The goal of the B.U.G. incentive program is to place each student in charge of his or her behavior. Although the definition of “good” may vary from one child to the next, the children soon begin to identify with the positive behaviors that are being recognized in class. A student who has already mastered a rule will be recognized in order to promote that skill in others. For example, I might say, “Wow, look at Mary sitting pretzel-style in her row on the rug! She is facing the front of the room, looking at me and listening for directions. Mary, thank you for following directions! You have earned a bug!” A student who routinely calls out during a lesson may receive a bug for attempting to raise his hand instead of talking out of turn. A student who has not mastered the unpacking procedures may receive a bug for completing the process independently. Members of an entire work table may receive a bug for working quietly and showing effort during a lesson. The entire class may receive a bug for being a good audience or for sticking to task in order to accomplish the daily goals. A collection of five bugs, which are paper replicas of insects, may be redeemed for a prize from the prize bin.

Bugs are not given freely, and the B.U.G. incentive program is not to be used as a game. I do not want the students to be so consumed with receiving a bug that they lose focus on the outcome of the program. You can help me by supporting our classroom rules and encouraging daily accomplishments. Please do not ask your child if he or she received a bug each day. Instead, ask your child to tell you about his or her day at school.

The Traffic Light system is a way to monitor negative behavior, while providing a visual reminder of the immediate goal. Each child begins his or her day with a clothespin on the green light. After repeated warnings about an unacceptable behavior, the student will move his or her clothespin to the yellow light. The student has a chance to reflect on the negative behavior and work toward returning the clothespin to the green light. Again, this puts the student in charge of his or her behavior. Occasionally a student will continue the negative behavior, causing him or her to move to the red light. When this happens, the student will be asked to sit at the nearest table throughout the lesson, so as not to disturb the others. Please note that the traffic light system is not appropriate for an infraction of a serious nature such as hitting or fighting, as this will result in an immediate referral to Mr. Russell, the school principal.

When a child is moved to the yellow or red light, a yellow discipline form is sent home to be signed by a parent. The purpose of this note is to encourage discussion between a parent and child. Ask your child why he or she was moved to the yellow light, and make a plan toward improving the misbehavior. An alternative plan may be necessary for a child who demonstrates a pattern of misbehavior. In this case, I will contact you for a conference.

Please keep in mind that these behavior management programs are in place to support, not to drive, the classroom instruction. I strive to create a welcoming, nurturing, exciting classroom environment that is conducive to learning. A positive kindergarten experience will help to promote an interest in learning. I will continue to implement the B.U.G. incentive program and the Traffic Light system as long as they are effective. Feel free to contact me with questions, comments, and concerns.

Thank you for your continued support!