Top 4 Benefits of Sending Positive Student Behavior Notes Home

By: Breanna Miller

August 9, 2024

Sending positive student behavior notes home has numerous advantages, and Sincerely, A Growing Teacher (SAGT) simplifies and ensures your success in doing so! First, let's talk about why it is so important.

1. Keeps students motivated!

   
   

   Here, we aim to be transparent. Although these methods are effective for numerous students, they may not be suitable for all. It is crucial for parents/guardians to support this approach, otherwise students may lose interest in achieving what we refer to as a "SmileGram." If parents show enthusiasm or reward their children with some type of motivator, students are more inclined to keep displaying positive behavior in order to receive a SmileGram, as most students seek parental approval. It also communicates to the student that you not only address negative behavior but also acknowledge and appreciate the positive behavior demonstrated in your classroom. Additionally, many students strive for teacher validation. It is an ideal approach for establishing, reinforcing, and nurturing positive student-teacher connections.

   
   

2. Supports a strong parent-teacher relationship!

   
   

   Here at SAGT, we can express the importance enough of having a strong relationship with the families of your students. There is a wealth of research that demonstrates the connection between parent-teacher relationships and students' academic performance. When we partner with parents, students self-esteem enhances, students see that their teacher and their parents are on the same team demonstrating a healthy relationship, and the student receives support at home and at school. SmileGrams provide a simple method for parents to recognize that you support their child, acknowledge their positive actions, and value them for their true selves - a parent's ideal scenario! Additionally, maintaining positive communication through SmileGrams can facilitate future interactions when addressing negative behaviors.

   
   

3. Enforces a Positive Classroom Environment!

   
   

   As educators, we can all agree that sometimes it is challenging to focus on the positive behaviors, especially when we have several students demonstrating negative ones. SmileGrams are so convenient because they are as simple as a name, shaded in smiley face, and a small appreciation note. We recommend picking 4-5 names every week and finding at least one reason to give those students a SmileGram - it could be as simple as they completed their work. It also guarantees that each student gets at least one (in reality, more than one if you are doing this weekly or bi-weekly). We have to remember that students are not defined by their behavior and every behavior is a form of communication no matter how frustrated we become. Our job is to get them the support they need while also celebrating their wins no matter how small they seem to us. This lets students know that you appreciate even the little things and reminds them that their positive behavior is worth being noticed and celebrated - promoting a safe classroom environment! A classroom that is safe is also a classroom that is positive, and a positive classroom is one where students are fully engaged in learning.

   
   

4. Assists us in gaining a deeper understanding of our students.

   
   

   The SmileGrams strategy provides a gateway for parent-teacher communication. Showing parents that you are interested in their child communicates your care and increases the likelihood of them sharing additional information that could improve your understanding of the child in the classroom.

Simply click on the link to buy our SmileGrams - Positive Notes Home Made Easy! Make fostering student-teacher bonds and encouraging parent-teacher relationships a breeze right from the start of the school year!