Good Behavior Competition |
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Purpose
To improve school-wide behavior in a specific location, such as the cafeteria, playground, bus, or hallway.
Implementation
At my building, we first met as a climate committee to determine our location of concern. Based on our referral data, we discovered that the cafeteria was our target location and "showing respect" was our target behavior. To go with the location theme, we decided to use an ice cream sundae visual to help students keep track of their points.
Then, my principal and I met with all of the cafeteria supervisors to explain the program. Since they will be reporting any misbehavior, we needed to make sure everyone was on the same page. For example, if respect was our target behavior, what does respect look like? Will we include keeping the area clean or just respect to adults and peers? All of those decisions must be made before you start a program like this so there is no confusion.
Once the guidelines were worked out, I met with each classroom to review the program. I did an AB schedule since I have 2 classrooms per grade level at my school. I met with Group A classrooms for the 5 minutes after their lunch (when they return to class) - this made scheduling easier for everyone. The next day, I met with Group B classrooms for the 5 minutes after their lunch. I did this the week before to keep it fresh.
Then, my principal and I met with all of the cafeteria supervisors to explain the program. Since they will be reporting any misbehavior, we needed to make sure everyone was on the same page. For example, if respect was our target behavior, what does respect look like? Will we include keeping the area clean or just respect to adults and peers? All of those decisions must be made before you start a program like this so there is no confusion.
Once the guidelines were worked out, I met with each classroom to review the program. I did an AB schedule since I have 2 classrooms per grade level at my school. I met with Group A classrooms for the 5 minutes after their lunch (when they return to class) - this made scheduling easier for everyone. The next day, I met with Group B classrooms for the 5 minutes after their lunch. I did this the week before to keep it fresh.
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The Rules:1. You work as an entire grade level, not individual classrooms.
2. To earn a point for the day, EVERY student in the grade must show respect to students and adults. 3. We are looking for respect in the lunch line, at your seats, and as you line up to go back to your classrooms. 4. 6th and 5th compete, 4th and 3rd compete, 2nd and 1st compete. The winning grade earns a special treat at lunch. Kindergarten and our MD classrooms will earn a treat after they reach 20 points. FAQs:Can we lose points? No, you can only earn points.
How will you know if we earned a point? I will check with the supervisors each day. When will you post our point? After all grades finish with lunch. What if only one person is bad? You still lose a point. You need to work as a team and help that person make better choices. If you are having a bad day, you can raise your hand and ask to move so you can calm down. Do other places count for the competition? No, just your behavior in the cafeteria. After we're done, can we do this again? If you show good sportsmanship (win or lose), we can do this again. |
After explaining the process to the students, including what "respect" looks like, I had daily reminder on our morning announcements leading up to the competition and during the first week.
How Did it Go?
The first day, our oldest grades did not earn scoops. I think they were testing the boundaries to see if we would keep our word. Once they saw other grades earning scoops, they adjusted their behavior accordingly.
There was also a buzz of conversation and excitement surrounding this program - students of all ages were discussing why they did or didn't earn a scoop, encouraging their peers to make better choices, and celebrating as a team when they earned a point.
There was also a buzz of conversation and excitement surrounding this program - students of all ages were discussing why they did or didn't earn a scoop, encouraging their peers to make better choices, and celebrating as a team when they earned a point.
Materials
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You'll need 1 sign, 1 sundae bowl, 18 ice cream scoops, 1 banana, and 1 cherry per grade level. I taped each grade's sign and bowl next to their cafeteria tables at the start of the competition.
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Tips
Accept help from willing staff members! I didn't want to burden anyone with the task of cutting and laminating all of the sundae pieces, so I did it by myself. Yikes! That took FOREVER and my hands ached by the end of it. If someone offers to help, take it!
Additional themes
Popcorn
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Purpose:To improve school-wide behavior in the lunch line and the lunch room, specifically focusing on showing respect.
The Rules:1. You work as an entire grade level, not individual classrooms.
2. To earn 2 points (kernels) for the day, EVERY student in the grade must show respect to students and adults. 3. We are looking for respect in the lunch line (white kernel) and the lunch room (yellow kernel). 4. 6th and 5th compete, 4th and 3rd compete, 2nd and 1st compete. The winning grade earns a special treat at lunch. Kindergarten and our MD classrooms will earn a treat after they reach 20 points. FAQs:Can we lose points? No, you can only earn points.
How will you know if we earned a point? The last person in the lunch line gets a white popcorn kernel if your grade was respectful and that student puts up the point. The supervisors will decide if you earn your yellow kernel and will let one student put that point up as well. What if only one person is bad? You still do not earn your points. You need to work as a team and help that person make better choices. If you are having a bad day, you can raise your hand and ask to move so you can calm down. Do other places count for the competition? No, just your behavior in the lunch line and the lunch room. After we're done, can we do this again? If you show good sportsmanship (win or lose), we can do this again. Helpful Hints:Pre-tape your popcorn pieces for the day so that the supervisors can easily give points, rather than reporting winning grades to you later. This provides immediate feedback for students. Also, having a point sheet makes it easier for staff and students to know current popcorn totals. Just laminate the page and use a dry erase marker.
Materials:
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