Whoa, The Student Behaviors! - boy holding paper airplane while the teacher is teaching

The first few weeks of school are bliss in the land of student behaviors! As a teacher, you worked very hard to make sure your classroom is a warm, yet engaging, learning environment. You have done an outstanding job of implementing a positive classroom management system. Since each year is different, you’ve made all the necessary changes to the way your classroom flows for your new students. Now the kids are secure with you as their teacher. You’re starting to see that they are comfortable with each other as well. This combination is something you want; however, it can bring out student behaviors that are distracting to all that you have worked for!

Why a Student Behavior Tracker?

There might be one or two students who are disruptive and cause your entire class to become distracted. You’ve tried some strategies to help these student(s) succeed. You want to stay positive and not take away rewards because of one or two students.

An important tip to remember is that discipline is not classroom management and there are times when a different approach should be taken. A Student Behavior Tracker that allows the student to set behavior or task goals each day may be your next step.

Student Behavior Goals may Include:

Follows directions
Stays focused during class instruction time
Quiet in line
Keep desk clean, organized, and free from toys
Finish and turn in classwork for the day
Raises hand before speaking
Takes a deep breath when frustrated
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How to Use a Student Behavior Tracker

A Student Behavior Tracker allows a student to set behavior or task goals each day. It’s important to limit the student’s goals to no more than five. Aim for small realistic goals in the beginning so that your student will know what it feels like to succeed. There should be a tangible or intangible reward available for the student after meeting the goals. I recommend meeting with the school counselor and/or parents to be involved when implementing a student behavior tracker. They may have additional ideas and you will want support from parents.

To foster positive student behavior, it is important to acknowledge even the small steps taken in the right direction. Demonstrating positivity and expressing satisfaction with the goals achieved can have a transformative impact on your student’s overall behavior. Remember, every step forward counts!

When to Use the Student Behavior Book

Additionally, a student behavior book can be used simultaneously. I suggest using the behavior book for extreme or serious behavior incidents in your class. I try not to overuse the student behavior book. The behavior book gives the student a chance to be removed from the situation and reflect through writing/drawing what he or she did using a Think Sheet. This book will give you a record of what happened to either show the parents, write in the student behavior tracker or email the parents about the situation when you get your next break. I have the students leave the book open on my desk so it reminds me to contact the parent or take the appropriate action.

Lastly, small steps are still steps in the right direction. Stay positive and show your student that you are happy with the goal(s) he or she met. This can change the momentum of your student’s goals and eventually behavior!

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Individual Student Behavior Tracker (Editable) for Classroom Management

Click here for an EDITABLE Student Behavior Tracker to enter the goals/tasks. There are 6 choices of half page with 5 goals/tasks focus or one full page by schedule. The reward or incentive can be typed underneath the tracking box. There are more goal/task ideas to copy and paste with the tracker. And a behavior book cover with lined paper pages and a think sheet!