Keeping a check on student’s behavior is really a necessity. It helps one become well-mannered and tolerant, as well, towards others. It’s true that we are what we learn. So, it’s the primary duty of teachers and parents to impart good behavior and etiquette to the child right from the beginning of their academic journey.
Its importance grows relatively as the child gets to higher classes. Instead of scolding and being too harsh for bad behavior, one must adopt a positive reinforcement policy. Behavior Charts help achieve the same. Keeping these benefits in mind, we’ve designed some printable behavior charts templates for you. In this post, we’ve focused the printables on middle school students. However, high school students can also employ these. Pdf format is also available for you to download for free.
What’s included in these printables?
For now, we’ve included two templates of behavior charts for middle school students. We’ve tried covering every element in these two templates. Still, if we’ve missed something, feel free to message us. In this printables pdf, we’ve included:
Class Period Wise Behavior Chart: In this template, you can record the behavior and performance of a student in every class. 6 spaces (Horizontal) are available for class periods and 12 (Vertical) for different behavior tasks. You can refer to the scoring system provided in the chart (i.e. 5 = excellent, 4 = really good,….) or create a grading system of your own. Based on the total scores calculated, teachers can put down the remarks and evaluate if the student has achieved the target or not.
Weekly Behavior Chart: In this template, one can score an individual’s behavioral parameters based on progress made throughout the school week. 6 spaces (Horizontal) are available for days of the school week and 12 (Vertical) for different behavior goals under evaluation. You can refer to the scoring system provided in the chart (i.e. 5 = excellent, 4 = really good,….) or assess performance on your chosen evaluation system. Based on the total scores calculated, teachers can put the remarks and evaluate if the student’s weekly achievements.
How to print?
Download the pdf format of the printables by clicking the link given above. Open the Pdf file and click the Print icon on the top right corner of the page. Or, you can press ‘Ctrl + P’ on windows or ‘Command+P’ on mac to run the print command directly.
While at the print dialog box, you can choose the number of copies you want. Choose paper size (letter or A4) as per your preference. Make sure the print mode is portrait. Important: Do remember to select the ‘Fit To Paper’ option from Scale drop-down box. Then, Click ‘Print’
Benefits of Using Printable Behavior Charts
A. Advantages of printable behavior charts over digital alternatives
- Tangible and visible: Printable behavior charts provide a physical representation of progress and goals, making it easier for students to track their achievements.
- Minimal screen time: Unlike digital behavior charts, printable charts offer a screen-free approach, reducing reliance on technology and potential distractions.
- Portability: Printable charts can be easily carried and accessed anywhere, allowing students to stay consistent with their behavior tracking.
B. Ease of use and convenience of printable behavior charts
- Simple and straightforward: Printable behavior charts are typically designed with simplicity in mind, making them easy for students to understand and use.
- Quick and accessible: With printable charts, students can quickly update their progress and receive immediate feedback, fostering a sense of accomplishment.
- No need for software or devices: Printable charts eliminate the need for specific software or devices, making them accessible to all students.
C. How printable behavior charts promote accountability and responsibility
- Clear goals and expectations: Printable charts outline specific behaviors and goals, providing students with a clear understanding of what is expected of them.
- Ownership of progress: Students actively participate in tracking their progress on the chart, fostering a sense of responsibility for their own behavior.
- Motivation and self-reflection: As students see their progress visually represented on the chart, they are motivated to continue exhibiting positive behaviors and reflect on areas that need improvement.
D. Enhancing parent-teacher communication through printed behavior charts
- Shared understanding: Printable behavior charts create a common language between parents and teachers, allowing them to communicate and address behavioral issues effectively.
- Collaboration: Parents and teachers can work together to monitor progress, identify patterns, and implement strategies for behavior improvement.
- Documentation and progress tracking: Printed charts serve as a tangible record of a student’s behavior over time, facilitating discussions and informed decision-making.
Best way to use these behavior charts for middle school
As we already mentioned, these printable behavior chart template pdfs are not for middle school students only. Teachers may introduce these to higher classes as well. Further, these can be used on homeschoolers as a productive tool. These behavior charts are successful only if used correctly. Certain actions by guardians and teachers are advised for the best outcome. Here are the ways to get the maximum benefit out of these charts:
- Set Goals: Teachers can set the goals for a student or the class. The total scores tell if the goals have been achieved or not. Teachers can also prepare a reward-based plan for motivating the students to do well in the future.
- Analyze Progress Carefully: Teachers and Parents should work closely to analyze these charts after a certain period of time on a regular basis. Check if the student is showing a positive sign of progress or not. This can be done after few days, few weeks or at any schdeuled parent-teacher meet.
- Make It Fun: Learning is suppose to fun. Good behavior should be rewarded but that doesn’t mean these tasks should burden the child. They are already have to deal with alot. Instead try to make things interesting. Choose tasks that engages kids in fun skill development activities.
Tips for effectively implementing the behavior charts
- Set Clear and Specific Goals: Clearly define the behaviors or goals that you want the middle school students to work on. Ensure that these goals are specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART goals).
- Involve Students in Goal Setting: Encourage students to participate in the goal-setting process. By involving them, they will have a sense of ownership and motivation to achieve the desired behaviors.
- Choose Appropriate Rewards and Incentives: Select rewards or incentives that are meaningful and relevant to middle school students. Consider their interests, preferences, and age-appropriate incentives that will motivate them to work towards their goals.
- Make the Behavior Charts Visible: Display the behavior charts in a prominent location where students can easily see them, such as on the classroom wall or in their notebooks. Visibility serves as a reminder and encourages students to track their progress regularly.
- Consistency and Routine: Establish a consistent routine for updating the behavior charts. Set aside a specific time each day or week for students to review their progress, mark achievements, or reflect on areas that need improvement.
- Provide Regular Feedback: Regularly provide students with feedback on their progress. Acknowledge and celebrate their achievements to reinforce positive behaviors. Additionally, offer constructive feedback and guidance when addressing areas for improvement.
- Teach Self-Monitoring Skills: Help students develop self-monitoring skills by teaching them how to track their own behavior, assess their progress, and make adjustments if necessary. This skill empowers them to take responsibility for their actions and make positive changes independently.
- Supportive Environment: Create a supportive and non-judgmental environment where students feel safe to discuss their progress openly. Encourage open communication and provide guidance and assistance when needed.
- Involve Parents or Guardians: Collaborate with parents or guardians by sharing the behavior charts and progress updates. Seek their support in reinforcing positive behaviors at home and maintaining consistency across different environments.
- Periodic Review and Reflection: Schedule regular review sessions with students to reflect on their progress, discuss challenges, and set new goals. Help them identify strategies for overcoming obstacles and encourage perseverance.
Summing up
In conclusion, printable behavior charts offer a valuable tool for promoting positive behaviors among middle school students. With their tangible nature, ease of use, accountability benefits, and enhanced parent-teacher communication, these charts empower students to take ownership of their actions and strive for personal growth. By utilizing the free printable behavior chart templates provided, educators and parents can support students in developing positive habits and achieving their goals.