Thank you,
@Liz Savage and
@Brian Crooks for answering. A <g class="gr_ gr_2587 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling ins-del multiReplace" id="2587" data-gr-id="2587">prek</g> program stated they have a color-coded system in place to handle behavior. So if a child "misbehaves", their color is moved throughout the day and said behavior reported daily in their folders. We then had a discussion about how the children responded to the color chart. Some responses were that children started referencing "bad colors" throughout their day, and refused to color with or wear those colors. On the flip side, some loved certain colors and desired for their name to be on that color. In the end, the group decided that it was an ineffective strategy. That is when the question I posted made it to the parking lot.
I completely agree with focusing on the positives when talking with parents about their children. Parents get up early to get the kids ready for school or childcare, work all day, and the last thing we need to do is stress them more by pointing out daily what is wrong with their children. Also, after a while, it becomes ineffective because parents start to expect something negative everytime they open a folder or see you and it creates a disconnect. Positivity effects everyone in a great way...it encourages children to persist, makes parents feel their child is loved and thriving and reminds teachers that they accomplish so much even when they don't see it in a day. There are going to be times for conversations regarding behavior, and I agree that these should be done in person, but if the behavior is part of their developmental growth I wouldn't bother parents with it. I always felt that my job as a teacher was to teach and model the desired behavior and figure out the best redirection for that child.
I can't wait to share this with the participants. They are going to love what the CLC offers them!
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Marnetta Larrimer
Bossier City LA
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Original Message:
Sent: 11-27-2018 11:51
From: Brian Crooks
Subject: Behavior Management
Hi Marnetta I think this is a great question .
I strongly feel that every parent wants to hear good things about their children, and that is why I always find a way to show the parents something positive that the child did that day. Whether it is a picture or an anecdote, I always find something good to talk about.
That does not mean that there are not difficult topics to address also, but that there should always be something positive to say first. This makes the tough talks a little easier because the parents will be more receptive. And these talks always seem easier for me when done in person, rather than through a communication folder.
What are your thoughts?
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Brian Crooks
Original Message:
Sent: 11-26-2018 15:12
From: Marnetta Larrimer
Subject: Behavior Management
Hello all!
I am in a Primer training, showing this tool to participants. A participant asked "how do we let the parents know how the child's day went if we take away the behavior folder?
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Marnetta Larrimer
Bossier City LA
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