A behavior chart with clip art or colors has a devastating effect on some children. Children with no success with behavior charts run the risk of anxiety disorders.
Students, especially elementary students, are able to reason and think complex thoughts. They understand the ramifications of their actions. However, they may not be able to control their emotions and actions. Outside factors may be the result of not following classroom rules.
Behavior modification is used on animals and should not be used in children. A student’s behavior is a private matter. It is between a student, the teacher and the parent. Otherwise, it humiliates students into thinking they are inadequate. Behavior modification in front of other classmates causes anxiety. The anxiety is not limited to the particular student in the wrong. It is spread to other students. Therefore, it leads to teasing and bullying.
Teachers have empathy. Otherwise, they would not become teachers. The charts take the empathy out of the teacher and creates a judgmental person. In addition to becoming judgmental, the charts encourage extrinsic motivation. Therefore, it hinders a student’s self-esteem.
Behavior Chart Takedown
Behavior charts are a method of public shaming. Also, research proves charts do not teach self-regulation. Simply, they cause harm. Unfortunately, they are very common in schools.
Behavior charts do have a purpose. They teach students that punishment happens if they don’t follow directions or classroom rules. However, following rules is not the goal of the classroom. Learning and engagement is the appropriate goal of classrooms. Teachers want students to appropriately interact so they create a positive climate of socialization.
Alternative Methods
Instead of creating behavior charts, or putting up store-bought charts, spend time getting to know students. Build a strong and caring relationship with them. A student’s learning is driven by a caring relationship, not through fear.
Listen to what a student has to say. At times, there is an underlying reason for an outburst or unwanted behavior.
Throw out the behavior charts. There are better methods to manage a classroom. Students do not need to be shamed. Students need to trust teachers. Private conversations will build trust. A focus on why a student is misbehaving is a better method than charts.
