When a former classmate shared a note on Facebook about her kindergartner’s behavior warning, I was shocked. Was this real? Did someone really issue a reprimand to a 5-year-old? My immediate reaction was anger. This slip was sent home with my friend’s daughter, Lily, after she “misbehaved” during circle time by playing with her shoelaces and engaging in other typical childlike antics, like wiggling her feet. Lily received this “naughty note” from her teacher and was embarrassed in front of her peers for simply being a child. (Lily’s name has been changed for privacy reasons.)
As a parent, it’s heartbreaking to think of my own children facing such shaming, especially in a place where they should feel safe and supported. As someone with a background in education and research, I am appalled that practices like these persist, despite extensive evidence showing they are ineffective and potentially harmful.
Behavioral notes, color-coded cards, sticker charts, and public behavior displays should be removed from classrooms altogether. Here’s why:
1. They Cause Shame
These notes serve as public reminders of disobedience, often leading children to view themselves as “bad” kids. If Lily continues receiving these notes, she may start to see herself as a troublesome student rather than a typical child who occasionally fidgets during circle time.
2. They Fail to Address Root Causes
Often, children don’t comprehend why they’re being disciplined, aside from being told they’re “bad.” These methods do nothing to teach them appropriate behaviors or the reasons behind them.
3. They Damage Teacher-Student Relationships
Instead of serving as supportive mentors, teachers become figures of fear. This erodes the trust essential for effective learning.
4. They Foster Extrinsic Motivation
These charts teach children to prioritize others’ judgments over their intrinsic motivations. As writer and former educator, Mia Thompson said, “They don’t cultivate a desire to be hard-working, helpful students simply for the joy of it.”
5. They Can Lead to Anxiety and Stress
Many students become preoccupied with these charts, leading to anxiety even outside of school. I spoke with parenting expert and author Laura Fields, who noted, “Behavior charts can humiliate children and create unnecessary anxiety. Some kids become so fearful of the shame associated with these charts that they develop a ‘bad kid’ identity.”
A friend of mine shared that her daughter, while in kindergarten, would often cry about the behavior chart and worry about embarrassment in front of her peers. This anxiety escalated to the point where her daughter dreaded going to school.
6. They Disrupt Learning
Teachers spend valuable instructional time managing these behavior systems instead of focusing on teaching.
Lastly, as pointed out by author Emily Carter, these disciplinary systems are hypocritical. Imagine if adults had to navigate their workdays with a behavior chart looming over them. If we had to face such scrutiny for our occasional bad days, many of us would be deemed unworthy by mid-morning.
What Can Parents Do?
Start by communicating with the teacher to understand their rationale for employing these methods. If you notice they aren’t beneficial for your child, share your observations and inquire about alternative approaches. Encourage your child at home to view the behavior chart as unrelated to their worth as a person or student.
Teaching is undeniably challenging, and I respect the work educators do. However, we must not create systems that hinder children’s ability to learn and thrive. For more insights on parenting and fertility, check out articles on home insemination kits and fertility boosters for men. Additionally, CCRM IVF offers excellent resources for those navigating pregnancy and home insemination.
In summary, removing behavioral charts and similar practices from classrooms is essential for fostering a positive learning environment. These systems can harm children’s self-esteem and hinder their educational experience.