"I Lied...We Do Have Treasure"

As I was researching better ways to serve my students, I came across this amazing kindergarten teacher and his views on rewards and a behavior management system.

http://mattbgomez.com/i-lied-we-do-have-treasure/

I wonder what the demographic is like at his school. I am constantly thinking about how kids have this huge sense of entitlement at such a young age, so why not stop it in kindergarten? He has a good point, but I'm not sure how I feel about it. As educators, we are supposed to constantly be giving love and attention to our students, not just if they did something right or well. That is a treasure and a reward, but I don't think the students will see that as a "reward" for doing what they are supposed to. The only reward this man has is to "Be Brave". What an awesome idea!

HOW DO WE STOP THIS VICIOUS CYCLE?!

Here is another bloggers take, which is similar to Mr. Gomez':

"There are many many reasons not to use publicly-displayed, one-size-fits-all behaviour “systems” in a classroom: they encourage extrinsic rather than intrinsic motivation; they undermine a sense of community; they prevent kids from generalizing good behaviours;  but this is the biggest one, to me:

A child’s dignity, privacy, self-respect are no less real or important or valid, than mine. When I undermine a children’s privacy and dignity, I do damage to their relationships: with their peers, with me, and with themselves.

Yes, behaviour charts can create a classroom full of raised hands, quiet voices, walking feet, please-and-thank-yous.

But a child’s dignity is too high a price to pay for criss-cross-applesauce."

I really like what this blogger said here (http://missnightmutters.com/2012/08/too-high-a-price.html). She disagrees with a color chart but completely thinks it's necessary for individualized charts. These are private and tailored to each child's needs, unlike a class system.  She does a great metaphor of all of this with an adult getting a new job.

Another great article by Miss Night:

http://missnightmutters.com/2012/09/behaviour-management-not-systems-but-relationships.html

I am so inspired by the way these teachers work. There truly is no one universal way to create a classroom filled with love, support, and learning. These teachers have spent years in trial and error, research, talking with families, and it's finally working for them. As a first year counselor, I am trying to float. I plan on really getting down to the nitty gritty over the summer.

I find myself struggling to define my role to myself, let alone to other people. I wear many hats, but I'd say the main thing I am is a parent! I still don't know how to define my role in either of my schools after 9 months. It's embarrassing at parent meetings, IEPs when someone wants to add counseling services (what's that mean? entail?)

More thoughts later...