Yes/No Behavior Charts

Behavior in the classroom can be tricky!  One tool that works consistently is a Yes/No Chart.  This chart focuses on ONE target behavior at a time in which "yes" the student meets the target, or "no" the student does not meet the expectation.  Here are the top 10 reasons to use a Yes/No Chart:
1. It is very specific
2. It is quick and easy to document
3. Creates a great avenue for communication between home and school
4. Focuses on the positive with a reward incentive
5. Goals can easily be set and then increased as the student experiences success
6. Can be used for both elementary and secondary students (see examples below)
7. A picture schedule can be incorporated into the chart
8. Creates a way to track patterns of strengths and weakness in the students day/week
9. A wonderful way to collect data to make data driven decisions
10. My students have a high success rate, and I hope yours do too!

The example above is a chart that I would use for younger students.  In the first column you will see a visual schedule.  I used my Picture Schedule Icons.  Next, you will see ONE expectation for each class.  In the third column you will see happy faces to circle for a YES and sad faces to mark for a NO.  Lastly there is a place for additional comments.  At the bottom of the page there is a space to set a goal (# of happy faces) for the day.  There is also a place to record what the reward will be if the goal is met.  Option: if the student has met their goal all week, then a larger reward can be honored. 

The chart above is an example for older students.  This one page can be used to document behavior for the week.  At the top put the student's name and the target behavior being addressed.  Each table is labeled with the day of the week and a place to mark how many points were earned for the day.  Below the Y/N box there is a blank row where the teachers can initial or sign after circling if the student met expectations.  At the very bottom of the page the weekly goal (# of yes's) is set on Monday, along with the reward.  The total points will be recorded at the end of the day on Friday in hopes that this number is greater than or equal to the weekly goal.  If so, the student will enjoy their reward!



My Many Colored Days

Reality has sunk in, and Christmas break is over...BOO!  Just like most of you, I have spent this week getting back into my school routine.  Over the break I spent time thinking about what I wanted to share next.  I realized that I have not mentioned or suggested any books, and I use bibliotherapy often.  One book I use consistently is My Many Colored Days by Dr. Seuss.  This book targets a younger reader, but it can be used with older students as well.  Students of all ages can have a difficult time talking about their emotions and identifying feelings or triggers of feelings.  The simple words and vivid colors used in this book allow students to connect with emotions in an imaginative way. 

 My Many Colored Days is also a great book to use in a group setting.  After reading the book, the students color in a puzzle according to how each piece would make them feel.  The color key in the puzzle coordinates with the colors in the book.  At the following group session the students would compare their puzzles and notice the similarities and differences of how like situations could cause different feelings.  They also notice that one puzzle piece could be filled with multiple colors.   For example, they might feel sad and mad at the same time.  What a great way to start a group discussion!

The printable puzzle "Emotions Can be Puzzling" shown in the picture above is included in The Feelings Hub packet available in my TpT store.  I will have this download on sale in my store until January 16th.