ClassDojo is a behavior management tool available for teachers to use in their classrooms. This tool is teacher led, however it does offer features that allow parent feedback. Each student is assigned their own profile along with a personalized avatar. Teachers can assign positive or negative "dojo's" throughout the day or during lessons to track behavior and provide feedback regarding positive behaviors or skills that may need additional reinforcement.
Here is a picture of my eager to learn and very active Kindergarten class! They are a joy to be around and definitely keep me on my toes "here in the deep blue sea!".
I have split my nine students into three groups. These groups are the groups student's are assigned for literary centers and math centers. The groups were determined based upon the reading level and math scores of each student. These groups are also used during indoor recess or for morning work as well. It is important to understand that these groups are not concrete and may be adjusted as the student demonstrates academic progress and classdojo offers a feature that allows teachers to change groups.
The pictures above represent the various behaviors students receive "dojo's" or "points" for. As highlighted, these behaviors are not concrete and can be changed through the course of the year as new behaviors are practiced. Just as behaviors may be "added" or "removed" the point value also may change depending on the significance or severity. For the purpose of this assignment I have left the behaviors basic because this is aimed for a Kindergarten class and this will be introduced during the beginning of the school year and for many students this is their for experience in public schooling. As they become more acquainted I will add more behaviors and increase their point value. The photo on the left represents "positive" behaviors where points are earned for; helping others, staying on task, participating, persistence, teamwork and working hard. The photo on the right represents skills the students needs to work on and loses points for which include; disrespect, no homework, being off task, talking out of turn and being unprepared.
I have provided a list of "constructive" and "deconstructive" behaviors that will be added to the list/highlighted over the course of the year in my classroom.
Constructive Behaviors:
- Encourages other group members.
- Listens attentively.
- Speaks clearly and directly to others.
- Responds to questions asked.
- Treats others with respect at all times.
- Asks questions about things that might be unclear or misunderstood.
- Does not hurt others with words or actions.
- Are aware of their personal space and the space of others.
- Carries out all assigned tasks within the classroom and specialty classes.
- Remains on-task when needed without constant reminder from teachers.
- Stays with group.
- Provides help to peers when necessary.
- Discourages group members (exhibits negative attitudes).
- Does not demonstrate effect listening skills.
- Does not speak clearly and directly to peers.
- Criticizes the work of peers in an inappropriate way.
- Does not respond to questions when asked or in a timely manner.
- Does not treat peers with respect.
- Fails to ask question regarding things that might be unclear or misunderstood
- Hurts peers physically or verbally.
- Fails to carry out assigned tasks.
- Does not accomplish assigned tasks or accomplishes them in an untimely manner.
Below is an example of what the ClassDojo looks like after points have been awarded. Notice how points are different for each student. Points for the "Whole Class" are the points representative of the class after negative points have been removed.
As previously discussed, students may earn points individually based upon the behaviors they exhibit. However, the pictures above show that points may be earned based upon groups as well. For example, the green group on the right was caught bullying, therefor they received negative 2 points.
Points may also be assigned in mass quantity if a large number of students demonstrate the behavior at once, as the photo on the left depicts. The photo on the rights shows that points may also be allocated on an individual basis as well.
ClassDojo also has a feature that provides a report of both the students and over classes behavior for the day and week. This allows you to see the areas students received the most and least points for, as well as, the percentage of their overall feedback. This aid's in determining which areas a student might be struggling in and if the behaviors persist for a period of time this may be useful in aiding in developing a behavior plan. Parents can also connect through this feature to see their child's progress.
In addition, ClassDojo provides one last feature which is the "messenger" tool. This is extremely beneficial for both teachers and parents whom might have busy schedules. This features promotes communication between both parties and allows parents to ask any questions regarding their child and teachers can express and concerns or praises they might have as well. In addition, this serves as another way to let parents know of any upcoming events such as parent teacher conferences or field trips.