Daily Marks

In Brittan's class, his teacher sends home a daily agenda.  It shows us what the 2nd graders in his class are learning and working on each day.

It also shows how his behaviors are.

At the top of the page, below each student's name, is a box for tally marks.

Tally marks aren't good.

Tally marks mean that several reminders have been given.  Changes in behavior need to happen.  Improvements in one's attitude, treatment towards others, taking responsibility for oneself, listening and ability to follow directions, interpersonal abilities.  It indicates excessive talking, being unkind and impatient with others, and not using an inside voice.  It is a reminder of the importance of focusing and sticking to the task.

Basically, skills they'll use for the rest of their lives.

    

It got me to thinking about what my tally box would look like on a daily basis.

How many marks would I receive indicating I needed a change in my behavior?

Improvements in my attitude.

My treatment of others.

Taking responsibility for myself and my actions.

Listening and my ability to follow directions (perhaps to the spirit?). 

Interpersonal abilities.

Not excessively talking.  Gulp! 

Being kind and patient with others.

Using an inside voice.

Focusing.

Sticking to the task (even when it's hard).

Brittan's box usually comes home empty.  Good.  He is learning and living these skills.

My box may not always look so blemish free.

I'm still working on that inside voice thing.

{Among other things.}