Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) and Growth Mindset

What is PBIS?

Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) is an educational framework used in Hamlin Charter Academy to promote positive behavior and create supportive school environments. Here’s how it works:

- Proactive Approach: PBIS focuses on teaching students about expected behaviors proactively, rather than responding to misbehavior with punishment ¹.
- Tiered Support: The framework operates on a three-tiered system:
  - - Tier 1: Universal interventions for all students to promote positive behavior and prevent problems.
    - Tier 2: Targeted support for groups of students at risk of behavioral issues.
    - Tier 3: Individualized interventions for students with significant behavioral challenges.

- Data-Driven: Schools collect and analyze data on student behavior to identify needs, monitor progress, and adjust strategies ².

- Consistent Expectations: Clear behavioral expectations are established and communicated throughout the school. Students understand what is expected of them in various settings, like the classroom, cafeteria, and playground ¹.

- Positive Reinforcement: Positive behaviors are consistently acknowledged and rewarded, which encourages students to continue exhibiting those behaviors ¹.

- Inclusive: PBIS strategies are inclusive of all students, including those with IEPs and 504 plans, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to succeed ¹.

- Community Involvement: Families and community members are engaged in the process to create culturally responsive practices ².

By implementing PBIS, Hamlin aims to reduce disciplinary issues, improve the school climate, and support the social, emotional, and academic growth of all students.

Rewarding Good Behavior

Rewarding good behavior inside and outside the classroom can be done in various creative and effective ways that don’t necessarily involve physical prizes. Here are some ideas:

Verbal Praise: Recognize students’ efforts and achievements with positive feedback ¹.

Special Privileges: Offer privileges like being a class helper or having extra playtime ¹.

Reward Coupons: Create coupons for activities like sitting by a friend or extra recess ².

Class Points: Implement a system where students earn points for good behavior, which can be redeemed for class rewards ³.

Warm Fuzzies: Use a jar of pom-poms to acknowledge acts of kindness, filling up a personal cup as a visual representation of good deeds ².

Smart Beads: Give out Mardi Gras beads, or “Smart Beads,” for excellent classroom contributions ².

Sticker Charts: Utilize sticker charts to track and reward positive behaviors ¹.

Certificates: Award certificates for specific achievements or milestones ⁴.

These methods promote a positive classroom environment and encourage students to continue their good behavior. It’s important to tailor the rewards to the students’ interests and to ensure they understand the value of their actions beyond just receiving a reward.

What is Hamlin Bucks?

The “Hamlin bucks” program is a reward system used in Hamlin to increase positive behavior. Here's how it works:

- Earning: Students earn “bucks” for displaying positive behaviors, meeting academic goals, or contributing to the school community in a meaningful way.
- Currency: These “bucks” act as a form of currency within the school that students can use to “purchase” rewards, privileges, or access to certain events.
- Reinforcement: The system reinforces positive behavior by providing immediate and tangible rewards, which can motivate students to continue behaving well.
- Teaching Financial Responsibility: It also serves as a practical lesson in financial responsibility, as students learn to manage and save their “bucks” for more significant rewards.
- Community Building: Such programs often involve the wider school community, with staff and sometimes parents participating in the recognition and reward of positive student behaviors.

Developing a Growth Mindset in elementary schools is crucial for young learners' success. Let's explore the key principles and strategies:

- Open Dialogue and Reasoning
  - Encourage an open dialogue in the classroom. Allow children to express their opinions and challenge yours.
  - This fosters reasoning, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
- Language of Growth Mindset
  - Use terms like **determination**, **perseverance**, and **growth mindset** openly.
  - Teach students that effort and learning from failure lead to growth.
- Mutual Respect
  - Model mutual respect for adults and children alike.
  - Show that everyone's ideas and contributions are valued.
- Resilience and Adaptability
  - Demonstrate a resilient attitude when things go wrong.
  - Adapt and learn from challenges, expressing how you overcome them.
  - Children will mirror this behavior and develop their own resilience.
- Positive Environment
  - Create a positive classroom culture.
  - Encourage a willingness to succeed and overcome obstacles.
  - Strengthen students' sense of character.
- Role of Teachers
  - Teacers act as guides, like soccer coaches on the sidelines.
  - Use teaching strategies to help students achieve academic success.

Remember, growth mindset principles extend beyond education. They empower individuals to persevere, be resilient, and learn from setbacks throughout life. Dr. Carol Dweck's research on growth mindset is a valuable resource for deeper understanding¹.

(1) Developing A Growth Mindset In The Elementary School Classroom: 10 Key .... https://thirdspacelearning.com/us/blog/develop-growth-mindset-elementary-classroom/.

(2) Growth Mindset Activities to Encourage Elementary Students. https://www.socialemotionalworkshop.com/growth-mindset-activities-elementary/.

(3) How a Growth Mindset Can Be Cultivated in Schools | The Hun School. https://www.hunschool.org/resources/growth-mindset-by-age.

(4) How to Foster a Growth Mindset in the Classroom. https://soeonline.american.edu/blog/growth-mindset-in-the-classroom/

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(5) Elementary and middle school activities | Growth mindset - Khan Academy. https://www.khanacademy.org/college-careers-more/learnstorm-growth-mindset-activities-us/elementary-and-middle-school-activities.