Behavior bears are small laminated paper bears on yarn necklaces that are used to reinforce positive behavior. The children are given a brightly colored bear to hold onto (hence the lamination) when "caught" behaving appropriately, acting nicely or being kind to others. The child holds onto the bear for a certain amount of time (until recess, until lunch, until the end of the day) as a reward. The child becomes very proud and it reinforces positive behavior.
This method requires a poster board with pockets and three strips of paper for each child: green (good to go), yellow (caution) and red (stop immediately). The day starts with all children with a green strip in their poster pocket; all children start with good behavior. After verbal warnings (determined by age and maturity level), a child who is misbehaving is then given a yellow slip of paper which he changes out for the green slip. This does not have to be done in front of the class as a show; the point is to have the child do it so he knows his behavior has not been appropriate, not to embarrass the child in front of his peers. Doing this reduces the incidence of getting to the red slip stage when the behavior has not been corrected.
Children start the week with a "pocket," a small plastic cup at their desks/tables. Each student starts with 10 pennies in each pocket. Whenever behavior is poor, that student needs to give one of her pennies to the teacher. At the end of the week, students are able to "buy" items with their pennies as a reward for good behavior. This may be cumulative or week by week.
Some children need a little extra reinforcement and reminders for good behavior. A daily chart consisting of goals for the day can improve student behavior. With the student and the parent, develop a list of goals for the student (keeping hands to himself, sitting in circle, etc). At regular intervals during the day, take the chart out and discuss with the student if the goal was met for that hour (half hour, two hour) interval. A smiley face will be given if the goal was met. Should there be enough smiley faces, the student will receive a small but positive reward for that day (being line leader at school, being able to choose the vegetable for dinner at home, etc).