Dear Loved Ones,
This week we ignite motivation to get those grades up.
Our students want freedom. We want to see better grades. Let's work out a win/win.
At this point of the semester, there are two essential truths:
1) They want us out of their business.
2) They are willing to work for it, IF they can see it is possible.
The Grades Based Freedom Strategy
The Grades Based Freedom strategy provides an opportunity for our students to leverage their good deeds to phase them out of being bugged (helped) and harassed (supported) so much.
Essentially, you will print out the grade report once each week. Based on those reports (at that time, on that day), your student will earn varying levels of freedom based on those grades. It sounds complicated, but once you have the initial "deal" set up it, it's much easier and a lot less energy than arguing.
Step 1: Set Up "The Deal"
Do this with your student to encourage collaboration and 'buy in.' Look at this chart (or something similar) and determine the levels of freedom for each category.
For best results, let your struggling student adjust and modify the plan. This helps with 'buy in' and besides, they know what they are willing to work for.
Here is an example of what a filled in chart might look like.
Of course, feel free to change the grades categories (top line) and the freedom categories (left column) to match your student and family norms.
A great time to do this is at the Weekly Grade Report meeting.
Step 2: Plan For The Week
Using the chart, you will circle that applicable areas for that week. Discuss what the rest of the week will look like. What days are their activities? What days can you check the backpack or help with homework.
Consider using the time blocking strategy (Visual Time For The Time Blind Strategy) to chart out the school work blocks and expectations.
Step 3: Determine the check back day.
Print grades and meet only once a week, but decide together what day that will be so that it's not a surprise. The earlier in the week, the better. Sunday is okay, but most of the time grades are updated on the weekend, so you might get a more accurate grade report on Mondays. Tuesdays can work too. Tuesdays are better than Fridays or Saturdays.
The GBF Rules To Live By:
The overall grades determine the level of freedom, for that week.
The level does not change for seven days, even if the grade changes (unless otherwise negotiated, but I don't recommend it).
Mandatory check in time is predetermined and scheduled.
No phone, no TV, no screens during check in time.
