Star Wars Inspired Bulletin Board

It's Red Ribbon Week at our school. This year's theme is Respect Yourself which aligns perfectly with our school's exceptions; Be respectful. Be responsible. Be safe.

Our door this year was inspired by Star Wars.  Each child created a folded Yoda. I originally found the idea for this craft from Origami Yoda but modified the craft to better suit the needs of my students.  

How to Make Yoda:

Fold a brown construction paper into thirds.  

Fold down to create the robe. Glue it shut. 

Use green #Astrobright paper to make Yoda's face.  

Add face details with black marker.

Happy Teaching! 

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Accentuate the Positive

This year, my school has decided to embark on a new endeavor.  We are focusing on using the PBIS model to help us improve student behavior.  What makes PBIS different from other behavior models is that it focuses on positive behavior.

As a school, we came up with some school wide expectations.

Children are "rewarded" with a "dollar" for following our expectations.  Students turn in their dollars and are entered into our weekly raffle where they receive a congratulations from our administrator and a small prize.  As a PBIS team, we have discussed that in the future, we hope that earning the "dollar" will be enough.  But, we also realize that this is something new and that for some children a prize may help them buy into changing their behavior.

Surprisingly, there have been a few good things that have come from implementing the PBIS model.  A talented teacher created a PBIS song that I hear kids singing.  Our discipline referrals are down and our school is working towards accentuating the positive.

We still have much to learn. Share your thoughts if  you are teaching or working at a PBIS school?

Happy Teaching!

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