My action research topic is: What happens to student behavior when key behavior students are given rewards for good behavior at 15 minute intervals so that they can make it through the entire class? Should rewards be given to the entire class rather than single out students? Would going to a “class” reward system work too?

  I have collected data in two classrooms for three students. Today I will share about one of the classes. In that class I used a token behavior system using sticker charts and every fifteen minutes the students received a sticker if they stayed on task, and used kind words to others. Did this work? Well, it worked 50% of the time. The times that it was not successful were when they students came into my room already “loaded for bear”. At that point they did not care what I had to say or about the “stupid stickers”. Many of these times are when the students ended up leaving my room to go to P.E.A.K. for a time out.

  When the system was working for these students it worked well. If they students made it through the entire art class they got to choose from the prize box. (Pencils, erasers, hand pencil sharpeners, etc.) If they made it through an entire month of classes (which in reality is only four classes.) they were able to have lunch or recess with me. This also meant some either one on one drawing time with me or extra computer time during recess. My students love to eat lunch with me…not sure why really…other than they can talk, be heard, and have the undivided attention. The students I serve NEED to talk, be heard AND have someone’s undivided attention!

I used the following web site to make my sticker charts for my students
.http://www.stickersandcharts.com/


  There are tons to choose from and you could even get the student to help select or design the chart they want to use. There are stickers available to make too. What better way to get the student on board with the behavior program—let them design it themselves!