August 26, 2024
Apple season is almost upon us! A nearby orchard already opened, but I can’t quite bring myself to go until there is a little crunch and crisp in the air, at least in the morning.
Although fall whispers hints of its coming, summer still clings, and in the midst of the heat we have already finished about 6 weeks of school (in air conditioning, of course). I like to get a head start on homeschool and gently begin after Independence Day. I love starting early because it slows our school pace and allows us breaks when the weather beckons us outside. (My friend Jen at My Homeschooling ABC's wrote a thought-provoking article on year-round homeschooling.)
At the beginning of the school year, we had a few behavioral kinks to work out, very typical for any school environment whether home or traditional. Some improper behavior was keeping us from the educational flow of knowledge from teacher to student, and more time was spent discussing behavior than was necessary.
During a conversation with my administrator (aka hubby), he suggested setting up a visual for the children to see and hopefully understand their behavior. I had a "duh" moment…I used to be a classroom teacher and always had a visual behavior system for each child (usually with 3 tiers). What was good for my classroom was good for my homeschool classroom as well.
Since our home is small and we homeschool in the kitchen, I wanted to create a behavior chart that was functional yet also charming, a nod to our cottage home style. As my thoughts turned towards the traditional start of school around “apple time”, my pencil doodled some apple trees and apples.
How I’m Using the Apple Charts
I’ve created some charming “apple tree charts” that I’m sharing with you for FREE today! I’m using these charts to track my children’s behavior throughout each school day. The goal is for them to keep all their apples each day. Should they lose an apple here are some possible consequences for our family:
1st apple—this is a warning, lose point towards the prize box
2nd apple—lose a privilege
3rd apple—talk to the principal (aka my husband)
If my child keeps all his apples in a day, he earns a point towards the prize box. Once a child earns 5 points, he may pick something from the prize box.
The first day using our apple charts was an interesting study in childhood behavior. I did have to remove an apple for a child, and almost instantly that child changed behavior. There was some sadness over not earning a point towards the prize box, but the child began to realize the consequences of choices. I believe my children are more motivated to keep their apples than the pleasure of going to the prize box (which they are excited about doing).
Some Other Ideas for Using the Apple Charts
--You could reverse the process and have a child earn each apple instead of taking away apples.
--You could use the charts to track any type of progress through a day: practicing, reading, chores, etc.
--You could laminate the apples and trees and let a younger child have fun placing the apples on the trees.
--You could print multiple copies and use as math manipulatives.
Download your FREE Apple School Visuals!
I've also included a file with no color for personal customization.
Proper behavior precedes learning. If my child will not obey and listen, he will not be ready to accept any input into his mind and heart. At this stage of my children’s learning, proper behavior is foundational and actually more important than pouring knowledge into their heads. We can get knowledge into their heads later on, but if we don’t reach their hearts now, my children are in grave danger down the road of life. Taking time to work with my children on a “heart” level is not a waste of time but the greatest possible investment into my children’s lives.
-Ashley
Personal Disclosure
As the author of Ashley Qurollo Blog, all opinions are my own. Any possible applications are universal in nature, not directed at any one individual or people group. My sincere desire is to help others by sharing what I am learning. Nothing stated on this blog is ever intended to hurt others. Ashley Qurollo, owner of Ashley Qurollo Blog and Website, is not held liable in any way for any application of the ideas and thoughts stated here.
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This is SO helpful, Ashley! Sometimes the best solutions are the easiest. Will have to give this a try!
Thank you, Ashley, for this post! I printed up the apple visuals right away. I am planning on using them to motivate my younger girls to stay diligent with their chores on the chore chart without so many reminders and dawdling. This was something on my mind before I read your post, and your handiwork is an excellent solution to the dilemma!!!
What a great idea! We too struggle more with behaviour than learning many days here, so I'll have to give this system a try. Thanks!
Love this idea!! Also I love your doodles 🥰. My child being a teen and homeschooling We struggle with "distractions" during the day. For her all I need to say is well if you don't get these things accomplished today you will lose phone privileges! Generally that works like a charm however, we have definitely had days where those privileges are gone. It's hard but we have to teach them their actions have consequences!We were just talking yesterday about going to the apple orchard next time I pick up the boys from school on a Friday. (They get out at 1155) I just want the cider and fresh doughnuts!!