list of good and bad behaviors to be aware of

[huckfynigyn]

I will be teaching 7th and 8th grade science and math in the fall. I was hoping to make a long list of good and bad behaviors to watch for.

The generated list will be useful in keeping records of the students and when it comes time to conferences I will have everything documented and able to talk about these behaviors.

Can anyone help me generate a list such as this. I was hoping to get about 25 for each.

distracting classroom behaviors

1. visiting with friends
2. interrupting
3. throwing things
4. teasing

oppositional behaviors

1. refusing to stay in seats
2. vulgar language
3. harrassment

Good behaviors would be-

1. staying on task
2. raising hand to answer question
3. kind to other students

Thanks for your help

[Caesar753]

Inappropriate behaviors:
Profanity/swearing
Vandalism
Theft
Arson
Assault
Refusal to sit in assigned seat
Chewing gum
Eating/drinking
Sleeping
Excessive talking
Disruptive talking
Making threats
Truancy
Excessive tardiness
Unexcused absences
Cell phone activation
Inappropriate dress
Possession of nuisance/banned items (iPods, lighters, laser pointers, etc.)
Belligerence
Insubordination
Making inappropriate noises
Laughing at inappropriate times
Being unprepared for class (not having pencil, paper, etc.)

[huckfynigyn]

wow, thanks Cassie for adding to my list

[Kerfuffle]

Good behaviors:
Asking (appropriate) questions
Keeping personal and shared materials organized
Offering help to substitute teachers (finding things, operating equipment)
Eye contact is always nice -- not sure if it's helpful to discuss at conferences?

[huckfynigyn]

Thanks, those are some good suggestions that I have not thought of!

[ayotte04]

Cassie, how the heck did you remember all those? I don't think you left anything off the list

[Tigers]

Originally Posted by Cassie753

Inappropriate behaviors:
Profanity/swearing
Vandalism
Theft
Arson
Assault
Refusal to sit in assigned seat
Chewing gum
Eating/drinking
Sleeping
Excessive talking
Disruptive talking
Making threats
Truancy
Excessive tardiness
Unexcused absences
Cell phone activation
Inappropriate dress
Possession of nuisance/banned items (iPods, lighters, laser pointers, etc.)
Belligerence
Insubordination
Making inappropriate noises
Laughing at inappropriate times
Being unprepared for class (not having pencil, paper, etc.)

and inappropriate touch...not always assualt

[Caesar753]

Originally Posted by ayotte04

Cassie, how the heck did you remember all those? I don't think you left anything off the list

I actually have a carbon copy-type letter I send home to parents whenever kids engage in inappropriate behaviors beyond my first warning and student/teacher conference. It says something like, "Dear Parent, Recently your child has begun to exhibit inappropriate behaviors in the classroom. These behaviors are detrimental to the..." Then there's a two-column list of behaviors and I just check off the one(s) the kid is doing.

I like the carbonless copy because it's my record of parent contact. I like the letter format (rather than a phone call) because I find that I am unable to get ahold of parents by phone more than 75% of the time--not home, no voicemail, wrong number.

[Sterlingrio]

Originally Posted by Cassie753

I actually have a carbon copy-type letter I send home to parents whenever kids engage in inappropriate behaviors beyond my first warning and student/teacher conference. It says something like, "Dear Parent, Recently your child has begun to exhibit inappropriate behaviors in the classroom. These behaviors are detrimental to the..." Then there's a two-column list of behaviors and I just check off the one(s) the kid is doing.

I like the carbonless copy because it's my record of parent contact. I like the letter format (rather than a phone call) because I find that I am unable to get ahold of parents by phone more than 75% of the time--not home, no voicemail, wrong number.

Just a hunch, but not getting a hold of parent more than 75% of the time-- are you teaching in an urban or low SES area I need to make carbon copy like notes for my students--

more good behaviors:
under being kind to others-- could you be more descriptive as to what kind means, i.e.
giving others appropriate compliments
avoiding arguments with others to accomplish tasks?
Using manners, please, thank you, excuse me, sorry
Taking responsibilty for incorrect behavior or "violations" by following through with consequences.
When working as a team, giving everyone a fair share or turn.
Acknowledging the success of others in the class, and acknowleding personal success.

I guess the difference between good and bad behavior is just a matter of wording sometimes.

[synapse]

I am not a real fan of such lists. Teaching and learning are highly inter and intra-personal. We are talking human beings here. Behind each behavior is a reason for the behavior. We can't simply say "that's appropriate" or that is "not appropriate." We need to understand the whole person and the whole event. For starters, my definition of "appropriate" may not come close to yours and vice versa.

Another thought: several items listed above are typical developmental behaviors for the level of students you are working with. So, one challenge facing us in a classroom is figuring out how to allow developmentally normal behaviors to occur without causing a disruption to the teaching and learning.

Of course, we are all going to identify behaviors that keep our classrooms and schools safe and organized. So rather that trying to create an all encompassing list one might be better served by deciding how they want thier own class to operate and then identify 3 or 4 behaviors/expectations that make sense.