B for Behavior

We could be turning a new leaf for 2010....one can only hope! Before the holiday break, we discovered that Eli had been struggling more than usual with following the crowd. Apparently at school he was consistently getting into trouble, but only because he was flocking to trouble, not because he was causing it. His teacher said no matter how focused or on-task he was, if one of his friends started doing something 'wrong' (even if it was on the other side of the room), Eli would immediately jump in and join him/her.

We had several talks with Eli in the last few weeks about personal responsibility and what it means to make choices for yourself (rather than having someone else make them for you). As receptive as he was, I knew the first day back to school would be a challenge. Eli's teacher instated a new system in the class involving reports home each night indicating what color each child ended the day on (blue = no warnings, green = 1, yellow = 2, and red = 3). This system is in line with many county schools in our area, so it is her hope that this will help prepare them for Kindergarten. I am SO happy to report that Eli stayed on BLUE today. He was very proud too. Hooray for starting on the right foot!!