Behavior Management Motivators

   1. Tried and true: “I like how Henry is sitting quietly”

   2. Scoreboard: Tallies for different groups, boys and girls, teacher vs. student, table groups.  I did this all last year and it was not even for a prize.  Kids love competition!

   3. Token economy: Give the class a cotton ball or marble in a jar for when they are following the rules or getting their work done.

   4. Special Friend: Have a special animal the student gets to sit with if they do an awesome job.  The special friend will only sit with a quiet friend.

   5. Special Something: Special sticker, stamp or candy (it works) for those who are following directions.

   6. Selfies: Take a video or picture (or pretend to).  Tell them you might send this to their parents so they need to be on their best behavior!

   7. Super Spot: Draw a smiley face or use scented lip balm to make a spot.

   8. Mystery Student: Pick a random student to watch for good behavior.  Pick a name out of hat and see if this student is doing well.  Tell the students you are picking a name and will see if they are following the rules, walking in line.  If so they get a little prize or sticker.  The trick is anyone can be the student so they all think they are working toward the prize.

   9. Individual Cheer: Give a cheer to someone who is doing good.  Let's all give Jacob a Trucker Cheer.  Then we say "Good Job, Good Buddy!"  

   10. Class Project: Each time the class is quiet or following the rules complete another step in the project.  It could be add to a puzzle, build a Mr. Potato Head, reveal a secret picture, color in a picture or whatever creative thing you have to make.

    I have tried a variety of these over the years and different classes respond to different things.  They are fun, engaging ways to motivate great behavior!

I

Whole Body Listening with Mr. Potato Head

I use Mr. Potato Head to teach Whole Body Listening. 

What is Whole Body Listening?

It is simply listening with your whole body!

If you have a Mr. Potato Head then you can use this fun toy.

If you don’t have one on hand, download my 

Mr. Potato Head Whole Body Listening Product 
to get pieces to cut and make your very own.

 

I use this great visual throughout my first weeks of teaching.

How can we listen with our hands?

Use this song to teach the concept

Whole Body Listening Song

Sing it to the tune of Mary Had a Little Lamb

Listen with your whole body

Whole body, whole body

Listen with your whole body

So you can learn in school.

  

I have several fun activities like Mystery Bag or Fix it

to help review this concept for several weeks.

 

I have also included some independent work

to help students remember these concepts.

There is a Write the Room activity 

and a Roll and Build game.

 

Find my full lessons and activities here:

On sale for $1.00!

Guided Reading Level Up Freebie

Want to help your students succeed in their reading assessments?

I have been targeting key words and phrases used in the mclass TRC reading books for years to help my students feel confident and successful.

Many students have not been exposed to certain words before they are expected to read them.  With these books and resources, I ensure that the students have practiced these words with me and indepenently.

I have spent countless hours searching for books that targeted the exact words needed.  Now, I have books that target those words and phrases for me.

This packet is meant to supplement your guided reading program and give support to students who are struggling.   I went through and made a list of every word that appears in the assessment books.  Most are common sight words, but some are more complex words that I want to make sure the student has been exposed to.

Here is how I use the books.  

First you need to print and assemble the books.

You can have the student assemble the books or you 

can pre make them.  I have done both.  

It just depends on how much time you have.  

You cut around the solid lined boxes on the bottom.

If you want the students to put the book in order the same way each time, I suggest writing a number on each picture so they can put the book in the order easily.  

Ultimatley, the order does not matter except 

if you are choral reading together.

The picture without the Glue/Staple direction goes on top as the cover.  I find it easiest to staple.   When you are done you have a great book the student can use over and over again.  I kept this packet black and white to allow 

the students to color the pictures.

After the students feel confident reading them, 

I send them home for them to practice. 

The sight word worksheets coorelate with each word in the books.  After our guided reading lesson, the students complete the worksheets.  

Here are some examples:

For the scrambled sentences I dictate the sentence at first and the students put the words in order.  They practice writing the sentence and then read it to a friend.

I do the same thing in a group activity during guided reading with the “Fix it Sentences”

I model how to mix it and fix the sentence I dictate.  You have several fun options with this activity!

Mix it Fix it Group Style:

Give each student one card and 

have them repeat the sentence.

They make the sentence together then read it.  

Mix them up and do it again.

Mis it Fix it Individual Style: 

Give each student the whole sentence and have them fix it and read it.  You will need multiple copies of the colored sentences.  There are multiple choices so 

students can have a variety of sentences:

“I am a butterfly”...........“I am a robot”.

 What is missing?

Put the cards out in order of the sentence but leave out one word.  Have the students figure out the missing word.  

What does that word start with?  

Can you write it with your finger on the table?  

Can you spell it?

These are great ways to ENGAGE your 

students into reading sight words.

You can then have them take their cards and write the sentence on a white board or paper and draw a picture.

Click below to get a sample of my packet to preview a book, worksheet and fix it sentences.

Level Up Guided Reading for Level B Freebie!

You can purchase the entire packet here on TPT!

Level Up! Guided Reading for Level B

                      

The key to easy iPad centers in Kindergarten

I use my iPads everyday in Kindergarten centers.  I started with two iPads and now I am at five, the perfect number for my centers.  I like the iPad mini for my little ones, but iPads work great as well.
When I had only two iPads I would rotate them with another center so the students had to take turns.  I set a timer and when the time was up the students switched out.  Sometimes, we did have two students on one iPad and they learned to share.  It can work!

I have a station table for iPads only, with a list of the student assignments.  You can get one by clicking here: Editable iPad Student Assignment

On occasion I do have to separate a student from the table so they will focus, but mostly the students love working together and talking about the app they are on.

I also number each iPad so students know what iPad they are assigned to.  Here is a link to the Wallpaper I use: IPAD Wallpaper

I give a through explanation of how to use the iPad to the class and then I go over it with a small group at my table, making sure each student knows the expectations.  I explain the volume control and the reason they have to stay in their seat.  They are not allowed to walk around with the iPad.  If they need help they are to raise their hand and wait.   Can be hard for a five year old, but when I tell them they will lose their turn on the iPad, they usually don't get up.

The most important thing that helps my centers is Guided Access.  It is a feature found on the iPad and it locks the app so student cannot visit any other apps.  Here is how you enable it.

1. Go to Settings
2. Click on General and scroll down until you see Accessibility.
3. Scroll down until you see Guided Access.  It is under the Learning Title.

4. Click on Guided Access and slide the button so it is on and showing green.

5. I set a passcode to enable and disable the Guided Access.  I find it helpful to enable the shortcut as well.  You can even put time limits on so they only can play for a set amount of time.

6. Go to the app you want the student to stay on and click the home button 3 times.  You will see this screen on whatever app you are on with the Guided Access Started Square:

7. When you want to end Guided Access you will have to click the home button 3 times and put in your passcode.  So if students click the home button too many times, they still won't be able to get out of the app without the passcode.

I choose a different app for the students to explore each week.  I preview the app and show them some of the cool features and what I want them to try and accomplish with the app.  They love the iPad station and I love the independence and key skills they are learning on it.