Responsive Classroom has tons of books about this subject that are excellent. Morning Meeting, Teaching Children to Care...
Look into it. :)
Feb 16, 2009 Rating
Classroom environment by: Anonymous
I've cut down on tattling and whining by appointing a classsroom problem solver.
The proble solver is chose each week and wears the problem solver badge. When a problem arises that is not an immediate emergency they are given a number and that is the order in which they can contact the problem solver at free time or recess and let them help them with their problems.
Most times the children forget what they wanted to tell the problem solver. When the problem solver does become involve I have found they can solve most conflict in a manner which is both respectful and helpful.
I have also used a tattle bear in the past. The tattle bear is placed in a central spot in the room and if a child has a need to tattle or just talk to they can tell the tattle bear instead of me if it is just a minor tattle.
Hope this gives you some ideas.
Jan 10, 2009 Rating
classroom community by: D. Garrett
Building a classroom community to so important and strenghtens social skills. As part of National Board Certification, I had to demonstrate evidence of community in my classroom. This was a huge challange, particularly with the make up of the children that were in my class that year.
I began with our morning meeting. While we still did the usual calendar and news, I provided discussion times.
Modeling the appropriate behaviors repeatitively is a must.
It wasn't long that the children began implementing the desired behaviors such as listening and looking at the speaker when someone was talking. Asking the speaker appropriate questions to show a true interest in what is being said rather than redirecting the convesation to their own interest.
There is actually a book with morning meeting suggestions, I do not recall the name off the top of my head.
Another way to create this community environment is the sharing of our work tools such as crayons, scissors, etc. In addition to each child's personal bags of supplies that are kept in their cubbies, I provide containers for crayons, scissors, glue and pencils. During work times, if it is total group, the containers are placed on the tables as needed. Students must use words such as "please" or "may".
And of course I look for the golden words... "Thank you".
Begin with tangible rewards such as stickers and later just a simple comment telling the child how kind and cooperative they are working.
This is no gaurantee to eliminate the whinning and tattling which is just part of being kindergarten age, but it does reduce it substantially.
I hope these ideas help get you started. Good Luck and I look forward to hearing about the progress of your students as the community grows.
