What the lesson is about

Do you often find yourself going up and down the classroom like a yoyo, trying to manage the behaviour and educational needs of all? ClassDojo offers a solution: a real-time behaviour management tool based on positive reinforcement.

It is an online program in which pupils are represented by a lively cartoon avatar. Children should get excited seeing their character receive points as you reward them in areas such as participation, helping others, creativity, insight, hard work and presentation. But if they are disruptive, late or have no homework, their points could quickly fall.

The program was created by entrepreneurs Sam Chaudhary, a former UK teacher, and Liam Don. It is currently free for teachers to join, because it is at a “beta” stage.

After setting up your class, you click on an avatar to give or take away points. Pupils will hear a “ping” that signifies a point change - is it them? Have they lost or gained points? The program can be controlled via an iPhone or iPad, making it easier to reward behaviour on the spot.

You can edit the behaviour that qualifies for points and show a summary of pupils’ progress on screen - handy evidence for parents’ evening. Clear and concise reports can be printed to show senior management.

One teacher on TES Resources wrote: “A good system for improving student behaviour that allows you to print or email reports that engage parents.”

www.tes.co.ukresources029

What else?

Need more behaviour advice? Visit Tom Bennett’s advice page, which has plenty of top tips to shape up your class.

Is technology limited in your classroom? Try kittycat3‘s personalised Mr Men and Little Miss stickers - little things that make a big difference.