*DISCLAIMER: I received this product for free for the purposes of testing it and reviewing it. I was not compensated in any other way for this review. All opinions expressed are truthful and 100% my own. Teaching and modifying behavior is a huge part of being a special education teacher. I used to tell parents in IEP meetings that a huge part of school is just learning to "do" school. That means be able to sit, work quietly, follow along, get along with others and so on. The sad this is these skills are rarely explicitly taught beyond kindergarten. We expect students to do what we ask and do it well just because they should, but this doesn't work for everyone. My students with special needs often need more incentive or reminders about their behaviors. I was so excited to try out the Yoyoboko Reward Chart for Students that was sent to me that I put it up the day it arrived. My behavior chart could not have arrived at a better time. I had a student who was really struggling with his behavior and decided to use the chart for him. I could see the chart being used for individual students, but also possibly as a whole class incentive. What is all included: - A single chart that has spots to write in times or subjects, 4 target behavior magnet spots, 4 reward magnet spots. and a place to write in a target number. - 16 picture supported target behavior magnets and 4 blank behavior magnets to add your own - 8 picture supported reward magnets and 4 blank to write in your own - 168 red and blue star magnets - A pad of weekly behavior monitoring sheets with a space for parents to sign - Plastic storage bag for magnets and small magnetic dry erase markers. Positives & Praises The first thing I noticed about the chart when I opened it was the picture support. I don't care if students are good readers, having picture support is always a plus in my book. When a student is frustrated or upset, they can just glance at a visual for a reminder instead of trying to focus on reading. I also loved the variety in the behavior and reward magnets. There was "something for everyone" and the blank cards made it easy to add my own rewards for special school events for the student to work towards. The chart was also very motivating for my student. He was constantly asking if he got his stars and loved putting the stars up himself. The color coding of the lines also made it easy for me to compare behaviors like "Look you been doing really well in purple today but lets make more of an effort to get more stars in green!" Kept everything very positive and goal oriented. The board was well made and the magnets are strong. It fell several times from its hanging place and never lost a magnet. The only change I had to make was writing on it with a wet erase marker instead of the included dry erase because I kept smudging it. Concerns & Cautions Most of my concerns about the chart stem from larger, individual needs of programs. Because the chart is individual focused, if you had students with a wide variety of behaviors or really severe behaviors, it might be hard to manage many charts at a time. While the chart was motivating for my student, it didn't really allow for me to keep number data in terms of his behavior on it so I had to have another chart to do that. The look of the chart is also very nice, but very young. The colors are very soft pastels and the idea of a hanging behavior chart might not appeal to all students. I felt the visuals on the magnets were appropriate for all ages though. On the other hand, the chart is not a huge size so it is easy to keep it in a spot that could not be as obvious and do private conferences with the student using it. Overall, I plan to continue to use the chart for the rest of the year and into next. I think like any behavior plan or support, you need to make sure that the chart will work for you and your student to meet the ultimate end goals. It worked well with my student and I did see an improvement in behavior especially in school survival behaviors like raising your hand for attention and staying focused on the teachers. The chart might make a great addition to an inclusive setting as well do to its ability to blend in to the classroom environment so well.
Click the picture below to head to the Yoyoboko website to get more information on the Reward Chart for Students and cool products.
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About MeHi! My name is Kelsey & I am a Special Education Teacher in WI. I love what I do & love sharing new ideas & awesome materials. When I'm not teaching, I'm enjoying being a Mommy, cooking, & being outdoors. Archives
March 2018
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