Tier 1: Middle School by

Praise Notes

shermanc5 — 2024-01-17 22:47:12 UTC

One day a week, students write a praise note as their Do Now.

Try to Handle In House

shermanc5 — 2024-01-17 22:49:10 UTC

MS students want to know you have their back but also that you are in control (to an extent). I try to avoid calling home/the office and instead give warning, move seat, 1:1 chat, reflection or written referral that goes into my "last chance" binder. If they get another write up within a week, I call home.

Teacher Team Rewards

shermanc5 — 2024-01-17 22:51:27 UTC

I work with my team to plan rewards. 3 of us plan 40-min activities with student input. Students can sign up for one of the activities (get to select teacher and activity, which gives them more control and choice). If they meet the criteria (no more than 3 write ups/referrals in the month and no missing assignments), they can participate. 4th teacher hosts the study hall.

Groups/Teams

shermanc5 — 2024-01-17 22:53:12 UTC

I like to capitalize on their natural competitiveness. Table groups select their team name. I set a timer near the end of class. Each team can only get 3 marks. If they get 3 or less marks, they can have free phone time for the last 5 minutes of class (low volume or headphones on).

Do Nows!

shermanc5 — 2024-01-17 22:54:05 UTC

I have found that entering the classroom (teach to do it quietly and straight to desk), then doing a Do Now with soft music is vital to my sanity and their readiness for lessons.

Regular opportunities to be heard and hear from peers.

2024-01-17 23:05:21 UTC

Brief community building circles (can use "wheelhouse" format to increase talk time and decrease the time the circle takes), short earned visiting breaks, chances to turn and talk on topic.

Share and review the schedule.

2024-01-17 23:07:13 UTC

Even though it's just one period, review the schedule for the class. Build in break times and review expectations for different activities (engagement during lesson, methods for sharing, voice levels during work time, etc).

Routines for getting help, breaks, other needs.

2024-01-17 23:08:59 UTC

Teach, remind, and honor routines for students to get help when needed, take breaks in or out of the classroom, use the restroom, get water or snacks, etc.