Behavior Contracts & Behavior Charts

When behaviors become a problem in a classroom an effective strategy is to implement a behavior contract. A behavior contract is a clear, written statement of what behaviors a student agrees to exhibit and the positive consequences (rewards) that will result from fulfillment of the contract. Behavior contracts also state who will deliver those rewards as well. Often the negative consequences of not fulfilling the contract are also specified. Contracts can be a positive way to provide a role for families in improving classroom behavior. Before implementing the behavior contract it should be discussed thoroughly and all involved persons must agree to it and sign it. Anyone can deliver the rewards (the teacher, parent, DRE, etc.), but it must be the same person each time as stated in the behavior contract. Remember to be consistent and praise the child for good behavior choices. When the child does not make a good behavior choice, do not be apologetic; if needed, pull out the contract and review the terms that were agreed upon with the child. Emphasize the positives that come along with good behavior choices and help the child to get used to new habits of good behavior.

The behavior contract should be revised when it is not producing satisfactory results. Therefore your contract should be open to renegotiations at any time. If needed, a new contract replacing the previous one would be written up and signed.



Steps for Developing, Implementing, and Monitoring a Behavior Contract

1. Meet with concerned parties- Everyone who will be supporting the contract need to meet to discuss one target behavior.

2. Determine conditions- The parties determine when, where, and under what specific conditions the behavior occurs. The contract will be written to address these conditions.

3. Determine who will use the contract and where it will be used- All persons who will be responsible for contract implementation must know their responsibilities.

4. Determine reinforcement- Students should be allowed to participate in developing a set of choices of reinforcers (rewards). Reinforcers should be manageable but powerful enough to evoke the desired response (behavior). The list of rewards should be rotated often to make sure that the student motivation remains high.

5. Determine whether negative consequences will be used- Contracts are written in a positive way to increase behaviors. Negative reinforcers may not be necessary or even desirable if the positive reinforcers are motivating for the student.

6. Take baseline data- Determine the frequency in which the behavior occurs. Data should be taken over at least 3 to 5 days to make certain that the behavior is typical for the student.

7. Determine reinforcement schedule- Everyone who is involved should determine how often the student is to receive reinforcers (rewards). The contract should be structured so that the student has a successful experience; this will prompt the student to further work toward the contract goals.

8. Determine goals- Everyone who is involved should determine the criteria for successful completion of the contract. Realistic and reasonable goals should be set, even if those goals do not represent the final level of expectation for the student. When the student consistently reaches the goals, the contract can be modified to target a higher goal.

9. Write the contract- The contract should be written in terms that specify task and time demands, criteria for accuracy, and available reinforcers.

10. Discuss and sign the contract- Everyone that is involved should discuss the contract to ensure understanding. It might be necessary to supplement a discussion with drawings or icons for some students. All concerned parties should receive a copy of the contract.

11. Monitor the contract- Everyone that is involved with the contract should set up a plan to evaluate and modify the contract if needed. All concerned parties should remain in constant contact with each other to ensure that student progress across setting is monitored. If the contract is unsuccessful, the parties need to address task appropriateness, time allotment, and student or environmental factors that could have impeded student progress (Smith, 1998).



Example: John has been erratic in turning in his homework for CCD. Sometimes John completes his homework and turns in it in on time. Other times John does not turn in his homework and acts defensive and is very irritable when questioned about it. In a written, dated, and signed contract, the parents agreed to take John to his favorite restaurant for dinner if John turns in his homework on time for the next 4 weeks. If John does not turn in his homework assignments, he will lose some of his video game privileges, according to the severity of his lapses (how many assignments missed equals how much video game time is taken away which is stated in the contract).

*Families can be a strong support for CCD. Just ask for their help and you will be surprised on how much they will do.




How To Do Behavior Contracts and Samples

k6educators.about.com- How To Create Behavior Contracts

specialed.about.com- A Behavior Contract and Behavior Monitoring Tools

interventeioncentral.org- Steps in Implementing This Intervention, How to Deal With Common Problems in Using Behavior Contracts

worksheetplace.com- Behavior Contracts and Tracking Sheets

teachervision.fen.com- Behavior Contracts
Blank Behavior Contract, Sample Behavior Contract #1 & #2, Student Contract Form





Behavior Charts

Behavior Charts are a good way of keeping track of behavior. Here are a few online that might help.

freeprintablebehaviorcharts.com- Check out the left side bar for several different kinds of behavior charts to print out.

latitudes.org- Behavior Modification Charts for Home and School

child-behavior-guide.com- Behavior Charts for Kids

teachervision.fen.com- Charting Behavior (3 charts to choose from)

chartjungle.com- Scroll down for lots of different kinds of behavior charts.

empoweringparents.com- These customizable behavior charts are available for free. Each chart includes detailed instructions on how to use them.

rewardcharts4kids.com- Free Behavior Charts

Download Your Mass Response Card for Advent

On November 27, the First Sunday of Advent, the Roman Missal, Third Edition will be implemented in Mass across the United States. As our gift to you, we have developed a Mass card with the new prayer and response translations to assist you in this transition.

