My question is; how is the happy sunshine best implimented? The meaning of well done for sticking to the rules (happy sun), formal warning after verbal warning (warning cloud), loss of Golden Time (Sad sun)is a format used throughout foundation stage/KS1 but the sun is now confusing! Some classes in our school have after 5 times having a name written on the sun, the child receives a star/sticker, some once on the sun means the child gets a sticker, another class being on the sun is the reward and then there is the original idea of the pegged names of all the class are on the happy sun to be moved across to warning/sad sun if needed.I want to use the sun positively and am finding it difficult to choose the best method. I have considered using the pegged sun - meaning that all children are being recognised for efforts in sticking to the Golden Rules and then have a whole class reward system where good deeds/efforts gain a step toward a whole class reward, possibly with the child who did something to earn it receiving a sticker and a class clap as a thank you. What are other peoples thoughts on this?
The Golden Time system is explained most fully in “Better Behaviour through Golden Time” which is available on this site. The idea behind the Golden Time system is that all children come in at the beginning of each week with a clean slate – thus all names are on the sun at the beginning of the week and that is where the children’s names remain unless they receive a warning for breaking a Golden Rule. In this case the child’s name is moved to the Sun-and-Cloud symbol However, at the end of the session or when break or lunchtime or going home time comes along, all names on the Sun-and-Cloud symbol are removed back to the sun. and the slate is wiped clean. If the child, however, continues to break the rule during that session, then their name is moved to the cloud symbol and Golden Time is lost (one minute for KS1). However, their name too is moved back to the sun for the start of the next session after their loss of Golden Time has been noted by the teacher.
I hope this helps. The system really does work in a positive way and it sounds like you are keen to make sure that it works well in your school. When it is used inconsistently there is a lack of clarity for teachers and children alike and the system will lose potency so you are right to question it and to make sure it is carried out correctly. Very best wishes to you and your school.