Dear Kid Whisperer,

I am an old-school fourth-grade teacher who has been teaching for 25 years. I’ve always used a behavior chart where students have to pull green, yellow and then a red card when they act up. I try to give a warning before I have them pull a card. I call parents once the student pulls his last card. I feel like other teachers are being judgmental about my chart. It doesn’t really work, and I’m considering an alternative approach. Thoughts?

Answer: First, while I’m very much against behavior charts with every fiber of my being, I’m also against being judgmental about any way educators try to get positive behaviors from kids. You are doing your best. People should either offer to help or leave their judgment to themselves.

With this in mind, yes, throw away your behavior

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