PBIS

Penguin Points!  This is a school-wide recognition system that puts a spin on the typical "token economy."  Individual students can earn the points; however, the points are saved for a whole-class reward!  Students' intrinsic motivation is increased and there is a sense of "team pride" fostered in the classroom as they work towards a common goal!  Here is the explanation I created for staff.

PENGUIN POINTS

Background:

This is a school-wide behavior initiative that is part of RtI.  This type of behavior system is research based and has a running history of increasing positive behavior in schools.

Why does it work?  Think about the main motivator for student behavior.  It is attention!  This system provides us with an opportunity to recognize positive behaviors in a more meaningful way with both peer and adult attention.

How does it work?

Every staff member will have access to “Penguin Points” and will be on the lookout for students making great choices during the day.  Students can earn these penguin points at anytime.  When they earn one they will return it to their teacher.  The teacher will display it in the classroom.  The points will be used towards a predetermined class-wide reward. 

Set-Up:

Each teacher needs to have a spot designated to display penguin points.  It might also be a good idea to post the reward and the number of points needed somewhere near the point display.  Carry your points with you at all times (a binder clip is a great way to secure them to your badge).

Kick-Off:

On the first day of school no points will be given out.  Instead, teachers will take a moment to explain Penguin Points to their class and have them select their first class-reward.  At the beginning of the year each staff member will aim to give out 4 points per day, at some point (during October) that number will be reduced to 2 points per day.

How to give one:

When giving a point it is important to do the following: State the student’s name (if known).  Explicitly and briefly explain why they are earning the point (if possible tie it into the 7 habits).  Make eye contact with them and smile!

What to do when a student earns one:

Take a moment to recognize the student individually (if they earned it outside your classroom).  Then post the point and have the student or you share how they earned it.  Again tie it into the 7 habits if possible.

How to use a point for redirection:

When you see a student not displaying a desired behavior try recognizing a student who is displaying that behavior as a way of redirecting the other.  For example, if Rachel is talking to a friend while you are teaching look for another student near Rachel that is NOT talking.  Say to that student, “Charles have just earned a penguin point for your class because you are being proactive and listening to my lesson.  You aren’t talking and your eyes are directly on me.” 

Example:

Suzy started working on her math worksheet right away.  The teacher walks over to Suzy and says: “Suzy, I am so impressed with how quickly you got to work on your math assignment.  I am giving you a Penguin Point.”  The teacher then hands the point to Suzy.  The teacher then notifies the entire class of what Suzy has accomplished.  “Suzy earned a point for our class today.  She got started on her math worksheet right away and didn’t need a single reminder.  Can anyone name the habit she displayed?”  Responses are taken and Suzy hangs her point on the wall.

Your turn! How would you give a penguin point in the following situation?

John and Jack are partners during a math game.  They played very well together the entire time and completed everything within the designated time frame.  They never fought about who would go first and they talked out their math problems when they disagreed on an answer. 

Please reuse your Penguin Points!  After taking them off the wall redistribute them to your students or by placing them in the penguin points bin in the front office.

Some resources with more ideas for incorporatingPBIS!