I'm a bit confused about the Teacher's Choice section of the Clip Chart. Does this mean that the teacher can move any clip--even one at the top of the chart--down to that level if they feel the behavior warrants such a strong move?
Although I've received a number of questions about the Clip Chart--which is why I'm working on an eBook about it--this is a question I've never been asked before.
The short answer is:
The level is marked Teacher's Choice so that the teacher has latitude on an intervention for any student whose clothespin ends up in this section at the close of the day.
The longer answer is:
- I recommend that clothespins move just one level each time it moves. This will make it safer for the students and less prone to abuse by the teacher. If you truly feel as if the child's behavior warrants digging a hole below the chart and burying his clothespin, you might want to handle it in a completely different manner. An in-school suspension, an immediate phone call to the parents, an invitation for the principal to visit the room so that you can hold a three-way meeting are just a couple of options. Otherwise, one level per move is the best way to go.
- You don't have to wait for the end of the day to crack out some kind of intervention for anyone whose clothespin touches down in the Teacher's Choice level. You could talk privately with any student whose behavior is less than appropriate and let him know that you won't be waiting until the end of the day to assign a consequence. The child will receive the consequence upon entry to that level. If that is the case, try to keep the consequences simple. Loss of freedom or privilege are sometimes most effective.
Then again, this is just the way I did it. You are free to modify the program to meet the needs of your own students.
