Behavior Charts: A Teacher’s Guide To Regulating Behavior Correctly

Trying to figure out how to regulate your child or classroom’s behavior in a positive and uplifting way?

I’ve seen how traditional behavior charts, while well-intentioned, can actually create more problems than they solve. These charts can leave children feeling anxious and stressed, which is the opposite of what we want in a learning environment. Over time, I’ve developed strategies that focus on helping kids learn to regulate their emotions in healthier, more supportive ways.

Are you new here? Welcome! I’m Miss Beth the founder of Big City Readers - a different kind of early childhood development. Children need flexibility and fun to engage and grow as readers. I believe not all children learn from sitting at a desk, and it is my job as an educator to find the best solution for them. I use the 5 building blocks of early literacy: read, write, sing, talk, and play in addition to the Orton Gillingham method which utilizes the three learning pathways through which children learn—visual, auditory, and kinesthetic.

So, let’s dive into why behavior charts might not be the best tool and what you can do instead to create a positive and effective approach to behavior regulation.

Why Teachers Use Behavior Charts

Behavior charts are tools often used in classrooms to manage and track student behavior. They’ve been around for as long as I can remember. These charts typically involve a visual system—like colors, clips, or cards—where children’s behavior is publicly displayed and monitored throughout the day.

The idea behind behavior charts is to reinforce good behavior and discourage bad behavior by moving a child's marker up or down based on their actions. When your child is on their best behavior, the visual system rewards them, but if they’re having a tougher day, the chart will show that too.  

At first, behavior charts might seem like a good way to manage behavior, especially in busy classrooms where teachers have a lot to handle. But in reality, they can cause more problems than they fix. While they’re not all bad, they don’t really fit with what we now know about how kids think and feel.

Instead of sticking with old methods, let’s look at better, more supportive ways to help your child grow. By focusing on tools that build emotional strength and resilience, we can set them up for success both in and out of the classroom.

Behavior Charts Seem Effective But Can Create Feelings Of Anxiety

On the surface, behavior charts seem really helpful for managing classroom behavior. However, they often create feelings of anxiety in children, as they associate minor mistakes with public judgment. While teachers may not always see these effects or may lack a better alternative, it's important to consider how these charts can affect a child’s emotional well-being.

Imagine this: Your child is a model student, always following the rules and behaving well. On a typical day, the behavior chart in their classroom shows them at the top—everything looks great. But then, one day, they have a rough morning. Maybe they’re tired, feeling a bit off, or just struggling to focus. The chart now reflects this dip in behavior, and suddenly, their marker is lower than usual.

Even though the change might seem minor to you, for your child, it can feel like a big deal. They might start worrying about what their peers think or feel anxious about seeing their name move down the chart. This anxiety isn’t just about the chart; it’s about the fear of making mistakes and being judged in front of others.

Stress and Long-Term Effects of Behavior Charts

When children are constantly concerned about their behavior being publicly displayed, their limbic system—the part of the brain responsible for emotions and stress responses—goes into overdrive. This heightened state of stress triggers their fight-or-flight response, making it difficult for them to concentrate and learn effectively. The stress of worrying about their behavior chart disrupts their ability to focus, leading to exhaustion and frustration.

Over time, this constant pressure to avoid being at the "wrong" end of the chart can take quite a toll on their self-esteem and diminish their love of learning. Instead of focusing on personal growth and improvement, they become preoccupied with avoiding punishment. The classroom, which should be a place of learning and discovery, starts to feel like a constant stressor where every small misstep could lead to public shaming.

Behavior Charts Are Not the Only Answer to Classroom Behavior Management

Imagine a classroom where instead of moving markers on a behavior chart, children are learning to manage their own emotions. The time will come when any child, no matter how well-mannered, will have a challenging day—maybe they’re feeling overwhelmed or frustrated. Instead of their behavior being marked with a downward arrow on a chart, they should be guided through understanding their feelings and finding solutions.

Self-Regulation Is A Lifetime Practice So It’s Great To Start Early!

When we focus on self-regulation, we’re teaching children not just to avoid punishment but to handle their emotions constructively. For instance, when a conflict arises, we can guide children in repairing relationships by writing a letter, drawing a picture, or talking things through. The child who was hurt can choose how to address the situation, fostering empathy and understanding.

Now this is easier said than done and I’m the first to say that self-regulation takes a lot of time to perfect, especially in the beginning. That being said, it’s essential to create an environment where every child feels comfortable being themselves at school with the resources to correct their behavior in a healthy and mature way.

How To Help Children Develop Self-Regulation Skills

Introducing self-regulation in the classroom is a HUGE step away from behavior charts that require an open heart and mind from the teacher, students, and parents. While it’s quite a transition, it can transform how students handle their emotions and navigate challenges for not just the school year, but their entire life. One effective way to start this process is by setting up a cool-down corner—a dedicated space where students can take a break and regain their composure when they’re feeling overwhelmed.

Introducing A Cool-Down Corner

First, it’s important to understand that children won’t automatically know how to use a cool-down corner to work through their emotions. It takes time and encouragement for them to grasp its purpose. At first, it may not seem like an effective behavioral tool and may even feel like you’re taking a step backward, but the long-term benefits make it worth the effort.

So what exactly is a cool-down corner? This space is intended to be a welcoming area within the classroom or home, not a punishment or timeout corner. It should include soft cushions, calming visuals, and quiet activities like books or stress balls. This environment gives children a supportive space where they can step away and positively manage their emotions.

Children need guidance to fully understand how to use this space. It’s essential to practice using the cool-down corner when they are calm, rather than waiting for moments of distress. By modeling its use yourself—saying something like, “I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed, so I’m going to take a short break and come back when I feel better”—you show them that taking a break to manage emotions is healthy and normal.

With time and consistent practice, children will begin to understand how to use the cool-down corner. This approach not only reduces the stress and anxiety often associated with behavior charts but also nurtures a positive and emotionally supportive environment at school and at home.

How to Address Behavior Charts in Your Child’s Classroom

If your child’s classroom uses a behavior chart, it’s okay to ask questions. As a parent, you have the right to understand what’s happening in your child’s learning environment, and a good teacher will appreciate your curiosity. Approach the teacher with a mindset of collaboration rather than criticism—this opens up a constructive dialogue. Ask why they use behavior charts, mention you've heard mixed reviews, and express that you trust their expertise.

Sometimes teachers inherit systems from previous years and might not have had the chance to evaluate them fully. Your perspective might even encourage them to reconsider or adjust their approach to better support all students.

If needed, discussing with school administration can also provide insights, especially if the behavior charts are mandated by broader policies and your child’s teacher is following school protocols.

Let’s Work Together to Support Your Child’s Emotional Growth

True behavior regulation is about teaching children how to manage their emotions and make positive choices on their own. Instead of punishing them with a behavior chart, focus on empowering them to understand their feelings and take responsibility for their actions. This approach not only fosters independence but also helps children develop critical emotional intelligence skills that will benefit them throughout their lives.

Whether you're a parent or a teacher, the goal should always be to guide children toward self-regulation through understanding, empathy, and supportive strategies—not through fear or public shaming.

If you’re having difficulty incorporating self-regulation into your home or classroom, I’d love to help! Book a One-on-One Call With Me to walk through your child or classroom’s specific struggles when it comes to managing behavior during your daily routine. Raising a child takes a village and I want to help support you by walking through strategies, talking points, and practical solutions that fit your unique situation. Together, we can create a positive and supportive environment that fosters emotional growth and self-regulation. 

Do you have any questions on how to regulate behavior besides using behavior charts? Let me know in the comments!