Capturing Kids Hearts

What is it CKH?

A relationship building approach to discipline that creates self-managing groups.

How does it work?

Teachers use the EXCEL model to communicate with students. Students create their own rules via a social contract. Students hold each other accountable using "checks" and "fouls". An environment is created that emphasizes positivity though "good things" and "affirmations."

The EXCEL model:

*Engage: Students are greeted at the door with a handshake, eye contact and a sincere welcome.

*X-plore: Teachers listen and attend to the personal, emotional and academic needs of our students.

*Communicate: Teachers communicate care, as well as, content.

*Empower: Teachers empower students to gain the ability to "use and do" the things they have been taught.

* Launch: Deals with how we "end and send" our students into the world. The purpose is to start our students on a course of action by ending our classes on a powerful note.

The Four Behavior Questions:

These are questions that we ask each other to help stay true to the social contract:

1. What are you doing?

2. What are you supposed to be doing?

3. Are you doing that?

4. What are you going to do about that?

Checks and Fouls:

When a student is not following the social contract, other students will "check" that student. This is a silent reminder of a thumbs up to remind the student that they need to change their behavior.

When a student is being unkind, other students will "foul" that student. The student is then asked to give two "put ups" for the "put down" they gave.

Good Things:

At the beginning of classes teachers will start with "good things", in which students share something good that is going on with them. This helps build relationships.