Tuesday, August 7, 2012

Classroom Management {Freebies}

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Classroom Rules
These are my classroom rules, adapted from Whole Brain Teaching. I also have a second copy that I keep on a binder ring so I can hold them up as we practice reciting the rules everyday, along with body movements. Click below to download:

Behavior Clip Chart
At my school, our entire grade level uses a “stoplight” system for behavior management. I used it last year and found that it was too negative and didn't work quite as well as I'd hoped. I’ve seen lots of great clip charts on other blogs, and I was inspired to create this one for my classroom. I needed something simple to keep track of so I could appropriately reinforce behavior at the end of every day, so I eliminated some of the other colors that most teachers use. Click to download: 
Here's how I'll use the chart to reinforce behavior:
Purple = 2 carnival tickets + 2 stamps
Blue = 1 carnival ticket + 1 stamp
Green = 1 carnival ticket
Yellow = No reward, Lose 10 minutes playtime
Red = No reward, Lose entire playtime
Our kindergarten team holds a mini-carnival each quarter with games and prizes. In all the classes, the children collect carnival tickets for good behavior, which they accumulate until the carnival. This is a fun reward; however, I've found it's not immediate enough to have a significant effect on behavior. So this year, I decided to also include Punch Cards, which students can earn stamps on each day. When students fill up a card, they will be able to go shopping from the treasure chest.

 Warm Fuzzies
For whole class management, I used a marble jar at the beginning of last year, but it took so long to fill up! I later implemented the Whole Brain smiley score board, which worked well, but I like the idea of the marble jar...so I am going to try it again. This year I'm going to use pom poms ("Warm Fuzzies") instead, so it will fill up quicker. If it doesn’t work out, I can always go back to the score board!

UPDATE: To those who wanted an editable clip chart with additional colors, I have posted a new editable version to my TPT store! Check out my updated post here:  http://mrsriccaskindergarten.blogspot.com/2012/08/behavior-clip-charts-tpt-store.html.

113 comments:

  1. Thanks so much for the freebies. I love the idea of a class carnival. I would love for you to post more information about that when you have a chance. Have a great year.

    ✰ Stacy

    Simpson Superstars

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  2. These are adorable. Thanks so much for posting them. I struggle too with trying to figure out the best system. I have used the stoplight and I agree - it gets negative. Thanks again!

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  3. Love your rules and clipchart! I'm moving to a clip chart system this year to focus more on the positive, too!
    Thanks for sharing!

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  4. I love your behavior chart, what frames or digital scrapbook paper did you use?

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    Replies
    1. Thanks! I used a paper called Bright Stripes & Dots from Dreamlike Magic. The frames are Curly Frames from ClipArtCorner (both found on Etsy).

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  5. These are adorable! Thanks for sharing. My school uses specific colors for each level. Do you think there is anyway I could ask you for an orange tag? Thanks!
    Camila
    camilablumberg@gmail.com

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    Replies
    1. I can add orange and send you a blank set without the text on them for you, or if you tell me what each color should say, I'll try to find the time to put it together for you. Let me know :)

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    2. To those who wanted an editable clip chart with additional colors, I have posted a new editable version to my TPT store! Check out my update post here: http://mrsriccaskindergarten.blogspot.com/2012/08/behavior-clip-charts-tpt-store.html.

      Delete
  6. Thank you! I'm thinking about using the clipchart this year. With the jar thing - you can always get a smaller one, and if they fill that up quickly, they can "earn" a bigger jar... I've been amazed at how much my first graders love that idea!

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  7. I love the behavior chart! I am doing a polka dot theme this year. My school uses specific colors, green, yellow, orange, red. Is there any way these could be edited or I could get an orange tag? Thanks so much!
    amoskunas@bcps.org

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    Replies
    1. I'm adding an orange tag. Is there any specific wording you want to use for each color? Or would you just like a blank set?

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    2. To those who wanted an editable clip chart with additional colors, I have posted a new editable version to my TPT store! Check out my update post here: http://mrsriccaskindergarten.blogspot.com/2012/08/behavior-clip-charts-tpt-store.html.

      Delete
  8. I love how you connected your clip chart. I put mine on a ribbon down the middle, and that is NOT WORKING :) No worries, now I've seen yours and can use rings. Thanks!

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    Replies
    1. The rings work perfectly. My ribbon at the top was a total failure...it fell down at the end of the day Friday. I used packing tape to stick it on. Maybe I'll need a hot glue gun or something!?

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  9. Love your class rules. What motion do you use for "Do your best work?" Thanks for sharing!!

