Use a ruler and a marker to draw a series of rows on a ledger-size paper sheet. The number of rows must equal the number of students in your class. Write "Progress Board" on top of the paper and a student's first name on the left end of each row.
Divide a second ledger-size paper sheet into two columns. On top of the sheet, write "Positive Behavior," and on top of the left column write "In the Classroom," adding concise instructions below on how you want children to behave during a lesson, such as "Be quiet," and "Answer the teacher's questions." Write "Outside the Classroom" on top the second column and add examples of positive behavior during recess, such as "no littering" and "no fighting." Explain to students that abiding by the positive behavior code will earn them stars on the progress board.
Write down the disciplinary procedure on a legal-size sheet of paper and stick it on the classroom wall. Use simple language when writing down the penalties so the children can easily understand them. Introduce the procedure on your first day in class and explain that each misconduct will result in an "X" on the progress board.
Make stars out of yellow construction paper and red X's out of red paper. Stick either the stars or the X's on the progress board, according to a student's behavior. Use weak glue or another removable type of adhesive. To encourage positive behavior, explain to students that earning a star can remove an X from the progress board.
Be an example of behavior in the classroom and abide by the same rules you have set for children. If, for example, you do not allow any drinks in class apart from water, don't bring a cup of coffee or tea with you.
Be consistent with punishments and rewards. This way, children know which actions you regard as acceptable and which you do not, and can adjust their behavior accordingly. Read the instructions you established in Step 2 regularly to yourself to ensure you remember well which actions to reward or punish.
Create vouchers students can earn after reaching a certain number of stars. For five stars, a student can get a "Free Pencil," while 10 stars can result in a "No Math Homework Day." Having a target to reach encourages students to try harder.
Set clear goals about the number of stars you want each student to reach at the end of the semester. This way, you can evaluate each child's progress and work with students who are struggling.
Make a comprehensive list of issues you need to check periodically and assess yourself upon. For example, check whether you give guidance to children to help them resolve problems, whether you address seemingly small issues instead of ignoring them, and whether you remind students of the rules on a regular basis. Make notes on the side of the list to remind yourself of student behavior issues that need special attention.