The Apple Doesn't Fall Too Far...At Least We Hope

You know the saying, right? Well, it has a different meaning to Lil' SB. Let me explain...her teacher has implemented a new behavior plan in the classroom (much needed because this group of preschoolers is pretty strong-willed...if you know what I mean.) Anyway, Miss Kim created a construction paper tree which she hung up on the back of the classroom door. She labeled a red apple for each student to adorn the tree. On the left side of the tree, she marked each height with a different behavior--the top of the tree is a smiley face with a huge grin, below that is a traditional smiley face, below that is a medium face, below that is a sad face & at the bottom is a sad face with tears. Every morning all the apples start at the top of the tree. As the day progresses, some of the apples start falling. Well, when I arrived to school on Monday, Lil' SB's class was outside so I quickly went into the classroom to retrieve her jacket. As I swung the door open, I took a peak at the door--ALL the apples were at the top of the tree EXCEPT Lil' SB's!!! My heart sank as I stared at her apple at the medium face. What in the world did she do today to be the only kid with the apple off the top? Come to find out she wasn't very nice to her friends that day. Once I greeted Lil' SB, I asked her why her apple was at the medium face. She didn't want to answer, but I soon heard the full story from her teacher. Needless to say, we had a conversation about the day's events, and I was pretty sure she would have a better day the next day. Thankfully, I was right...her apple stayed near the top at the smiley face. I praised her and told her how proud I was of her (thinking the positive reinforcement would land us another apple on top). So...here comes Wednesday...as soon as I open Lil' SB's classroom door, I look at the tree...she was at the sad face!!! Ugh...what in the world happened today?!?! Apparently, she woke up several friends during nap, pushed a friend on the playground, and didn't follow directions very well (not to make excuses for her, but we did have a very rocky morning so I'm sure that didn't help her today). Again we had a conversation, and I thought for sure that would help. I arrived on Thursday to see her apple at the very bottom--the crying, sad face. Oh, boy, I was not a happy mama. Come to find out she continued her antics from the previous day. Our conversation that night was a lot longer than the past ones, and I made sure she understood the importance of following the rules--even if others didn't. She agreed and told me she would have her apple at the top of the tree the next day. Sure enough...on Friday, it was at the very top!!! I grabbed her and hugged her tightly while praising her profusely. She began to laugh & smile from ear to ear. I hope and pray she continues the positive behavior :)