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Thursday, August 27, 2015

How I Became a More Positive Teacher

Hey everyone! I'm Amy from Cahill's Creations.
http://cahillskindercreations.blogspot.com/ 
I'm here to share my insights on being a more positive teacher.
*This is also one of my goals this year as a mom, wife, and friend too.*

Okay, so, my teacher partner and I decided that we would be sending more positive notes home this year.  We still do the Clip Chart system, despite all the talk about it not being a good tool to use for behavior management.  I actually really like this system.  I focus mostly on the positive behaviors in the classroom and those kids get to clip up.  It's very visual and the kids are motivated by the immediate attention they get from me when they get to clip up.  When kids are SUPER good then they're "Off the Charts" and they get to clip on my lanyard.  The whole class goes crazy when someone clips off the charts.
 
When I have an extreme behavior in my class, I do not use the clip chart.  It just doesn't work for them.  I've done different things in the past, depending on the student.  Here's an example of one that worked for a challenging student.  I turned it into a positive.


I decided that I was done spending all of my energy on the negative behaviors.  The kids who were always on task, following directions, and respectful were not getting any of my attention.  That was when I decided to change my behaviors.  I began clipping them off the chart like crazy!  And as a result, I was feeling better and I was seeing happier faces in my classroom.

So, my goal for the new school year is to send 3-5 positive notes home a day.  


You can find more communication notes here:
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Communication-Notes-2058945
These work great for the upper grades:
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Communication-Notes-Upper-Grades-2086462


How do you stay positive in your classroom?





41 comments:

  1. Do you have anything similar to this product for upper grades?

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    1. I just posted an upper grade pack in my TPT store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Communication-Notes-Upper-Grades-2086462

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  3. I would love that upper grade version as well!

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    1. You can find it here: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Communication-Notes-Upper-Grades-2086462

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  4. I am interested in an older version as well for my 4th graders.

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  5. I am interested in an older version as well for my 4th graders.

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  6. How can I get a copy of these? I love them!!!!

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    1. Sorry, I found it. I didn't click on the last picture.

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    2. Sorry, I found it. I didn't click on the last picture.

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  7. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  8. I would a version for grade 4/5.

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  9. Just purchased these! I can't wait to use these (especially the positive notes home). Thanks for your hard work that I can use immediately in my classroom!
    Learning, Laughter, and Love

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  10. Where can I buy this? It's amazing!

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    1. Thank you!! You can find them here:
      https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Communication-Notes-2058945

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  11. Thank you all for your kind comments!! I've had a lot of people asking if I have something similar for the older grades. I will be working on some older grade notes this week. If you have any suggestions/ideas, I'd love to hear them! You can email me at amycahill@cox.net

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  12. I too would love a copy of this for 3rd grade! My email is loriswade555@gmail.com! Thank you:)

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  13. Wow!! This is exactly what I have been looking for!! I can't wait to use this with my class. Thank you for sharing such an awesome idea :)

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  14. Love this idea! I've started using bucket filler ideas from pinterest. It actually talked about the use in a kinder classroom. I will put this to use too--positive notes home and off the charts clips! :) Thanks for sharing your ideas!

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  15. Do you have an editable form of this chart? I have been sitting here working on various versions for my son to support his teacher and I like the positive tone of this one. It meets all the criteria I'm trying to reach, I would need to adjust wording to his day. hhelmig@gmail.com

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  17. Is the one that is pictured above (the 1st on) part of the pack? If not where can i get that one and do you by chance have one made for lower grade levels?

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    1. Yes! Everything pictured is included in the pack! :) I use these for Kindergarten.

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  18. I love your "Off the Chart" clip! I'm snagging that! I agree that the negative behavior doesn't respond good to clip chart. I always try to focus on the kids doing good as I look at the kids not doing so well. The thing about the clip chart is that it is a great tool if you focus on one student who needs improvement and really make an effort to find a positive to clip them up. It can really change their behavior.

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  19. Do you have your actual clip chart available on TPT? I would like to see that! I found the notes, but I am super interested in what your clip chart looks like!

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  20. Dear Ami I think you will absolutely love this book (you and your teacher partner ): Mr. Bear wants to be loved. Stories and classroom activities. Written by Paolo Terni
    I'm a Dutch teacher (for already 30 years) and I've translated his first Mr. Bear book. Now I'm busy translating (and adding cases and creative assignments per story to it, because the Dutch publisher wants the book to be a little bit thicker :-) ) the 'classroom version. I'm SO enthusiastic about it!!
    Keep on doing the great job Amy. Kids and their parent need it!
    Just for fun take a peek at my website where you can see Mr. Bear : http://www.elladejong.com
    /smile, Ella

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