Create a Community of Learners

Every year, my co-teacher and I engaged our students in creating class norms and expectations. When we collaboratively engaged students as respected members of our community of learners, they felt more invested and connected. I was always impressed when students suggested ideas we had not considered! In turn, compliance with norms and expectations was easier because they helped create the expectations we enforced. Here's what we did to set ourselves up for success:

We engaged students in discussions about class expectations and norms.
We listened to students' suggestions.
We discussed agreed upon expectations, providing examples and non-examples.
We posted expectations on the wall and embed them into class routines through explicit instruction.
We aligned our token economy with class expectations to reinforce behaviors.
We integrated our token economy with the school positive behavior intervention support system (PBIS).
We rewarded students for their effort, academic courage, and perseverance.

Creating and discussing class expectations and norms is not enough. We also want to reinforce them to ensure compliance and maintain a positive learning environment.

Positive Behavior Intervention System (PBIS)

PBIS, an evidence based practice, uses positive reinforcement to encourage desired behaviors. Some schools have school wide PBIS, while other schools do not. The Center for PBIS has resources and information about PBIS.

Token Economies

Token Economies reward good behaviors with a reward or token. They can be integrated into school-wide PBIS or independent. There are numerous websites with wonderful ideas on ways to positively reinforce behaviors. Some, such as ClassDojo, use technology to communicate with parents and guardians.

Technology and apps such as Class Dojo communicate engage parents and guardians by communicating behaviors and class activities.

It’s important to check with your school’s technology department about approved technologies if you decide to use Class Dojo or another app.

If you would like ideas about ways to positively encourage behaviors, check out these websites: