What in the World are Trackers?!

New Home Notes: An Explanation

 So, you've noticed the new home notes already.  While much of it may be self-explanatory, other aspects of it may not be so clear.  Allow me to explain.
(This is an example of one student's new tracker.)

Why the switch?

We call them "trackers".  The switch was made because these types of self-trackers allow students to monitor their own behavior.  At the end of each activity students will pull out their trackers and ask themselves the questions on the tracker for that activity.  If they did follow that rule or did well on that skill, they will circle the star to the right of the rule/skill, signifying that they earned that star. 

Most students will have 2-5 questions for each activity, depending on his/her ability to remember and keep rules and behave socially. 
While our Five Star Rules are still in place, these trackers are particularly helpful because they are specifically designed to be different for each student.  While one student may need an extra motivation to keep his shoes on during a given activity, another student may be struggling with staying cool or raising his hand and waiting to be called on before speaking.  In this way, we can emphasize whatever your student is working on in particular.

This also allows us to take better data on some students' behavior/social goals.  Because the entire month is combined into one pack, it is simple to look back on the days and compile information that will tell us if the student is making progress or not. 

Lastly, it allows behavior to be monitored and home notes to be done simultaneously, so teachers are not struggling to fit it in at odd times in the day rather than focusing on helping your kids.

So, how does it work?

Well, stars are used as an incentive for appropriate behavior in class.  Before Christmas, we handed out actual physical stars that could velcro to a stick owned by each student.  These stars were cashed in 3 different time throughout the day in exchange for minutes of a break time, during which students can play, relax, use classroom technology, etc.

Now, rather than physical stars, students will circle the stars on their paper.  Teachers come and check/help students who cannot read it on their own.  
Just before the break, students will count all the stars they've earned for that period of school.  This is written on the line that says  

          Total ★’s: _______

          12 = 10 min.          10 = 8 min     8 = 6 min 

          5 = 4 min             3 = 2 min       <3 = 0 min

The scale below shows how many stars they need to earn up to 10 minutes of break. One of these numbers should be circled at each break.
The required number of stars are calculated so that 100% of stars possible equals 100% of break (10 minutes); 80% stars equals 80% break (8 minutes) and so on.  This is also helpful for keeping meaningful data.

The other thing you may notice are the notes on the right hand side of the column.  At the top you will see the words Independent for and next to each activity are the words all, most, and some.  These are very much like the old home notes and indicate how well your child was able to perform the skill or activity.  This is to keep you posted on your child's progress. 

Some of you will notice that, rather than this totaled number of stars for break, your son or daughter as something that looks like this on his/her tracker:  
  -->

1	2	3	4
1	2	3	4
1	2	3	4
1	2	3	4

 While a 10 minute break is motivating for most students, some cannot connect good behavior with something intangible that happens only 3 times a day.  Therefore, we have a little chart like this.  For each star that is circled, the student will cross off one number.  Once the student has earned 4 stars, he/she can earn 1 m&m or some other simple treat.  Small edible rewards like this help them understand that they reeeeeaaallllyyy want those stars.  I've noticed already that several students who were not as engaged in the whole star rewards before Christmas break are much more interested in these trackers because we have them circle each star and we ask them each question before they can.

Last, but not least, there is room for comments and your initials at the bottom.  We will leave comments if there is especially exciting or pertinent information and encourage you to do the same.  Please initial your child's home note DAILY and then send it back to school with your child.  Not only does it let us know that you are following your child's progress, but helps us ensure that this is an okay way to keep you up to date.  In fact, it is so important to us that your child earns 10 cents per signature each week for the class store in addition to weekly homework.

I really feel that these new trackers will help us help the students become more independent and more aware of their own behavior.
If you have any questions or concerns about this new tracker, please get in touch with me soon so we can work things out.
Thanks!

Mrs. D

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