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  10. Thank you so much for the freebies! Love them!
    Alexa
    http://bilingualscrapbook.blogspot.com/

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  11. I love these! How did you make them? I would like to create my own classroom labels and have no idea how to do it. I also would like an orange "slide" that would go in between yellow and red. lsanc3@lausd.net

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. To those who wanted an editable clip chart with additional colors, I have posted a new editable version to my TPT store! Check out my update post here: http://mrsriccaskindergarten.blogspot.com/2012/08/behavior-clip-charts-tpt-store.html.

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  12. These are PRECIOUS!!!! I am your newest follower! I was hoping I could persuade you into making (and selling--I will happily buy) the "how do you get home" transportation signs? I saw some one pinterest with car rider, bus, daycare rider, and after school but your polka dots and clipart are SO CUTE! I can't stand it! I have my fingers crossed that you'll say YES!!! :)
    :)
    Meaghan
    mrskimbrellsclass.blogspot.com

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  13. Or I would love a blank set (like you mentioned to a previous comment) and I can add the bus/daycare/car/after school clipart!? If you wouldn't mind?
    mlkimbrell@auburnschools.org
    :)
    Meaghan

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  14. These are great for our Homeschool class to help us remember that we are still in school. Thanks!

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  15. An idea for your classroom behavior jar. Draw a line low on the jar for the beginning of the year so they reach it quickly. Then increase the height of the line once they can achieve the other goal often. Make it a challenge to the students. I always told mine that they were so good that I had to raise the height and compare how long it takes them to achieve the goal to before...makes a neat math lesson as the year goes along.
    I love the idea of using the puffy balls for the jar also. You could also change the objects in the jar so they have to guess how many it will take to reach the goal along with the amount of time it takes. Estimating, graphing, counting, and many more! :-) Enjoy!

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    Replies
    1. Thanks for the idea! I am starting with a small jar, and we have filled it a couple times so far, so it is working out much better than the marbles! :)

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  16. I love both your classroom rules and behavior chart. However, I am having trouble printing them. It is saying the file is damaged ;(
    Would you be able to email them to me?
    jennifermeyer1@hotmail.com

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  17. What did you glue your rules and behavior chart on (the backing)? I have used rings before and only used construction paper. That of course does not last long.

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    Replies
    1. There's no backing. It's just printed on cardstock, laminated, and cut out. The background dots are included in the file :)

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  18. I am having troubles printing them too! Is there any way to email it to me? Twin2savage@yahoo.com

    Thanks!
    Kelsey

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  19. I can't print the behavior clip chart! I am so sad! I absolutely love it too. Can you email it to me too? tillyandtad@yahoo.com

    Thanks a bunch!
    Stefani

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  20. I love these. If it is not too much trouble, would you mind sending me some blank ones so I can reword the rules for my PreK students? kajessup@gmail.com

    Thanks so much!!
    Kim

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    Replies
    1. To those who wanted an editable clip chart with additional colors, I have posted a new editable version to my TPT store! Check out my updated post here: http://mrsriccaskindergarten.blogspot.com/2012/08/behavior-clip-charts-tpt-store.html.

      Delete
  21. i would love a blank set. kimmer86@cox.net

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. To those who wanted an editable clip chart with additional colors, I have posted a new editable version to my TPT store! Check out my updated post here: http://mrsriccaskindergarten.blogspot.com/2012/08/behavior-clip-charts-tpt-store.html.

      Delete
  22. Beautiful charts! Thank you for sharing-- I know those took a lot of time. <3

    Kristen
    http://kinderpillars.blogspot.com/

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  23. Love these!! Thanks you so much for creating and sharing!

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  24. UGH! I can't get the Behavior Chart signs to print. :( Would you mind emailing them to me, and possibly a blank set just in case? Thank you SO much!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. To those who wanted an editable clip chart with additional colors, I have posted a new editable version to my TPT store! Check out my update post here: http://mrsriccaskindergarten.blogspot.com/2012/08/behavior-clip-charts-tpt-store.html.

      Delete
  25. Would you be willing to email me a editable set of these? I LOVE them, but would love to have the ability to add text. Thanks a bunch!

    jencunningham33@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. To those who wanted an editable clip chart with additional colors, I have posted a new editable version to my TPT store! Check out my updated post here: http://mrsriccaskindergarten.blogspot.com/2012/08/behavior-clip-charts-tpt-store.html.

