Remember how, in yesterday’s blog post, I alluded to the fact that our county’s discipline policies are not really in line with how I’m used to doing things?
One of the things that happens – in multiple settings across our school – is that “monitors” are chosen at the end of the day to help kids stay quiet during dismissal.
The students that play these “monitors” are responsible for “taking names” of kids that are talking. Those students on the “list of names” are then required to report to detention the following day.
This, however, is not super effective, in my opinion, because kids “take names” of students they have beef with. The students on the list will then come up to the teacher and say, “_____ put my name on the board and I wasn’t even talking.” Others are so concerned about getting their name on the board that they shut down, cry if they’re fussed at, and/or say nothing at all.
Long story short – I hate “taking names.”
Confession:
Despite the fact that I’ve told my kiddos that I hate taking names, they continue to hand me lists of kids that they’ve caught. And, each and every day they hand me a list, I rip it up and toss it in the trash.
In case you’re curious, the checks next to the names indicate that the student has made noise multiple times during the last 15 minutes of the day.
Confession:
It’s really challenging to try to change an entire school culture as ONE person. A culture that has been set up and reinforced for these students for the past 4 years.
It can be discouraging.
It can be frustrating. And, some days, I think, “why bother?”
But then I drink a glass of wine, cry a little bit, talk to my friends and family, and I’m back at it again the next day.
Today, I’m meeting with some 4th grade teachers during our prep time to talk about a new system I want to try out for 6 of our students. Hopefully, this new system is successful. And then, hopefully, they can see that “taking names” is not the solution.
One day at a time.
One kid at a time.
Wish me luck.
Questions of the Day:
- How do you stay motivated when everything feels like it’s pushing back at you?
- Did you have classroom/hallway monitors when you were in elementary school? Was it effective?
- ‘FESS UP! Tell me a secret.
Eeeepppp my son’s name is jayden lol
I hate the picked tattle tales that’s what I call them lol. It’s ineffective and kinda creates a different level of bullying.
This is an interesting way of doing things. It’s been a long time since I was in school but , thank goodness that’s over. I try and discourage tattling in my house unless it’s something very important (which needs constant defining). There’s got to be a better way then to encourage the kids to tattle or “monitor” each other. This puts the children in charge in a bad position. Dare I say the word bully, or I could hear the phrase “your not my mom”. 4th graders will not except stickers, is recess an option? Good luck and I would love to hear if your solution worked.
This is so old school…..we had that in my school when I was growing up….which was decades ago. Wish you all the best dear. I hope the other teachers understand your new system & give it a try. Sending you hugs. Sending you good thoughts. 😘👍
That’s a great initiative. Wish you the best in incorporating the new system. I’m sure teachers and students are going to like it. Good Luck!
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Good luck with it!
My daughter would probably be on the list. She’s chatty.
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Ugh- many of the teachers, upper grade, 4th and 5th grade did the “taking of names” in the hallway while they were walking. Same thing happened. I much prefer a rewarding of good behavior instead of taking things away.
One of the reason why it didn’t crossed to my mind to become a teacher. I don’t like picking names too.
Whoa, my school doesn’t have anything like this and I’m glad they don’t because I have a VERY talkative ADHD son who literally can’t control himself and it would end up being a huge problem on my end.
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I don’t recall having classroom or hallway monitors in elementary school. (I tended to be a rule-follower.) I don’t see how that’s very effective.
It does seem problematic. I’m sure you have students who take the job really seriously and do a great job, and then others like the one you described who are writing names for a vendetta. I wonder if there’s a task the students can work on that will keep them moderately engaged while others are being dismissed. Maybe a class puzzle? Good luck with your quest!
No classroom monitors back when I went to school. It did get pretty noisy in the hallways but it did not seem to bother anyone. Maybe that is why our classrooms were relatively quiet?
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I don’t know if my kids’ classes had monitors but my school had them when I was younger. It probably didn’t work too well because I remember plenty of goofy classroom disruptions.
To do lists keep me motivated. No matter how busy I am Ijust write it down and tackle it!
We had monitors back when I was in high school. They worked at times, but those who would snitch on others would learn to regret it later!
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I can never choose the right person! My kids school have monitors for lunch time, I don’t know how they pick them but their great at it.
“It’s really challenging to try to change an entire school culture as ONE person. A culture that has been set up and reinforced for these students for the past 4 years.” Completely understand. My school is a turnaround campus that was habitually on the “improvement required” list. We are FINALLY off of it. Just know that it is possible and I’m sure your babies appreciate you more than you know.
Oh wow! I remember that when I was in school many,many MANY moons ago Ha… Nowadays for my kids they get bribed with candy … at the end of the day best behaved kids get skittles and so far for my daughter it seems to work…… Ahh the power of candy … maybe try that and send the kids a little extra hyper to the parents your own little personal gift lol… (My daughter KNOWS don’t open the pack till you get home… lol)
Interesting way of doing it! Praying for much success with sharing new ideas!
I had this too when i was in elementary and every student that put in the list will pay for $0.10. haha!
Goodluck with it!
Oh man, I could never be a teacher, haha, Im too bossy and everyone would get detention! BTW I love the name of your blog. XO
I remember the feeling of being chosen as class monitor!, and the politics thereof. Some kids would unashamedly turn it into a politicking business, doing what you pointed out – writing down the names of their nemesis whether they talked or not.
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Wow, such an interesting post. I teach foreign language and I know how hard it can be when it comes to changing a system. It’s not easy at all. Don’t stop trying, though. I hope everything works out.
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Hope your meeting with the teachers went well.
Hope the new system you are trying out will be successful.
Good Luck……
Good luck! We never had classroom or hallway monitors but I went to a very small school and the teachers knew all the of the students.
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We never had anything like hallway monitors at school, but I can see how that can be useful to have around.
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We never had anything like this at school, so it’s an interesting read.
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As a student, I was not only shy, but kind of gullible. Luckily for me, I was fairly likable but if another kid didn’t like me, this system would have made it hard for me to stand up for myself. I believe one person can change things, even though it may take a long while. Keep trying and speaking up!
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I keep pushing forward when I feel like something keeps pushing back. I do my best to force myself ahead. It’s not easy but with the extra effort, it’s more rewarding when things finally start to click.
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Interesting idea of doing this. I like it. Let us know how it goes.
Oh those classroom and hallway monitors! We had the same system when I was in grade school and it was not effective at all. Kids learned to hate the monitors even if they were their friends. I always thought that a reward system is more effective. Recognition for good behavior works well with little kids.
That’s really great! Wish you the best in incorporating the new system. Good luck!
I just love how dedicated you are! It always take one person to step up and change the system. Good luck!
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