking, whom it affected, how it made them feel, and what needs to be done to make amends. Everyone is encouraged to participate and therefore everyone is held accountable for the resolution.  It may be a simple discussion or take a bit more time. Owning up to what you have done wrong in front of your peers and agreeing to make amends can be very difficult, but it is a huge step towards restoring peace and respect in our classroom family and in our school. When an agreement is reached, the facilitator writes it up and participants sign it. A follow-up circle may be held a few weeks later.

Restorative practice is based on the teachings and traditions of Indigenous cultures.  Indigenous worldview tells us that negative behaviour is mainly caused by perceived or actual isolation of an individual from the rest of the community. Indigenous cultures believe that no one is an island – we are all interconnected and so when one person becomes alienated from the community, it is the responsibility of everyone to bring the individual back into a balanced relationship with him/herself and the rest of the community. Restorative Practice principles are based on compassion and equality.

I emphasize positive reinforcement while teaching students to take responsibility for their actions!