      Delete
  26. Nicole, These are amazing! I have used the cards for behavior management in the past, but I'm excited to try this system out. You did an amazing job. I was wondering if you could send me an orange one or an editable set. rstark@access.k12.wv.us
    Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. To those who wanted an editable clip chart with additional colors, I have posted a new editable version to my TPT store! Check out my updated post here: http://mrsriccaskindergarten.blogspot.com/2012/08/behavior-clip-charts-tpt-store.html.

      Delete
  27. Hi -

    is there any way to get one without the words where I would be able to enter in the same font but some different words for the chart with the large polka dots? I need the slow down to say 'think about it' and the bottom one to say 'teacher's choice'

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. To those who wanted an editable clip chart with additional colors, I have posted a new editable version to my TPT store! Check out my update post here: http://mrsriccaskindergarten.blogspot.com/2012/08/behavior-clip-charts-tpt-store.html.

      Delete
  28. Thanks for making such a cute freebie and in dots! Love it!

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  29. SUPER cute! Thank you for sharing:) Would I be able to get a copy of the classroom rules to edit with our rules? Thank you so much!

    Sara
    sabower_419@hotmail.com

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  30. i LOVE these!!!!!!!! Is there anyway that you could post a set that can be edited? i love the pictures, but one of my classroom rules is not on there. THANKS!
    Candace
    cneumeyer11@hotmail.com

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  31. These are adorable!!! I was hoping you could also send me an orange and royal blue or darker blue for the behavior chart. I use a clip chart, but have a couple more options. Also do you have a version for each that I can add my own wording? kshouse@wcpss.net

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. To those who wanted an editable clip chart with additional colors, I have posted a new editable version to my TPT store! Check out my updated post here: http://mrsriccaskindergarten.blogspot.com/2012/08/behavior-clip-charts-tpt-store.html.

      Delete
  32. Hello Nicole!
    I teach first grade in Alabama. I love your classroom rule cards, and I would love to use them in my classroom. I have been trying for several days to get them to print in google doc and they will not print. Not sure if anyone else is having this problem. Can you please send them to me via email, if you dont mine.
    jackiecan04@yahoo.com

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  33. These are the CUTEST classroom management cards I've seen!! By far cuter than any I've seen on Pinterest or TPT!!! Thanks so much for sharing them!! I feel so bad for asking but like some of the other people, our school uses a different color coding than what you have. I was wondering =) if you could send them to me in editable or would you be willing to do a set with my colors! I know you are busy with beginning of school too! Just let me know! Thanks so much!

    Angela
    jojo051515@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. To those who wanted an editable clip chart with additional colors, I have posted a new editable version to my TPT store! Check out my updated post here: http://mrsriccaskindergarten.blogspot.com/2012/08/behavior-clip-charts-tpt-store.html.

      Delete
  34. Love these, they will match my theme colors just perfect. Thank you for sharing. I too would like one with orange for the clip chart that says loss of time, if you dont mind doing that for me. Thanks in advance.

    jennifer
    jennbond1@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. To those who wanted an editable clip chart with additional colors, I have posted a new editable version to my TPT store! Check out my updated post here: http://mrsriccaskindergarten.blogspot.com/2012/08/behavior-clip-charts-tpt-store.html.

      Delete
  35. Hey Nicole! Love these and have just printed out the rules. Is there any way to get a "header" one in black with grey dots that says "Class Rules"? Thank you for all the wonderful freebies! I'm definitely going to follow your blog.
    Becky
    TxBecky88@gmail.com

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  36. well aren't these just too cute, thanks for sharing!

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  37. I love these!!! Would you mind sending a blank set to my email? Most of the sayings are fine, but the last two I would like to change to match my school behavior charts! Thanks so much!!
    Goharvey12@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. To those who wanted an editable clip chart with additional colors, I have posted a new editable version to my TPT store! Check out my updated post here: http://mrsriccaskindergarten.blogspot.com/2012/08/behavior-clip-charts-tpt-store.html.

      Delete
  38. I'm trying a clip chart this year and I was wondering how you communicate behavior to parents?

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  39. I'm in LOVE! I would also enjoy a blank set. I too was wondering how you communicate behavior expectations to your parents. Also, could you expand on the body movements that you use with the rules. Thank you!

    lovejunk@fnmmail.com

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    Replies
    1. We do hands to ears for listening, raise our hands for rule 2, shake our pointer finger for follow directions, hands on heart for be a caring friend, and thumbs up for always do your best.

