A value based strategy that aids classroom management Created by Ken Etheridge 2011 © CO-OPERATION MANNERS MATURITY RESPONSIBILITY WORK

 Background as a primary school teacher for more than 30 years  Many years experimenting with various classroom management techniques  The dynamics of each class are varied and complex  The Five Flags Programme also supports and works in conjunction with the Nine Values for Australian Schooling as prescribed by The National Framework for Values Education In Australian Schools. CO-OPERATION MANNERS MATURITY RESPONSIBILITY WORK

 This program has the potential to develop an ongoing culture of values based education  Teamwork  Inclusive classroom engagement  Improved interaction amongst students  Reinforcement of key qualities:  Co-operation  Manners  Maturity  Responsibility  Work Ethic CO-OPERATION MANNERS MATURITY RESPONSIBILITY WORK

Encourages the development of: 1.Social Skills Communication, non- verbal skills, emotions, conversational skills, social interactions, conflict resolution and social behaviour. Encourages: 2. Co-Operation Positive social reinforcement, positive social behaviours, positive social leading and positive social following. Encourages: 3. Manners Reinforcement of basic manners towards members of the group and class. Introducing respect for ideas. CO-OPERATION MANNERS MATURITY RESPONSIBILITY WORK

Encourages the development of: 4. Maturity Being aware of an individual’s feelings within the group or class. Displaying initiative. Encourages: 5. Responsibility Taking responsibility for your own actions and working towards the best outcome for your group. Encourages: 6. Collaborative learning Aids: 7. Classroom management CO-OPERATION MANNERS MATURITY RESPONSIBILITY WORK

 Most children enjoy or can identify with a team sport.  A team needs 100% commitment to be successful.  A team needs to encourage its members to perform and not berate or put down people who make mistakes.  Positive reinforcement raises people’s self-esteem and encourages them to perform at a higher level. People feel good when their team succeeds. CO-OPERATION MANNERS MATURITY RESPONSIBILITY WORK

 People are social animals and enjoy being part of a group where they are valued. Being part of a supportive team can modify certain behaviours of individuals.  Everyone enjoys being a winner. The 5 Flags programme allows everyone to become a winner.  The motto of The 5 Flags Programme is simple: “BE NICE!”  The Flags are a tactile reward for the group and prove to be a motivational tool in general class room management CO-OPERATION MANNERS MATURITY RESPONSIBILITY WORK

 Social Skills  Co-operation  Manners  Maturity  Responsibility  Collaborative Learning CO-OPERATION MANNERS MATURITY RESPONSIBILITY WORK

 The class is divided into working groups. The teacher chooses group members to ensure even ability, behaviour and gender grouping.  Children then vote for a team captain and vice-captain (secret ballot) by numbering each group member. With 1 indicating first choice, 2 second choice etc.  The programme lasts five weeks (half term). After 2 ½ weeks groups vote again on their Team Leaders.  Leaders operate by employing light peer pressure.  Children may change seating arrangements within their group by discussing and voting to improve group dynamics. CO-OPERATION MANNERS MATURITY RESPONSIBILITY WORK

 Each group’s aim is to collect the 5 Flags.  The aim of the class is for all groups to be in possession of 5 Flags before the five week period expires.  If the objective is achieved the whole class receives a reward. In my class the reward was a class party. Children responded well to this as a cumulative reward. For you another reward system might be preferable. Involving the children in discussion of a suitable reward not only engages the children but gives them a sense of ownership in the process.  Even though each group is trying to achieve Five Flags the groups are not in competition with one another. The whole aim is for a collaborative class effort for all groups to achieve a common goal within the five week period. CO-OPERATION MANNERS MATURITY RESPONSIBILITY WORK

5 uniquely coloured flags that represent the following values:  Co-operation  Manners  Maturity  Responsibility  Work Ethic CO-OPERATION MANNERS MATURITY RESPONSIBILITY WORK

 Obliging  Supportive  Tolerant  Inclusive  Collaborative  Teamwork CO-OPERATION

MANNERS  Respect  Courtesy  Etiquette  Politeness  Civility

MATURITY  Independence  Determination  Respect  Wisdom  Compassion

RESPONSIBILITY  Accountable  Culpable  Integrity  Obligation  Honesty  Trustworthiness

WORK  Completion  Collaborative  Individual  Industrious  Pride  Silent

 Children create and vote for team names  Teams create their team logo & name tags  Children are introduced to the concepts of the five flags and engage in discussion  Wall charts are placed around the classroom outlining the five flag definitions  Each team receives a score chart  Classroom score chart is controlled by the teacher and prominently displayed CO-OPERATION MANNERS MATURITY RESPONSIBILITY WORK

Team ATeam BTeam CTeam DTeam E Co-operation Manners Maturity Responsibility Work

 Each segment of the score chart is divided into 6 bands for each flag category  After receipt of the 5 th band the relative flag is awarded and the 6 th band is marked with an F  When a flag is won a small reward is given to the team  To maintain interest, groups with the most flags receive small privileges  The teacher announces at the beginning of each lesson which flag band the teams are competing for  Negative behaviour can result in the loss of a band / flag CO-OPERATION MANNERS MATURITY RESPONSIBILITY WORK

 Team captains actively encourage and organise their team  Positive teacher reinforcement is critical to the success of the program  Positive peer pressure modifies negative behaviour  A harmonious, dynamic class room environment can and should be easily achieved with this program CO-OPERATION MANNERS MATURITY RESPONSIBILITY WORK