Saturday, October 24, 2009

a new program

Parents-
We are working on improving the behavior in our classroom. In order to do so I am implementing a new reward system. I think the kids will enjoy seeing how being good, and listening, pays off for them personally. This system goes into effect today, Monday October 26th. I am introducing this in class; please go over it at home with them as well. The new guidelines are listed below:
At the beginning of every class the kids will start out with their frog in the Green. To keep their frog right where it is they have to listen to Ms. Hanah and be nice to their friends. If they choose not to listen to Ms. Hanah or they choose to be mean to one of their friends they will get a warning from me telling them that the behavior needs to stop, and they will have to move their frog over one space. This still keeps them in the green. No problems.
If they continue to be disruptive during the class they will get a privilege taken away (playing with that particular toy, sitting by their friend, etc) and have to move their frog into the Yellow. If they disrupt again they will have to sit on the thinking stair for 5 minutes and have to move their frog to the last yellow spot.
If by this time they still feel like being disruptive in class they will have to move their frog into the Red. With this move they will sit on the thinking stair, and a letter to the parents will be sent home with them. If all else fails and they insist on not listening, the last move of their frog will put them at the edge of the chart and I will call their parents (you) to come and pick them up.
I really, really hope that I never have to call parents to come and get their child, but if I do have to call you, and end up doing so more than once, the third time your child will not be welcome at preschool any longer.

On the happier side, every day your child is able to keep their frog in the green (anywhere in the green) they get to put a marble in their jar! When they get 6 marbles in their very own jar, they get to pick a reward for being so good! The rewards will be either a candy (one that’s worth the work) or a toy of some sort. And the rewards will be changed every so often so they kids stay excited about this.
I am excited for this. I hope that all of you will be too! I hope this solves a few of the problems that we have been having lately. I know some of you have expressed concerns in the last week, and this is my solution to it.
I love working with your kids, LOVE it! And appreciate you giving me the chance to do so. I am grateful that you feel comfortable expressing your concerns to me, and that you have confidence in me to find a solution.
Thanks for all you do at home to help your child to learn. They are great kids, and we are having a great time learning!