Lining Up

Now that I am finishing my second year in the classroom, it is time to reevaluate how everything is working with classroom management. One thing I have learned is that students get comfortable with routines and sometimes need a new incentive in order to perform the desired behavior. Each class is also unique with different strengths and weaknesses. Last year, I used a line up song in order to provide a positive way to line up and review expectations. This year, my students are not responding as well to the song. Many kids are talking instead of singing. Lining up after recess is becoming more and more of a problem. It is time for some new strategies. We now have a mystery walker who can earn a point for the whole class by lining up well. I am also adding a fun new incentive for the class: a guitar jar. I play the guitar, but I have not brought it into the classroom yet. I am going to give students a point in the jar every time they line up well. After 10 points, I will bring in my guitar and play some songs for them. After one day of having a mystery walker, I saw improvement in most of my students. I am excited to see how the guitar jar works. Last year, my students were very excited about me bringing it in. I think this might mix things up just enough to get them excited a about having a straight line.