Definition

"This intervention uses review of classroom behavioral expectations, daily prompts, and (optional) student self-monitoring ' spot-checks' to improve classroom behaviors." (InterventionCentral, 2015).   By using a list of expectations, routine checks, and reinforcement, this intervention helps to create a more respectful classroom.  
This video is to motivate your students to be respectful.  There are tips, expectations, and motivational quotes that tell students how to behave.  There are different rules that students should follow listed in this video.  The rules/expectations listed could be a reference for when creating them for your own classroom.  

Steps for Embedding Respectful Classroom

 Step 1: Select an incentive that students can earn, either individually or as a group for appropriate classroom behavior.

Step 2: Set aside at least 15 minutes at the start of a class period to introduce the Respectful Classroom program.
Tell students that they are expected to follow the behavioral expectations discussed.  Give examples in which students would be in compliance or out of compliance, demonstrate (through role play and discussion) what these respectful behaviors look like, and answer any questions students may have about how each behavior is defined.
Respectful Classroom Behavioral Expectations:
  • Use a respectful tone of voice
  • Do not tease others or call them names
  • Follow adult requests quickly and without complaint
  • Pay attention in class and get our assigned work done
Step 3: Follow these guidelines when the program has begun:
At the start of each class period, pick one of the four behavioral expectations listed on the Respectful Classroom chart. Select a different behavior each day. Take 2 minutes to remind students of the rule and review examples of it. During the class period single out at least 3 students and praise them for using the behavior being showcased that day. If a student clearly violates one of the posted rules, call the student's attention to the fact that he or she broke a rule. Ask the student to read the posted Respectful Classroom rules and to acknowledge which rule he or she violated. Ask the student what they might have selected as a better behavioral choice.
Inform the child that if he or she complains about your taking a point, you will deduct additional good behavior points.

Step 4: Once or twice per week, hand out student self-monitoring slips at the end of class.  Tell students to think about how well their behavior in class that day conformed to the Respectful Classroom expectations--and to rate their behavior globally on the slip.  Collect the slips and dismiss the class, but randomly select 3-5 students to remain. Briefly review their behavioral ratings with each of the selected students. Give them feedback about why you agree or disagree with their ratings. Change a student's rating if it appears unrepresentative of their actual behavior. Review all slips collected. If you agree with the student's rating and that student rates himself or herself at 3 or higher on the self-monitoring slip, assign the student points toward whatever incentive or reward program you have set up. If a student gets a rating below 3, make a point to meet with that student to discuss his or her behavior.  

Examples of Rewards

  • Stickers
  • Candy
  • Books
  • Computer time
  • Pencils, pens, erasers
  • Donated prizes
  • Phone call or e-mail to parents
  • “Caught being good” coupon 
  • Sit with a friend
  • Listen to music while working
  • Eat lunch with teacher
  • Eat lunch outside as class 
  • Talk time at the end of class
  • “No homework” pass
  • Brainteasers
  • Field trip

Change it up!

Feel free to switch out any of the rules or expectations of the "Respectful Classroom Behavioral Expectations" for your own.  Customize it to fit the needs of your students.  Include different rewards and student-self monitoring.  The key to the reward system is to promptly reward the students for their respectful behavior.  Also, be sure to use spot-checks for your students to monitor their behavior routinely.  

Who is this intervention for?

I have a student in my kindergarten class who needs to work on being respectful to herself, her classmates, and her teachers.  There needs to be a reward system in place for this student, because she reacts to positive reinforcement.  She is a gifted student who has behavior issues.  Maybe she is bored with the kindergarten curriculum, but she doesn't have the necessary social skills to be successful in first grade yet.  We will be working on social skills, behavior, and respectfulness the rest of the year with this student.   I plan to use this as an individual intervention instead of a whole class intervention because we already have a classroom management system in place that works for everyone else in our class. 

Justification

This intervention is a behavior intervention that goes hand-in-hand with Vygotsky's behaviorism theory that deals with positive reinforcement.  This will be beneficial because there can be reminders about the outcomes of their behaviors throughout their days. The routine and schedule of behavior checks will be advantageous for the students and the teacher.  
This is a song about respect for young students.  I would definitely use this in my kindergarten room to introduce the "Respectful Classroom" intervention. It would be a great conversation starter about respect for children because they may not know what "respect" is or the vocabulary that goes along with being respectful.  

Content Area

Due to this being a behavior intervention, it will be used throughout the entire school day.  Students will self-monitor their entire day.  If students are being disrespectful in math class, for example, you can have them self-monitor just math class and have them take responsibility for their actions.  Then, a classroom meeting should take place discussing the poor behaviors.   Remind them throughout their entire day about being respectful and their rewards that come from being respectful students and friends.  

Resources

Be Respectful Classroom Examples September 2015. (2009, August 29). Retrieved October 19, 2015, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=APHTGL1TCbg
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Respect Song Video - Classroom Mix Version. (2009, August 13). Retrieved October 19, 2015. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZgidfFs-j4M

Respectful Classroom. (n.d.). Retrieved October 19, 2015, from http://www.interventioncentral.org/behavioral-interventions/schoolwide-classroommgmt/respectful-classroom