Tech Tips: Using Class Dojo To Shape-Up Our Morning Routines

Mornings are tough enough as it is... But try being a teenager. Yikes. Good thing my colleagues introduced me to Class Dojo.

To a teenager, it must feel as though mornings are fraught with pitfalls and there is an adult around every corner, reminding teens of the 1,001 ways that they are not doing what they need to do in order to be successful. It can be overwhelming and these morning mishaps take a toll on our students. 

We need to remind our students that nobody is perfect. That we all make mistakes. That we really do learn from our mistakes... Or so we can, with the right mindset and specific guidance. 

Class Dojo is a tool providing immediate feedback that students need. With "tips and props", our students can develop the executive skills to make better, well-informed choices.

Awarding points for the right attitudes, skills, and disposition is critical. Notice above, my greatest challenges were kids not getting their day started properly--being on time, having their laptops, etc. I just made these two behaviors a little more enticing on our point scale. So far, so good.

It is also important to steer our students in the right direction--a course correction, if you will. Think about it, how many "blow-ups" and "melt-downs" and "is it time for dismissal, yet?" moments from students and teachers butting-heads... Having the same conflicts, repeatedly making the same mistake. As "Mojo" and his friend said, "mistakes can be a good thing". 

There is awesome power and responsibility when using Class Dojo--so think it out before you dive-in with your students. Personally, I believe that the key is to focus on behaviors and routines--these are the types of things that we can change, with time and practice. As you can see, the only over-lap between my "positives" and "needs work" is when it comes to students bringing and using their laptops in Learning Hub. Here's why:

Since I flipped my class and put all of my readings and digital media resources into online modules, I want to encourage students to have their laptops in Learning Hub, whether they need them or not. 

So, if students are working on their laptops, checking email and Canvas (our learning management system) they earn two points. 

If they have their laptops but aren't doing those things, their point total stays the same. 

If a student doesn't bring  a laptop, then it becomes an issue... Because it will be an issue for my students when it's time to go to their first period class.

The classroom videos that accompany Class Dojo are entertaining and truly amusing. Kudos to their animators and designers--it's fun to watch.

So, the students are giving me feedback on an incentive-based point scale. I'm open to awarding healthy snacks and fidget-toys from the dollar bin... For everybody in our Learning Hub, it's a win-win!

Big props to Dr Roberta Brandao & Mr Nick Bridge, my personal Class Dojo ambassadors!