Clip Chart Behavior System

Here is a picture of the clip chart that I use for reinforcing positive behavior and correcting inappropriate behaviors in my classroom. I made it from scrapbook paper. I just cut the pages to the sizes I desired, then taped the pages together with scotch on the back. I added layers and words to each color, and then took it to a local printing company to have it laminated with a super sturdy laminating film. Check out the info below for how I use the clip-chart in my classroom as well as a link to get a free copy of  my behavior calendar.

Here is my "discipline plan" that explains how I use the clip-chart system in my classroom. This is what I send home with parents at the beginning of the year in my "back to school" packet.

Our classroom uses a color coded clip-chart system to manage student behavior. This system reinforces & promotes positive behavior and helps the students play an active part in how their behavior is managed.

How it works…
• Each student has a clothespin labeled with their name, and they begin each day clipped to the center of the chart labeled “Ready to Learn.”
• During the course of the day, students have the opportunity to move their clothespin on the chart according to their behavioral choice-“clip up” or “clip down.”
• Positive behavior/actions allow the student to move their clip up one level, and inappropriate behavior will cause their clip to move down one level.
• Rewards/consequences will be issued according the level that the student clipped up/down to. A parent note and/or office referral will be sent home if their clip ends up on the lower two levels (“Danger” & “Oh No!”).
• At the end of each day, the students will color their behavior calendar to show what color their clothespin “clipped-up” or “clipped-down” to for that day.
• If a student’s clothespin has not dropped below the green “Ready to Learn” level for the entire week, they will have the opportunity to visit our treasure chest on Friday.

Clip Chart Advantages
• Students feel a sense of accomplishment when they make, and are acknowledged for, good behavior choices and have the opportunity to “clip up.”
• Students who have had to “clip down” always have the opportunity to improve their behavior and “clip up” during the day, thus they continue to stay motivated to make positive behavior choices.

Here is a link to my free behavior calendar that I use with the clip-chart system:


Click on the image above to get access to this behavior calendar.