<h4>Small Group Behavior Management</h4>

Does anyone else have talkative groups during literacy centers? I do not mind at all if my students whisper, but my room is so small that I wouldn't be able to hear the students at my group reading if everyone else was talking in his/her normal speaking voice. This year I have quite the chatty group! All it takes is one to start talking and the rest follow suit.

I've devised a new plan of action that kind of goes along with the "Mystery Person" I've read about out in blogland. I have been using this small magnetic white board that is divided into fourths. One section is for each of my groups.



Every group starts with all four of their colors. If a group is too loud (after one warning) the group will lose their blue magnet. If more than one reminder, they may lose their green, then yellow, etc. Each magnet missing is minutes off of recess or free centers for the day for those group members.

Today, I decided to up the ante. I took four index cards and wrote 1, 2, 3, or 4 on each and folded them in half. Before we started work stations, I explained our new system. I will choose an index card without looking, and place it in the envelope. After work stations are over, I will reveal the "Mystery Group." If the group did not lose their blue during work station time, we all will get five minutes of extra recess or free centers.

The beauty of this is that the students keep each other in check. Also, they have no idea how long you actually planned on staying out at recess, so five extra minutes seems like gold to them. It's a win/win situation.