Class Dojo
ClassDojo is an online service that allows teachers to record data on classroom behavior and keep parent's informed. It provides for instant messaging and regular reports.
As the teacher I have the option to award points to the whole class at a time, to selected groups or to individuals. I can award points using the SMARTBoard or on my tablet, Tabby. Points can be awarded for positive behaviors and for behaviors that show some work is needed.
I have found that using the ClassDojo helps the Neptunes to have a visual record for themselves as to how well they are doing in class. It motivates them to listen and follow directions in a timely fashion and discourages poor choices due to knowing you will automatically receive a report of their actions in class. The goal for each student to maintain at least an 80% positive points record.
I will adjust the behaviors expected as needed during the year. I will update the descriptions when I do and note it in the weekly newsletter.
I often select all Neptunes at the beginning of an activity or during a transition, then deselect those not following directions. I then award Ready to all the Neptunes that are ready when the time I've allowed is complete. Needs Work points may be marked if additional reminders are needed for individuals that continue to not participate. I try to award On Task at least once a lesson to all as they are working. Other behaviors are awarded individually as I notice. I try to award points as near the time of the behavior as possible.
Needs Work points are ALWAYS given individually or in small groups, like two students talking in class.
Using the Dojo lets me track these behaviors. The class usually knows when I award Ready points. Often On Task or other positive observations occur while they are doing the behavior so may not know they earned the positive (green) points but they do see their positive point totals.
Needs Work points I try to mark secretly and they are not visible in class. If I have to redirect using the RTC process I try to mark the problem behavior while going through the RTC questions.
I think it is unreasonable to expect any of the class to have 100% positive all the time. Everyone has slips in judgment. It is reasonable to have 80% positive on a daily basis and 90% is a worthy goal. The percent is a comparison of the positive points earned with the needs work points. Please remember this is a record of the behaviors I observed and was able to record. It is likely there are a number behaviors I miss, can't record at the time, or was not present to observe. The percentage is the number to check as there are any number of reasons someone may not have received a high number of points, such as being absent part of a day, pulled out for an academic reason, or I may be in a meeting and not with the class to make observations, or the lesson at the time may make it impractical to mark behaviors.
If you have any questions about ClassDojo, feel free to contact me. If you have questions about a specific time or behavior I'll do my best to provide additional details.
As the teacher I have the option to award points to the whole class at a time, to selected groups or to individuals. I can award points using the SMARTBoard or on my tablet, Tabby. Points can be awarded for positive behaviors and for behaviors that show some work is needed.
I have found that using the ClassDojo helps the Neptunes to have a visual record for themselves as to how well they are doing in class. It motivates them to listen and follow directions in a timely fashion and discourages poor choices due to knowing you will automatically receive a report of their actions in class. The goal for each student to maintain at least an 80% positive points record.
I will adjust the behaviors expected as needed during the year. I will update the descriptions when I do and note it in the weekly newsletter.
I often select all Neptunes at the beginning of an activity or during a transition, then deselect those not following directions. I then award Ready to all the Neptunes that are ready when the time I've allowed is complete. Needs Work points may be marked if additional reminders are needed for individuals that continue to not participate. I try to award On Task at least once a lesson to all as they are working. Other behaviors are awarded individually as I notice. I try to award points as near the time of the behavior as possible.
Needs Work points are ALWAYS given individually or in small groups, like two students talking in class.
Using the Dojo lets me track these behaviors. The class usually knows when I award Ready points. Often On Task or other positive observations occur while they are doing the behavior so may not know they earned the positive (green) points but they do see their positive point totals.
Needs Work points I try to mark secretly and they are not visible in class. If I have to redirect using the RTC process I try to mark the problem behavior while going through the RTC questions.
I think it is unreasonable to expect any of the class to have 100% positive all the time. Everyone has slips in judgment. It is reasonable to have 80% positive on a daily basis and 90% is a worthy goal. The percent is a comparison of the positive points earned with the needs work points. Please remember this is a record of the behaviors I observed and was able to record. It is likely there are a number behaviors I miss, can't record at the time, or was not present to observe. The percentage is the number to check as there are any number of reasons someone may not have received a high number of points, such as being absent part of a day, pulled out for an academic reason, or I may be in a meeting and not with the class to make observations, or the lesson at the time may make it impractical to mark behaviors.
