If someone doesn't think their peer deserves all the points, that student can challenge the tally. Let's say Johnny was messing around at his desk during math time. And he can say, 'I'm sorry, I didn't realize. That gives him a chance to be responsible. Keeping track of points is too much work for Kris Churchman, a teacher at Johnson Elementary in the Mesa district.
Churchman prefers to use the Teaching Responsible Thinking plan.
Churchman also encourages her class to follow the rules by having them work as teams. The fastest tribe to perform such tasks as being quiet or putting away materials is praised. The honor is for pure recognition and doesn't lead to any particular award. Churchman said she doesn't believe in giving out candy or other treats to lure good behavior. All the education courses in the world can't quite prepare you for what happens once you become a teacher, said ASU West's Carlile.