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  40. these are awesome... could you send me a blank set so i can use our school language?? also...could you add 2 more... maybe orange and black??
    mrscosta136@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. To those who wanted an editable clip chart with additional colors, I have posted a new editable version to my TPT store! Check out my updated post here: http://mrsriccaskindergarten.blogspot.com/2012/08/behavior-clip-charts-tpt-store.html.

      Delete
  41. I have to tell you that your clip chart and rules have become my inspiration for my classroom!! I am slowly working on redoing my whole theme and love these freebies!!! I would love to have an editable version too if you are willing to share. I'm willing to pay for it of its on TPT? I noticed some people asked for orange and I would love that if it's available? Thanks for the awesome ideas!!! My email is mdumas@mcs.k12.ny.us. Thanks so much!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. To those who wanted an editable clip chart with additional colors, I have posted a new editable version to my TPT store! Check out my updated post here: http://mrsriccaskindergarten.blogspot.com/2012/08/behavior-clip-charts-tpt-store.html.

      Delete
  42. I love the behavior and rules charts (large dot) but an error kept coming when I would download them to print. Would you be able to send me a ready-to-print version? Thank you and happy school year!! megan.rogers25@gmail.com

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  43. I love these. I use this system in my classroom. Can you send me one that can be edited and also with the colors orange and red? ashley.farless@gmail.com. Thank you!!

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  44. I too love these and am very grateful that you shared all your hard work!! Can you send me copy that I can edit? kerrifalvo@gmail.com thank you thank you!!

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  45. These are absolutely adorable!!! Our school is doing a polka dot theme for the next two years, but we have some specific rules that we are suppose to use. If possible, I would appreciate a blank set and/or a set that I can edit. (I'm not all that tech savvy!!) Thank you so much for sharing your creative ideas! brestaxi@gmail.com

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  46. I love your polka dot classroom rules. I had trouble downloading them and I would gladly purchase them on TPT. If it isn't difficult, please load them on TPT. I would love to use them in my class:) Best wishes for a fabulous 3rd year!!!

    Kelly Margolis
    jkmargolis2@frontier.com

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  47. These are absolutely adorable! Is it possible for you to send me some blank ones so I can add the other rules I use in my classroom?

    Sarah
    sdeckert@bridgmanschools.com

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  48. I've been hearing about your cute "how do you get to school?" cards. I've searched, but can't find them. Help! :)

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  49. Hi!
    I love these rules!! Is there any way you can send me the blank one so I can add a few more for my prek class??!! Thanks for all of your freebies!

    Katie
    kmpurpura@cps.edu

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  50. Hi! I absolutely LOVE the large polka dot classroom rules and the behavior clip chart! My class is polka dot themed so it was exactly what I was looking for. I noticed in a previous comment that someone had asked for you to add the color orange between the yellow and red and I was wondering if you could email me that version as well. Also, I don't know if you could make it an editable version? Thanks so much for sharing your awesome creations!!!

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  51. Hi! I LOVE your clip chart and rules. I have both in my speech room. I did a blog post to show how I use the clip chart in my room! Check it out at: www.kcummingsslp.blogspot.com

    Kristin [simply speech.]

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  52. I would love a copy I can edit. I just want to make the first letter of each one capitalized. earin_renfro@ccpsnet.net Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. To those who wanted an editable clip chart with additional colors, I have posted a new editable version to my TPT store! Check out my updated post here: http://mrsriccaskindergarten.blogspot.com/2012/08/behavior-clip-charts-tpt-store.html.

      You will need to use a different font if you want it capitalized, because the one I used is a lowercase font only.

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  53. Thank you so much! Is there any way I would be able to purchase the editable document of the rules? I'd like to add a rule to yours. I love your idea!

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  54. These are wonderful, thank you! I'm your newest follower :)
    Let's Talk Speech Therapy
    Rachel

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  55. I've heard some art teachers have worked out with their co-workers to clean up after their allotted art time, but our schedule's too tight in our district.

    common core 360

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  56. Hi Nicole,

    Love your classroom blog! It's great! I am wondering if you have a version of your classroom rules that can be modified the same way that the behavior chart can? I would like to slightly change them. Please let me know! You can email me at brienne.cundiff@gmail.com

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  57. Thanks so much for sharing! Love your blog and ideas!

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  58. LOVE your things!
    Do you sell a set of rules that can be edited?
    We have some specific rules I need, such as "Be Safe." that I would need to add.
    I'd be happy to pay for a set that I could edit.
    Thanks!
    Sue

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  59. Do you have clips or how do kids move up or down?

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  60. I came across these via Pinterest the other day. Thanks for sharing. I have also put your editable version on my Wishlist on TPT. I look forward to using them with my K's next year. I used the Stoplight system this year & too found it wasn't as effective (for some students) as I had hoped.

