How Our Action Plan Effects Students' Behavior

 

Our Class Procedures:

1.      Entering the room: Enter the room prepared; dressed in the correct uniform; have a positive, open mindset. 

            Effect on behavior: Teaches our students to respect their peers and teacher by not disrupting the classroom. Teaches them to have a positive attitude towards the class. 

2.      Participating in group lessons: Do not bring anything with you unless I ask you to; politely find a place to sit where you can do your best learning; sit flat, not on your knees; listen carefully for new information; raise your hand to speak; do not speak when someone else is speaking.

            Effect on behavior: Teaches our students to be attentive and stay on task. 

3.      Obtaining help with assignments: Quietly ask the students near you for help with directions if you need it but wait for me to finish talking; if you are working alone, raise your hand to get help from me.

            Effect on behavior: Teaches our students how to collaborate with others in order to problem solve. 

4.      What to do with unfinished work: If we don’t finish learning a new combination, we will finish it as a warm-up for our next class!

            Effect on behavior: Teaches our students what to expect, and will help to eliminate feelings of anxiety. 

5.      When and how to use the restroom: If I am not teaching the whole group, stand by the classroom door with your hand raised; if I say "no," wait for a better class time to go; if I nod, leave the room quietly; do not play in the restroom; return to class promptly.

            Effect on behavior: Teaches students to respect the teacher's decision and ensures students' safety. This will also help to minimize interruptions during class time.

6.      Finding lost items: Ask the people around you if they found the item you lost; if not, check the Lost and Found box; if it is not there, ask me at a time when I’m not teaching the class; if you find it, thank the person who turned it in; next time, try to take care of your things. Consider going through the Lost and Found box at the end of each month with the whole class. If an item remains unclaimed, give it to the person who turned it in.

        Effect on behavior: Teaches our students responsibility, good manners, and how to care for others.

7.      Being a classroom helper: The studio could always use some extra helping hands; if you see trash, make sure to pick it up; if you see a friend struggling, you can help them or call me over for guidance.  These are just a few examples. 

        Effect on behavior: Teaches our students responsibility, good manners, and how to care for others.

8.      Signals for attention: When I need your attention, I will ring the chimes (or sound the rain stick, open the music box, etc.); as soon as you hear the signal, stop what you are doing, look at me, and listen for directions.

        Effect on behavior: Teaches students how to follow directions in a timely manner and not talk over each other. Also teaches students the importance of active listening. 

9.      Helping other students: In a cooperative classroom, it is good to help one another; if someone needs help with directions, help him or her if you are able; if someone needs help with understanding, tell him or her to ask me for help; never put down another student who asks for help.

        Effect on behavior: Teaches our students how to collaborate with others in order to problem solve. 

10.    What to do during free time: If we have down time, make sure to utilize your break effectively; you may get water, stretch, or mark anything you are struggling with.  Feel free to come to me with any questions or concerns.

        Effect on behavior: Teaches students good time-management habits. Also teaches students how important "brain breaks" are.

Positive Consequences:

*Free and frequent: I will always offer a smile, hug, or high five.  My class as a whole or individual students will be verbally recognized (prasied) when appropriate.  

        Effect on behavior: Teaches students how to continuously support others by small gestures. Teaches the student that the teacher is always here to support, guide, and acknowledge their good work.

*Intermittent: Saving time for a dance-related game, like freeze dance, if a particularly challenging class runs smoothly. After each class, the top five high-performing, hard-working, well-behaved students will be chosen and will be allowed to pick something out of the clas treasure box. I will take the time to reach out to parents each month to give them updates on how their kids are performing in class. 

        Effect on behavior: Teaches our students that hard work has great results. Also ensures that parents and teachers are on the same page in order to maximize the child's good performance.

*Strong and long term: At the end of the month, one student will be chosen as "Dancer of the Month," and will receive a plastic crown as a reward for their behavior. He or she will be recognized in front of the class. 

        Effect on behavior: Teaches students how to be happy for others, while at the same time encouraging them to learn from others.