K- Daily Five Linky Party

Tammy over at Live, Love, Laugh is hosting a fabulous linky party/book study based on the Daily Five in Kindergarten.  Most of what I read so far on other ladies blogs really is relevant to all primary grades hoping to use the Daily Five.

As many of you know, I implemented the Daily Five two years ago, mid-year, with my very first year in first grade.  I taught two years in "K" before being moved up to 1st.  Well, this year, I am moving back down to the sweet little ones in Kindergarten!!!  I am very excited about it but am a little anxious about implementing the Daily Five in K.  

I have decided to link up and discuss what I have done with the Daily Five for the past two years.  Maybe something I have learned/or my successes can help you!  {I love reading/learning about what others do in their room}

Ok.  So Tammy has kicked off this book study with posing questions from Chapter One.  Here are my thoughts:)

 Number 1 & 2 are pretty much the same question, so I am combining them:

1. How do I teach new behaviors. 2. How do I teach expectations?

Repetition, repetition, repetition!!!!!!!  It is so important to SHOW your kiddos what is expected and what is not expected.  We read stories about certain behaviors, discuss, role play, sing songs and poems that remind us of certain rules.  

 The "Help Me Be Good" book series are my ABSOLUTE favorite to read with the kiddos when setting the stage for the year.  The kids always love them and find them funny!

Expectations are reviewed first thing in the morning and throughout the day.

Here's how: 

I began using components of Whole Brain Teaching in my classroom this year and it seemed to really work.  Repetition being the key!!  Each morning when the kiddos come in, right before we begin our Morning Meeting, we review the classroom rules {my behavioral expectations}. The kids do this by echoing what I say {or our captain of the day says}.  Here's what it might sound like: ME: "mirror" (raise hand, shoulder level) Kids: "mirror" (raise hand, shoulder level....this snags their attention) ME: "Rule One" Kids: "Rule One,"  ME: "Listen when the teacher is talking" (said with hand motion...make hand talk) KIDS: "Listen when the teacher is talking" (doing hand motion), ME: Rule Two...etc...

We do it in funny voices and exaggerated motions.  Works wonderfully! :)

I also remind students throughout the day of acceptable behavior by pointing out students making good choices rather than directly getting on to a student making a poor choice.

"WOW! I love how "so-and-so" is working so quietly.  I can tell they're working hard" or "I love how 'so-and-so' is using capital letters at the beginning of their sentences.  I can tell they're ready to sign our 'Capital Letter Club'" OR "I know 'so-and-so' is ready for the hall.  Look how quiet they are standing! They have a duck tale, bubble, and are facing forward! That's fabulous!" etc...

3. How do I monitor student behavior? whole group? small group? individual?

I am always observing my kids.  I watch...like a hawk!  Individual student behavior is monitored by a clip chart.  {I am currently updating my clip chart and adding a 5th color}.  Each day the students begin on 'green.'  Students can move their clips up and down depending on their choices.  This year my firsties really took moving their clip "down" to heart and most would change their behavior instantly and work the rest of the day to move their clip back up.  

Clips colors are like this (hanging top to bottom):

Gold - You are Golden (my room is a pirate theme)

Purple - Way to Go

Green - Keep it up (this is where kids start every morning)

Yellow - 1st Warning (I might change this to Stop and Think)

Red - Stop and Think  (Might change this to "walk the plank")

I also have a "think seat" where I send kiddos when they need a moment to remove themselves from the class to collect themselves and their thoughts. :) They also have to write about it on a simple form.  They simply draw what happened, write about it, and sign their name.  The paper goes home to their parents to sign and return.  Just a way to let the parents know their kiddo needed a minute to regroup themselves and the behavior can be discussed at home and at school so that it won't happen again.  Parents also sign students daily behavior log found in their FISH Books (updated post coming soon on these).

Whole Group: I use Sparklers!!!!  I also have a "Mystery Phrase."  Kiddos have to earn a compliment to turn over a letter.  Once they've turned over all the letters they get whatever treat it says (i.e.: Picnic, Free Choice, Popsicle Party, Movie, Extra Recess, etc...)

    4. What do I do when a student is not exhibiting desired behavior.

See above.

Students also lose recess time.

5. Whose classroom is it?

It is OUR classroom.  My goal at the beginning of each year is to establish a sense of family in our classroom.  Although I might be the "leader," I set my classroom up so that each student is responsible for their own behavior and learning.  

6. Locus of Control.

I like for my kiddos to take responsibility for each action they make. Good or bad.  

While during the Daily Five the past two years I've had my kids put out their own "fires." For instance if they are reading to self and another students tries to talk/distract them, the student simply puts a finger over their mouth (the sssshhh symbol) and shakes their head "no" and goes right back to reading.  Works like a charm.  If a student continues to bother someone they say "please stop. I am learning."  Seriously.  Worked each time! :)

Incentives are the best tool however, with the little ones! :)  I use Sparklers, Mystery Word/Phrase (see above for both), Treasure Box (only for those who earn purple/gold ALL week), really just praise and acknowledgment for good behavior/choices really works marvelously and I don't have to purchase a thing for it! :)

 7. Where are supplies stored?

Hhhmmm....Items are stored in many different things and in many different places throughout our classroom.  Take a peak at my room HERE if you're interested in seeing my set up from last year.  Not sure how it will look this year! :)  Might just switch it up! 

Next up, Chapter Two, hosted by Caitlin from Kindergarten Smiles.

I love the Daily Five and am so excited to use it for the first time in Kindergarten after two very successful years implementing it in First Grade!!!!  

Link up by clicking on Tammy's button below: