No More 5 a.m Cupcakes!

Okay, so last school year I promised my amazing kiddos in my classroom that as a reward for earning all the tokens in our charming token economy, we were decorating cupcakes. Well, after scurrying home after a staff meeting, making  dinner, giving Ronin (my two year old son) a bath, putting him to bed, helping Olivia with her math homework,and then crashing on the couch in front of the T.V....I forgot to make the cupcakes that evening.

 I woke early the morning to correct my error. {The silver lining here...} When I walked into my classroom with a still warm batch of cupcakes, it did smell wonderful!

 My behavior management is good...it is.

It's a lot of work sometimes though. 

And (hold your breathe) I HAVE A LIFE!

 I have just been reading about  an interesting idea--a way to improve on the old behavior management charts...card systems...and token economies. {CONFESSION: 'Tried them all at some point} However, anything that claims it is a better way to management student behavior, now that gets my attention! BTW...it sounds easy!

CLIPCHARTS!

The idea is simple:"During the course of the day, the clothespins move up and down the chart based upon the behavioral choices each student makes. Good behavior causes the clothespin to move up one level. Conversely, inappropriate behavior will cause the clothespin to move down one level." 

I ♥ the idea of positive reinforcement being build into the behavior management chart, I really do. That is what makes it better than the current method I am using.Oh and sometimes Ben, my dear husband, ate the cupcakes before I left for work.

Here is the link to where I found the information: {SOURCE}

If you are just crazy busy...because sometimes it happens! Here is a link for the printables to make the one above that I made for my classroom. I had to share this idea--it's a wonderful alternative to 5 a.m cupcakes! 

{Behavior Managment Clip Chart--$1}

How it works...

You will need a clothespin with every student's name on it.

Print and laminate the behavior chart. Display it where students will see it. 

At the beginning of the day, students start out with their name on, "ready to learn". 

When you notice students behaving well, move their clothespin up.

When students are not following classroom rules and expectations, move their pin down.

You may also have students add a sticker to their clothespin at the end of the day if they make it to outstanding. 5 stars collected can mean a change to a new color of clothes pin. Suggestions: blue, yellow or glittered clothespins! 

Another reason for using this system is it's redeeming value for the students. If they are having a bad morning, there is an opportunity to turn it around! 

I love it!