Our classroom uses a system called the PAX Good Behavior Game.  This is a research-based program that helps children develop self-regulation skills and accountability while creating a classroom community built on kindness and respect.  Through the reinforcement of desirable behaviors and inhibition of unwanted behaviors, children develop the ability to delay gratification and reduce impulsivity.  This increase in pro-social behavior and self-regulation paves the way for remarkably better academic, behavioral, and lifetime outcomes.  PAX also develops and strengthens peer networks to improve relationships now and in the future.  PAX is peace, productivity, health, and happiness.  To learn more, visit:  https://www.goodbehaviorgame.org

What this looks like in the classroom:

• The students and teacher work together to create a PAX vision of what a wonderful classroom would look, sound, and feel like.  This vision lists behaviors students would like to see, hear, and do more or less of.  Positive actions are known as PAX behaviors, while negative actions are called spleems (a made up word).

• Students are praised for being PAX Leaders when they demonstrate positive behaviors.

• There is clear, on-going discussion about expectations ("What would PAX hands look like in the hallway? PAX feet?").

• As students become better able to notice and regulate their behavior, the Good Behavior Game is introduced.  It is played during regular learning/work time.  Children are put onto teams and for the duration of the game, the teacher counts each team's spleems.  Teams with three or fewer spleems earn a Granny's Wacky Prize, which is typically a quick, silly reward such as wiggling like worms or playing air guitar.

• Students are encouraged to notice and praise PAX behavior in one another.  A Tootle is the opposite of a tattle, and students will both receive and write Tootle Notes.  Notes will be displayed in the classroom.

There is no daily behavior log component to the PAX system.  A student who has made poor choices will bring home an orange half-sheet Behavior Notice detailing problem areas.  A note home indicates misbehavior that was pervasive, disruptive, disrespectful, and/or unsafe.   Please discuss the behavior with your child, the initial sheet, and return it the next day via your child's take home folder.  Classroom consequences for misbehavior may include time outs and other natural consequences.