If you have any questions about ClassDojo, feel free to contact me. If you have questions about a specific time or behavior I'll do my best to provide additional details.
Positive Behaviors
Active Listening – Looks at speaker and shows they are thinking about what is being said. Attentive
Asked Questions – Raises their hand when appropriate and asks for help, clarification or more information when they did not understand a concept, skill, or activity. Shows taking responsibility for their own learning.
Helping Others – Without prompting helps a classmate that needs it.
On Task – Does what they were asked to do, the way they were asked to do it, when they were asked to do it.
Patience – Resists being distracted by a classmate that was trying to interrupt them or shows unusual patience while waiting for their classmates or teacher to be ready.
Politeness – Uses appropriate manners.
Ready – Shows they are prepared to listen and shows they are ready to do the required activity in a timely fashion.
Responsible Choices – Demonstrates behavior to avoid trouble with classmates or distractions. I.E. when they move away from possible distraction.
Responsible use of time – Finds a productive activity, reading, writing, etc. to do by themselves when they complete assigned work.
Whole Class Compliment – An adult outside of our class complimented the classes behavior.
Asked Questions – Raises their hand when appropriate and asks for help, clarification or more information when they did not understand a concept, skill, or activity. Shows taking responsibility for their own learning.
Helping Others – Without prompting helps a classmate that needs it.
On Task – Does what they were asked to do, the way they were asked to do it, when they were asked to do it.
Patience – Resists being distracted by a classmate that was trying to interrupt them or shows unusual patience while waiting for their classmates or teacher to be ready.
Politeness – Uses appropriate manners.
Ready – Shows they are prepared to listen and shows they are ready to do the required activity in a timely fashion.
Responsible Choices – Demonstrates behavior to avoid trouble with classmates or distractions. I.E. when they move away from possible distraction.
Responsible use of time – Finds a productive activity, reading, writing, etc. to do by themselves when they complete assigned work.
Whole Class Compliment – An adult outside of our class complimented the classes behavior.
Needs Work Behaviors
Blurting Answers – Talks out without being called on during whole class lessons.
Disruptive – Acts in a way that stops or distracts the lesson or prevents other from working or attending.
Making Noises – Disrupts by making noises either with their mouth or things. They are usually asked to stop once before point is recorded.
Misuse Equipment – Uses class tools in an inappropriate or unsafe fashion, I.E. flipping or tossing pencils or erasers, climbing slides, slamming door, playing in restroom, etc.
Not listening – Continues to do something or not follow directions after being reminded of correct behavior or reminded of directions.
Off Task – Does something other than assigned activity when the assignment is not finished.
Poking/Pushing – Comes in contact with a classmate in an inappropriate way or for an inappropriate reason. I.E. Pushes in line, picks up a classmate, etc. If severe enough (causes injury or seems intended to cause harm, in anger) will result in immediate trip to RTC.
Talking/Chatting – Talks to a classmate during direct instruction when they are expected to listen.
Unsafe – Acts in a way that could get themselves or someone else hurt, I.E. running in class, standing on furniture, etc.
Wandering – Moves around the room or is away from their desk during direct instruction without permission or during work time when there is classwork for a reason other than using the restroom, using a tissue, or getting supplies (I.E. get sharp pencil) to do their work.
Disruptive – Acts in a way that stops or distracts the lesson or prevents other from working or attending.
Making Noises – Disrupts by making noises either with their mouth or things. They are usually asked to stop once before point is recorded.
Misuse Equipment – Uses class tools in an inappropriate or unsafe fashion, I.E. flipping or tossing pencils or erasers, climbing slides, slamming door, playing in restroom, etc.
Not listening – Continues to do something or not follow directions after being reminded of correct behavior or reminded of directions.
Off Task – Does something other than assigned activity when the assignment is not finished.
Poking/Pushing – Comes in contact with a classmate in an inappropriate way or for an inappropriate reason. I.E. Pushes in line, picks up a classmate, etc. If severe enough (causes injury or seems intended to cause harm, in anger) will result in immediate trip to RTC.
Talking/Chatting – Talks to a classmate during direct instruction when they are expected to listen.
Unsafe – Acts in a way that could get themselves or someone else hurt, I.E. running in class, standing on furniture, etc.
Wandering – Moves around the room or is away from their desk during direct instruction without permission or during work time when there is classwork for a reason other than using the restroom, using a tissue, or getting supplies (I.E. get sharp pencil) to do their work.