O.K. here is what has happened. Two leaders were chosen. Then through out the day they were reminded by the rule captain (rule 2 and the big rule). So, I asked that they give up their job.

Was this right, then what do I do? The kids who a really showing improvement wanted to take over. Lucky for me with only minutes left I took over and let it go. Lucky for them I took their job away late in the day! Whew (help)

Annette

Annette,

In my class, leaders know that if they are not being "great leaders" and follow RULE #5...they risk losing their button...or getting FIRED...so I can hire another leader! It's a job! You have to do good at your job or another leader will be hired! I don't think it is harsh...its all about RULE #5! It actually only took 2 or 3 leaders being "let go" and replaced for it to make an impact...that was early on and haven't had a problem since!

HTH
Power to the Teachers
Farrah Shipley
WBT
Texas
Kindergarten

Annette,
I agree with Farrah. You need to take charge...it's your classroom!

In my first grade class, it is all about responsibility. If a student leader is not being responsible, the button is given back. I do not stop and lecture them, I just go on with teaching. Later in the day, we may take the opportunity to discuss what a responsible leader looks like, sound like, and acts like. For me, the key has been not to allow any negativity to creep in toward the student leader who may have just lost the role. We all make mistakes, and learn and grow from them.

We need to continue to guide and train our leaders, and give them multiple opportunities to be successful!
Responsibility is a wonderful character trait that our studentswillcarry with them throughout their journey!

Deb Weigel
WBT

You are right and I think I have gotten over the "Oh, poor thing" feeling. I am really using the rule watchers (rule 1,2,3,4,and 5) and if the leaders get talked to by them, they know I am going to be close behind.

Thanks Deb and Farrah, I can always count on you to come to my rescue.
Annette

I would agree - I haven't added leaders in so far, although I do have kids who lead certain activities - calendar, the rules, etc. Since I started so late in the year and have so much learning myself, I didn't want to add too much too soon. Maybe talk to the class before you select your next set of leaders and explain to them what happens to YOU if you don't do YOUR job (minus the whole Union thing, hehe) but I'd try to give the student an opportunity in a few days after to redeem him/herself. You could also give the student "homework" "A leader is __________" and have them write the sentence and draw a picture to match. Just an idea...

Keep us updated!

Megan, this is a great place for you to start your leaders. This is where my class got it's start, I used my "monitors" or what ever you call them and made some of their duties-the calendar, flag,songs and so on.

Then I added the responsibility of having them use WBT strategies for getting the entire class to their seats from the rug, passing papers, doing "mirrors" and all the rules. It took some getting used to for me but it is heaven to watch. I don't give them the entire "responsibilities" but for the most part they run the day.

Good luck,
Annette