[Modeling Good Behavior]

REBECCA SAN SEBASTIAN: A reinforcement strategythat works really well with younger kids iswhen you say something like I like the way Camila sittingso nicely on the carpet.[Rebecca San Sebastian, Primary Talent Development Coach]Because everyone wants to look like Camila sittingso nicely on the carpet.I can look that way also.So when you reinforce one child, then it oftenencourages others to want to give you

REBECCA SAN SEBASTIAN [continued]: that same type of behavior.To model good behavior, I always tryto treat my students with respect.I would want them to treat each other with respect.So I'm going to treat them with respect.If they're speaking, I try super hard not to interrupt them.Sometimes, I get really excited, and I'll-- you know,they're in the middle of saying something.And I'll say, yes, you know, just

REBECCA SAN SEBASTIAN [continued]: to scare them a little bit, but not on purpose.So I do try to listen to what they'resaying without interrupting.I do try to have eye contact with them.They know that I'm listening.There are really good benefits to individual rewards,as well as whole-class rewards.So if you have a bulletin board, I had a fish theme one year.

REBECCA SAN SEBASTIAN [continued]: And I had a whole lot of paper fish coveringa wall and a little net.And every time the class would get a compliment for walkingdown the hall correctly or line up immediately or whatevermy behaviors I was looking for, I would catch a fish.And when all the fish were caught,we would have a whole-class party.Maybe we would go outside for 15 minutes of extra recess.

REBECCA SAN SEBASTIAN [continued]: Maybe we would see a short video.Individual rewards are great.But I also can have kids working towards--if you earn a certain number of points,you can visit the treasure box.You can sit in my chair.You can be my line leader.Kids like to be recognized for doing the right thing.And so that often is a good way for a good behavior management

REBECCA SAN SEBASTIAN [continued]: system.