*Download comes in a bright four color version, and a simple one color version.



sadlier.com- Download Your Mass Response Card for Advent

Church Potluck Recipe: Tortellini Salad

I wish I had a picture of this tasty dish. Here is an easy tortellini salad recipe that my friend makes that everyone enjoys!



Tortellini Salad

1 lb. tortellini cooked (cheese or meat stuffed)
Cubed cheddar cheese,
Green pepper, diced
Green onions
Black olives
Green olives
Cherry tomatoes, halved

Mix the above together in a large bowl. Then add the following and mix well. Chill overnight.


Dressing:

¾ c. oil
¼ c wine vinegar
2 t Grey Poupon Mustard
Salt and pepper to taste

Books I Use In My Classroom

I have a few books I use in my first grade CCD classroom that I can’t live without. I have worn some of their book covers to nothing and the others are pretty dog-eared.

Books I Use In My Classroom- a short list of what I use



What books do you use in your classroom or home that you cannot live without? Please comment so I can add them to the list or the link to your blog to this post.

Church Potluck Recipe: Broccoli Salad

A friend of mine gave me this recipe 20 years ago and I am crazy about it. There are many ways of fixing Broccoli Salad, but her simple version is always so good and everyone just loves it at any church potluck.


Broccoli Salad

1 bunch broccoli
½ red medium onion, chopped
½ c. mayo
¼ c. sugar
1 T vinegar
½ lb. bacon, fried and in pieces
1 pkg. shredded mozzarella


Cut up broccoli and onion. Blend together mayo, sugar, and vinegar for dressing. The day before serving pour dressing over broccoli and onion; cover. Stir in bacon and cheese just before serving.

More Games Added To Celebrating the Mass Lessons

I added more games to help students learn the various prayers and acclamations for the new missal. I hope the students enjoy the new activities for Celebrating the Mass Lesson Plans.


Penitential Rite

Gloria

Profession of Faith

Holy, Holy, Holy

Mystery of Faith

The Lord’s Prayer

Catholic Prayers In Latin

Below are some of the traditional catholic prayers in Latin and links to websites that have additional prayers that your children can learn. I also posted some games, songs, and worksheets that might help your child to learn the prayers in Latin.




Signum Crucis (The Sign of the Cross)

In nomine Patris, et Filii,
et Spiritus Sancti.
Amen.



Gloria Patri (Glory Be to the Father)

Gloria Patri, et Filio, et Spiritui Sancto.
Sicut erat in principio, et nunc, et semper,
et in saecula saeculorum. Amen.



Ave Maria (Hail Mary)

Ave Maria, gratia plena,
Dominus tecum.
Benedicta tu in mulieribus,
et benedictus fructus ventris tui, Iesus.
Sancta Maria, Mater Dei,
ora pro nobis peccatoribus,
nunc, et in hora mortis nostrae.
Amen.



Pater Noster (Our Father)

Pater Noster,
qui es in caelis,
sanctificetur nomen tuum.
Adveniat regnum tuum.
Fiat voluntas tua,
sicut in caelo et in terra.
Panem nostrum quotidianum da nobis hodie,
et dimitte nobis debita nostra
sicut et nos dimittimus debitoribus nostris.
Et ne nos inducas in tentationem,
sed libera nos a malo.
Amen.



Links:

catholic.org- Prayers in Latin

fisheaters.com- Traditional Prayers, Creeds, and Ejaculations in English and Latin

ewtn.com- Prayers of the Rosary in Latin

traditionalromancatholicism.org- Catholic Prayers in English and Latin. Click on the prayer and scroll down and under the English version you will find the prayer in Latin.



Audio:

boston-catholic-journal.com- Audio of Catholic prayers in Latin



Games:

Write the prayers on strips of paper or card stock. Cut out strips and glue strips of the prayers in the proper order on a piece of construction paper. (For younger students you can do this together as a group activity.) You can also play this as a game by dividing the class into teams and give each team the strips of the prayers. See which team can put it in the proper order the fastest.



Songs:

youtube.com- Gloria Patri

youtube.com- Hail Mary in Latin (song) with English translation

youtube.com- Our Father in Latin (song) with English translation



Handwriting:

crusaders-for-christ.com- Scroll down for various Catholic prayer handwriting sheets



*Or make your own personal manuscript or cursive handwriting sheets for your classroom or home:

Handwriting/Copy Work Worksheet Makers- Here are a few of my favorite handwriting worksheet makers that are FREE so you can make personalized handwriting worksheets (print or cursive) for your students.

handwritingworksheets.com- Click on Paragraph Cursive Worksheets and make your own. Just type in sentences and make a beautiful cursive paragraph worksheet appear before your eyes.

worksheetworks.com- This generator lets you create handwriting practice sheets with the text you provide. Enter the words you want to practice with in the large text box below and practice writing words in cursive by tracing.

