Think Tank
Think Tank is a process that we have created at Aldershot Elementary School to help students identify behaviours that do not contribute to their success at school. Because students see several teachers each day, sometimes it is hard to detect patterns in behaviour that develop. To help student identify these behaviours, we have developed the Think Tank.
For many years, we have run the Think Tank. Over the years we have modified it and refined it to make it more helpful for students and more efficient for teachers.
When a student engages in a behaviour that does not promote his or her success, or the success of other students in the class or school, a teacher will fill in a Think Tank referral slip. This slip includes the student's name and class, along with a brief description of the reason they are being sent to Think Tank.
During first break, Monsieur Stuart reminds students who have received a Think Tank. While the other students are outside for their break, these students come to the Think Tank room and complete a short reflection to help them think about their behaviour and to encourage them to make different choices in the future.
Overall, the Think Tank promotes a positive atmosphere and provides students the opportunity to make changes in their behaviour before more serious consequences are required. This process empowers the students to set goals and demonstrate growth. The Think Tank is an important part of our approach at Aldershot as we seek to create an environment that encourages learning and promotes good citizenship.
What are the reasons that students receive a Think Tank?
Students receive Think Tanks for a variety of reasons. The most common are the following:
- Arriving late to class
- Not completing an assignment
- Being unprepared for class
- Being off task
- Engaging in disrespectful behaviour
- Being where they shouldn't be
What happens when a child's behaviour improves?
We are excited when students make choices that encourage their success and promote their learning. This is what Think Tank is all about!
If a student goes 6 weeks with no Think Tanks, he or she goes back to zero. For example, if a child has had two Think Tanks, but then goes several weeks before receiving a third, we would count the last Think Tank as number one and start counting again.
How are parents informed about their child receiving Think Tanks?
After a student has received three Think Tanks, a letter will be sent home with the student to inform parents. The letter will include a brief description of the reasons that the student has received the three Think Tanks.
The student is responsible for getting the letter signed by a parent and by his or her homeroom teacher and returning it to Monsieur Stuart.
What do students think about when they are in the Think Tank?
Students complete a short reflection activity and thoughtfully answer the following questions:
- What happened?
- How do you think your actions may negatively affect other people or yourself?
- What would you do differently in the future if you were in a similar situation?
- Is there something you need to do to make the situation right?
What about students who never receive a Think Tank all year?
Every year about half of the elementary students receive absolutely no Think Tanks. We are so proud of the good choices these students make all year long!
To say "thank you" we provide an ice cream bar during the last week of school when a cool treat is a welcome relief from the heat of June!
