Class Dojo is my favorite way to manage behavior in the classroom. I love how each student has an avatar, that are simply adorable, colorful and fun! Plus it is a great way to build a positive atmosphere in the classroom.
Let’s face it, behavior management is crucial in the classroom, without it no learning happens and students are left feeling like school is a negative environment. In my first year of teaching, this was an area I struggled with and to top it off I was given an extremely challenging class. I wish I had Class Dojo then, I feel like I would have not pulled so many hairs out of my head that year.
The moment I started implementing Class Dojo in my classroom, even some of the most challenging students I had became much easier to deal with (and I kept my hair). The point system that promotes being rewarded for positive behavior is hands down one of the best teacher tools I have ever come across!
So if you are still searching for an effective and easy way to implement a positive behavior management system in the classroom, I highly recommend Class Dojo and it’s FREE!
Just using Class Dojo isn’t enough. I found it can easily turn into a “bribe” system or a public “shame” chart if you’re not careful.
Here are the 3 “golden rules” I use to make sure it stays a positive and effective tool in my classroom.
This is the most important rule. I never, ever take points away.
Taking points away is a public punishment. It humiliates the student and builds resentment. Instead, I only give points for the positive behaviors I want to see.
Positive Points I Use: “On Task,” “Helping a Friend,” “Great Teamwork,” “Perseverance” (my favorite!), “Lined up Quietly.”
The Result: The students who are struggling don’t get “shamed.” They just don’t get points. This makes them want to join in, rather than making them want to give up.
At “Meet the Teacher” night, I have a one-page handout just about Class Dojo. I explain that it’s a communication tool, not a “scorecard.”
I tell parents:
“I will use this to send you pictures of our fun activities!”
“I will use this to send positive notes home about your child’s ‘wow’ moments.”
“The points are just a fun in-class game. They are NOT a grade!”
When parents see it as a “window” into their child’s day (pictures!) instead of a “report card” (points!), they 100% buy-in.
My students don’t trade points for candy. They trade points for free, no-cost rewards that actually build community.
When a student (or the whole class!) hits a goal, they can “buy” a reward like:
“Lunch in the Classroom” with a friend (and me!)
“Stinky Feet” (take your shoes off while you work)
“Teacher’s Chair” (get to sit in my comfy chair for a lesson)
“Class DJ” (choose the “cleanup” music for 5 minutes)
Class Dojo is my “Tier 1” tool for building a positive environment.
But my secret weapon for motivating those “hard-to-reach” kids? High-engagement activities.
When a student is hooked by a challenge—like solving a Math Mystery or a Reading Mystery—their “behavior issues” often just… disappear. They’re too busy solving the crime to be off-task.
If you’re looking for a no-prep way to get your students 100% engaged, a mystery is the ultimate “behavior management” tool in disguise.
CLICK HERE TO SEE THE MYSTERIES THAT KEEP MY STUDENTS ENGAGED!