My Classroom Monthly Newsletter

Yesterday I sent out via email my classroom’s newsletter for September. Many of you have asked what mine looks like and what it consists of. Well, I made up a simple newsletter since I teach first graders and I try to incorporate all my students names on it in a positive way.

Here is a DRAFT of my classroom’s newsletter for October-

What does your classroom newsletter look like? What does it consist of?

Supplementing the Curriculum

No curriculum is perfect and CCD teachers need to from time to time supplement with activities to help teach their students. Using various resources provides your students with a variety of activities that helps enhance the lesson and allows them to understand more and have a lot of fun in the process.

I teach first grade CCD and I use several books to supplement our curriculum. Below are some of the books and links that I use most.


The Usborne Children's Bible by Heather Amery- A collection of 44 favorite Bible stories, all very accurate retellings from Scripture that are easy for children to understand and enjoy. Very colorful and beautiful illustrations.

Limited preview- See some of the book.



The Great Bible Big Fun Activity Book by Toni Lind- Lots of great mazes, dot-to-dot, color by number, picture puzzles and more for children to do and learn about the Old and New Testament.



Hidden Pictures: Grades Grade 1 - 3 (Fun Faith-Builders) by Linda Standke- Fun and creative Bible story based hidden picture puzzles that the children love to do. A great fill in activity for CCD.

To see some of the book then click on Sample



Bible Wheels To Make and Enjoy by Carmen Sorvillo- A great way to supplement your Bible stories and help your students to remember the lesson. 14 Old Testament and 16 New Testament Bible Wheels that the children can make. Cutting is simple but for younger students you might want to cut out some of the craft prior to class.

To see some of the book then click on Excerpt.



More 365 Activities for Kids- 365 puzzles, mazes, dot-to-dot, spot the difference, put in the correct order, find the mistake, etc. of Bible stories activities from the Old and New Testaments. Tons of fun for the kids!

Limited preview- See some of the book.



Mini Bible Story Books: (children make and color)

christianpreschoolprintables- Several to choose from (5 pages).

dltk-bible.com- Adam & Eve, Creation, Life of Jesus, Lord’s Prayer, Men of the Bible, Noah and His Ark

psscentral.com- 20 Old and New Testament mini books

lambsongs.co.nz- Several Old and New Testament mini books. Click on black & white cover and booklet to print out for the children to color.



What do you supplement your curriculum with?

Bible Memory Verse Activities

Trying to teach your students or your child Bible memory verses can be quite a challenge. Here are some activities that might make it easier and a lot more fun.


kidssundayschool.com- Assorted Ideas for Memorizing Verses (Part 1)

freesundayschoolcurriculum.weebly.com- Bible Verse Activities

sundayschoolresources.com- Memory Verse Activities (games and handouts)

simplycharlottemason.com- Scripture Memory System

daniellesplace.com- Bible Verse Memory Games

daniellesplace.com- Bible Verse Memorization Using the Memory Cross & Bible Verse Hand Picture (scroll down to these)

nashvilleras.com- More than 100 Missions Bible Memory Games and Other Activities

ehow.com- Bible Verse Memorization Games

mssscrafts.com- Memory Verse Activities

hubbardscupboard.org- Bible Memorization
They have free, printable: Bible Verse Charts, Bible Verse Tune Charts, Bible Verse Copywork, and Bible Verse Strips. This scripture memory kit also has introductions and descriptions of each, suggestions for use, free printable Bible verse materials, etc.

eliab.com- Puppets Help Teach A Memory Verse

sundayschoolcrafts.com- Bible verses beginning with each letter of the alphabet



Printable Bible Verse Material

kidprintables.com- Scroll down to boy cards and girl cards

hubbardscupboard.org- Free Printable Bible Verse Materials

homeschoolwithindexcards.com- Various Bible verse cards that you can print out and memorize.

christianpreschoolprintables.com- Bible Verse Cards

lambsongs.co.nz- Cute Bible Verses For Today’s Young Children

icanteachmychild.com- A B C Printable Scripture Cards

sundayschoolprintables.com- Bible Verse Memorization Card Maker (scroll down to this)
Make several different kinds of cards.

mcscott.org- Verse Card Maker



Crafts:

Memory Verse Crafts- crafts, banners, bookmarks and doorhangers, etc.

books.google.com- Bible Memory Verse Crafts by Teacher Created Resources, Mary Tucker (preview)

mssscrafts.com- Memory Verse Craft Ideas



Activities, Games, Coloring Sheets for Prayers:

Activities, Games, Coloring Sheets for Prayers

Memory Activities and Games for Prayers and Scripture

childrenschapel.org- Scripture Memory Coloring Sheets & Activities



Handwriting/Copy Work Worksheet Makers:

Handwriting/Copy Work Worksheet Makers- To learn various prayers, liturgical objects used in Mass, and other church activities, having the students write it down is a good way for them to remember. Here are a few of my favorite handwriting worksheet makers that are FREE so you can make personalized handwriting worksheets (print or cursive) for your students.