Behavior Buddies: Using Stuffed Animals as a Positive Classroom Management Tool

A few years ago my firsties LOVED LOVED LOVED spending the day with a stuffed animal.  They were always asking me to cuddle one of our stuffed animals during independent reading, or buying a "Furry Friend" coupon from our classroom store! Since this was so popular, I knew I had to use this to my advantage!

Students earned these Behavior Buddies when they were showing positive behavior! I usually chose one student per day to spend the day with each stuffed animal. Usually, they were chosen at the end of the day and they got to spend the next school day with that Behavior Buddy. The furry friend stays with them throughout the day in OUR classroom. They wouldn't go to recess, specials, or lunch. Just makes things a little easier, and cleaner!

After a few weeks of using them my students started nominating each other to spend the day with a Behavior Buddy! I mean, how adorable and KIND is that!? It all started with one sweet little firstie saying, "Mrs. Dills, I think Sarah should get Listening Lion because she has been such a great listener today!" Yep, I made a HUGE deal about that!

Students can even nominate a friend for a behavior buddy using these simple nomination forms. In my classroom, I would discuss these nominations during our morning meeting or class meeting at the end of the day!

When students earn a Behavior Buddy for showing positive behavior, I also wanted to make sure that this was communicated to their families! I think it is SO very important to let families know the amazing things their children are doing in school. These certificates allowed students to share their positive traits with their family!  It's a great way to build that positive school-to-home relationship!

I ordered all of my furry friends off Amazon. You can check these out in my Amazon store here!
But, you can grab stuffed animals anywhere! Wal-Mart, Target, and the Dollar Store. There are many different animal options in my pack! My favorites are the Aurora stuffed animals from Amazon. They are about $11.00 each, but great quality and absolutely adorable! Here are some examples of some of my favorites!

Want some great picture book ideas to introduce each of the behavior buddies? Click on the picture or here to enter your email address! 

I hope these cute little friends help promote positive behavior in YOUR classroom!

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