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  61. Oh my! How cute! Is there anyway you could do a chevron background? I can purchase them...or however it works for you. contact me at art.c.louise@gmail.com
    I love your blog! Thank you for all the ideas.

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  62. This is too cute!! I wanted to redo my behavior clip chart this summer and absolutely love this!! Thank you for sharing!

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  63. These are great - I'm going to do WBT this year, but I have to say... does no one read the comments? SO funny that half of the people are asking for the same thing and you have to give them the same response over and over. I'm just thinking you must be ready to pull your hair out.

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  64. I know you have heard it a million times already, but I figure one more time couldn't hurt! Thank you SO much for sharing these!! They are SO cute!

    Mrs. Thompson
    Adventures in Teaching (A First Grade Blog)
    My TpT Store

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  65. Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU for sharing these!!! They are absolutely adorable! I am so thankful that I found your blog prior to my first teaching job (kindergarten!). You have wonderful ideas and I'm looking forward to all the new things you will post. You are my new favorite in the TPT store as well! :)

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  66. I just purchased your polka dot rules charts and polka dot clip chart to see which would work better for me. I am wondering if you know how I can enlarge the entire sign. I am wanting to print each of my rules on an 11x17 paper as large as possible. I will also need to change the font size. Any suggestions?

    Thanks, Ginger

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  67. These are A-dorable! I love them!!! Thank you SO much for sharing and thank you Pinterest for making it possible for me to find you!

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  68. Thanks for sharing! I was wondering exactly how you use these...do all the kids start out on green for the day, and then move forward and/or towards yellow and red if necessary? And...how do you determine 'good job' behavior and 'awesome'? Do the kids get upset if they don't go up to 'good job' and/or 'awesome'? How many warnings do you give in order for them to move down to ''slow down' or 'stop'?
    Sorry for so many questions, but I have tried to figure out a good behavior system and would love for this to work:)
    Thanks so much for your help and information...I teach kindergarten:)

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    Replies
    1. No worries! I have all the kids start on green each day. For each incident of misbehavior, they move their clip down once. Each time they exhibit great behavior or an act of kindness, I ask them to move their clip up. They do not get any warnings...basically yellow is the warning before they go to red and lose their playtime and reward for the day. However, they are given the opportunity to move back up once they hit the bottom, so they are still motivated to improve their behavior throughout the day. In the beginning, some would get upset but in time they realized that it is really a fair system and they know why they haven't gotten on blue/purple and that they can reach the top if they make better choices tomorrow. Feel free to email me if you want any further info: mrsriccasclass@gmail.com

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  69. Thank you for these. These are adorable. I really like them. Thanks for sharing. incident management

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  70. Thank you! These are so cute!!!! I love them!

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  71. A way to fill the marble jar or warm fuzzies quicker is to put a line around the outside of the jar with tape. When the marbles or fuzzies reach the line, they earn the reward. You can add more lines to keep filling or empty and refill. You could have different rewards at each level of fullness.

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  72. I love this idea you helped me thanks a lot !! :)

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  73. These are so cute. Thank you they have helped a lot, even for my daughter at home.

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  74. I love these! Can you tell me what font you used. I want to make a header, but the OCD in me wants the font to match. :) Thanks!
    kim.golding@nebo.edu

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  75. You hit the nail on the head. You touched on a topical issue. I would appreciate if you'd written about how to fill a form online. I just filled out a form with an online software. It looked much better typed than hand-written. I used http://goo.gl/Ms4ebj and it's very easy to use.

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  76. Hi Nicole,

    I absolutely love these classroom rules and have used them for two years now. My little Kinders this year have needed help remembering to "keep hands to self" so we have added a 6th rule "keep your hands to yourself". As of now I just have them memorize this rule since I have no way of making it look as cute as yours did.

    Any way I can bother you for making one more rule in the font and design you did the others? Please let me know.

    Thank you!
    Jamie
    Jaalley@gmail.con

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  77. These are great! I am going to use them for the upcoming school year. Thank you

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  78. I love your polka dot classroom rules. I would love to have an editable version too if you are willing to share. As of now I just have them memorize this rule since I have no way of making it look as cute as yours did. Thanks for sharing.

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  79. I love the behavior chart! I am doing a polka dot theme this year too. My school uses specific colors, green, yellow, orange, red. Thank you so much for sharing these! They are so adorably cute!

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  80. Thank you so much for this wonderful creation it could really help my learners more fruitful.

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