an update on Shepherd & school

It's been two months since I first posted about the dreaded Behavior Management Plan. It's been two months since I felt helpless and angry.

I'm happy to say that the lines of communication have opened up, and things are going much more smoothly. I'm still unhappy about the fact that I feel like I had to teach the teacher, and especially the director, how to do their jobs, but I'm glad that they took all my suggestions and put them to use.

The most important thing is this: Shepherd is not being sent to "cool off" in the hallway AT ALL anymore. That type of thing doesn't work with his personality. Never has, never will. He is a positive reinforcement person. He likes to see his progress and know the endgame.

So instead of negative consequences (with the exception of extreme behavior), we've implemented a "smiley chart" tailored to behaviors that need monitored. The points:

• I used my quiet voice during free play
• I sat and listened during group time. I remembered to raise my hand if I wanted to speak.
• I used my words when I wanted a friend to share with me. 
• I kept my hands and feet to myself and respected other people's space.
• I listened to the teacher when she asked me to come to the table for an activity.
• I listened during share and let other children have a turn to talk.

If he gets all 6, he gets to pick something out of a surprise box after class. He's gotten a pencil, an eraser, a gold medal, a clapper. He loves it. We also have our own chart on the refrigerator at home as an added incentive. We put our own happy faces on it every time he gets them, and when he reaches a certain number (i.e. 20), he gets to pick something out. Right now, he's into LEGOs.

So. This is progress. He's doing well, and he's very happy. No one is sitting in the hall, and he's learning. I haven't registered him for next year, because I'm still very undecided on if the kids will be going to a different school. But right now, I'm extremely pleased with how the staff handled all of my demands suggestions.