PAW Update - Libby Elementary

PAW Update - Libby Elementary

Second Grading Period

Our discipline plan is centered on “PAW” (Be Peaceful, Accountable, and Well-behaved). A list of desired behaviors has been compiled. Each week we will concentrate on teaching one behavior. The last week of each grading period will be a review of the previously taught skills.

Weekly Paw Updates

This is the eighth week of school. The social skill for this week is Voice Volume. It might be helpful to talk about the different areas at school where the expected voice volume differs.

Hallways- Students are expected to be silent in indoor or outdoor hallways. Visiting when going to or from the library can disturb classes and delay completion of the trip.

Cafeteria- Students should speak in a “neighbor” voice. That is a quiet voice that only your neighbor directly next to you or directly across from you can hear. (Of course, this is never done with food in the mouth.) Once the signal is given to clear the table and line up, the silent line rule kicks in.

Library- Talking in the library should be limited to using a quiet, but audible, voice to speak to the librarians.

Playground-Outdoor voices are permitted here. Screaming at the top of your lungs is not an appropriate choice. When lining up to return to the building, the student should calm themselves and adhere to the line rules once again.

Classroom- The student is expected to use only an indoor voice when speaking in the classroom. There are times that the teacher may permit the class to work in groups. Be careful that your voice does not distract others from working. Sometimes the instructor will tell the children that they may whisper to their neighbor. Some children need to practice this skill. Other times, like taking a test or reading silently, require much self-control on the student’s behalf to help provide a quiet environment for everyone’s concentration.

This is the ninth week of school. The social skill for this week is

Asking for Help. Student behavior for this skill usually can be described in three ways:

1. Too shy to ask for help. These students need to feel that they can ask for assistance without being ridiculed by the other class members.

2. Blurts out questions impulsively. These children need to practice self-control and patience.

3. Follows classroom procedures.

All three groups should adhere to the following guidelines:

Raise your hand when you need to ask a question.

Wait patiently and calmly for the teacher to call on you. (Waving your hands, standing up, or calling the teacher’s name is not appropriate)

Use a regular classroom voice to ask your question.

Listen carefully for the teacher’s response.

Thank your teacher for her help.

Never laugh at someone else’s questions.

Next week, the skill involves correct behavior when a visitor is in the classroom.

This is the tenth week of school. The social skill for this week deals with student behavior when there are Visitors in the Classroom. Many people come into our classrooms during the

schoolday. Sometimes they need to talk to the teacher, sometimes they are there to talk to the class, and still other times they are there to observe in the classroom.

Students need to take this opportunity to make a good impression. This can be accomplished by remembering a few guidelines.

1. If appropriate, greet the visitor with a good morning or good afternoon.

2. Stay seated unless your teacher asks you to move to another location.

3. Be silent so that your teacher and the visitor can hear one another.

4. Don’t stare at the visitor.

5. If the visitor is there to speak to the class, be polite and attentive.

6. Never interrupt the adult conversation unless it is an emergency.

Next week’s social skill is Respecting Adults.

This is the eleventh week of school. The social skill for this week is Respecting Adults. We will address two main aspects of this important social skill. These two aspects are demeanor and language.

In the American culture, demeanor is important. When an adult is speaking, it is considered rude if you don’t maintain eye contact with that adult. Looking down or away implies that the conversation is not important. This cultural difference may be difficult for some students but it is an integral part of showing respect in the United States.

Language is the second aspect that needs to be addressed. The basic “good manner words” need to be used. These words include the following: Please, Thank You, May I, Yes / No Ma’am or Sir.

It is also important to know when to speak. The student needs to listen attentively, don’t interrupt, and never attempt to argue with an adult.

Next week is a review week for all previously taught social skills.

Week Twelve is a review week of the ten social skills that have been taught this school year. We have covered a wide range of behaviors during the first two grading periods.

Looking ahead:

Week 13- How to Treat a Substitute

Week 14- Cafeteria Tips

Week 15- Good Table Manners (for all occasions)

Week 16- Saying Thank You (written and oral )

Week 17- Review