relationship with my kiddos--week #2

we're making progress here as the shackspack.

we still fight, yell, and are rude, but the tone is beginning to change a bit.

and

there ARE good character traits that my kids possess!

so...i kind of want to poo on my idea for week number two.

this is something that teachers are told to do in the classroom and seriously is so super duper annoying.

but, friends, it's in the curriculum, so i'm doing it.

the 5 to 1 ratio.

give 5 praises before giving 1 criticism.

i admit, i'm not that great at this in my classroom either...i just got a cueing report on myself back that was less than stellar.

what does that 5 to 1 ratio look like?

here's the scene.
a four year old (child #6) is practicing her donkey kicks that she learned in gymnastics class last night in the middle of the rug at circle time.

her good teacher says,
"child #1, i like how you're sitting on the rug."
"child #2, you have such a good listening body."
"child #3, look how your legs are criss-cross applesauce. you're doing a great job."
"child #4, i know you must be listening by the way you are sitting. perfect!"
"wow, look at that everyone, look how child #5 is sitting! isn't she doing a great job?!"

now her good teacher can say in her sing-song voice,
"please sit down with a good listening body, child #6!"

A N N O Y I N G!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

seriously. but...worth a try.