Student behavior is managed with patience, kindness, and consistency. The following behavior procedure is designed to help students reflect on their behavior choices and the consequences that may follow.
All K-5 classes are made aware- and reminded- of the following behavior procedure:
1. First, unwanted behaviors are identified, and the correct behavior is instructed (often more than once). Example: You are talking over important instructions. Listen closely to the directions, without talking. (Again: Listen closely and silently.)
2. If the problem persists: Next, the behavior is identified as a problem, and a warning is given. Example: Talking during the lesson is a problem. If you keep talking over instructions, you won't be allowed to do the activity. Instead, you will be given quiet paperwork to do, which is about making good choices in art/music class. A picture of your work will be emailed to your grown-up.
3. If the problem still persists: Next, the problem is again identified, and the student's choice is determined. Example: You are choosing to keep talking over the lesson, so it sounds like you are choosing to do the quiet work and for your adult to be emailed about your behavior choice today. Is this what you choose? If the student says that it is not their choice: They are then allowed a final chance to correct their behavior. Example: Okay, this is your final chance. If the problem happens again, you will be given the quiet work to do, and your adult will be emailed a picture of your quiet work. If the student says that is their choice: They are then given paperwork to complete quietly.
The quiet work is designed to help the student reflect on their choices. Students, K-1, are given sentences to copy, such as "I will follow rules in music class". Students in grades 2-5 complete a set of questions about their choices in class or do a word search, containing words that reflect expected behaviors. A picture of the work, along with a brief message from me, explaining the situation, will be sent to the parent or guardian who is the first listed to receive emails from the school. This email is intended for families to be aware of the student’s choices in their arts classes.
Note- In instances of defiance or concerning behavior that derails teaching and learning, assistance of additional staff is immediately requested.