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If you're wondering why there's an old school landline phone mounted to the wall behind me (with no cord, haha.)

It's one of my favorite behavior management techniques.

Here’s how it goes…

I pick up that phone (and sometimes carry it around the room for added effect as I start talking.)

Here’s the kicker — I am calling to report a child's GOOD behavior!

**GOOD THINGS ONLY!

And I don't call mom or dad...

I call Batman, or Minnie Mouse, or the Paw Patrol — whoever that child would get excited about.

I get everyone's attention by loudly asking, "Yes, is this Spider-Man?”....

(The kids all start looking at each other.)

"Hey, ya, thanks, Spiderman...I just wanted to call and say YOU WOULDN'T BELIEVE what so-and-so is doing right now...no I'm serious! He's sitting criss cross, hands to himself and he's looking right at the person that's talking!”

(Pause for response from Spiderman.)

“I KNOW! He's such a respectful listener!!! ... Ok, I'll tell him!”

(Wink at kid you are talking about, to really solidify the importance of this moment for them.)

“Yay!! Thanks Spider-Man. Ok, talk to you later."

Hang up.

Pass on the important message, "Spider-Man said 'You should be proud.''

And then, you just carry on with what you were doing...

The kids think it's HILARIOUS, but more importantly, everyone hears the emphasis put on that behavior---

Whether it’s something small like a child who never remembers to raise their hand or something bigger like a child who has separation issues and has a tough time at drop off - but then finally has a good drop off — oh lawd, you better be getting on the phone and making a PUBLIC call to Taylor Swift or Spongebob Squarepants—or whoever the child loves— about that!

And the best part?

Every time I call about a behavior, I can almost be certain--I'll see that behavior again very soon!

👇🏻👇🏿 WATCH THE VIDEO👇🏽👇🏾

Some of you might be thinking, aww that’s a cute idea but it’s a little over the top, I can’t be on the phone with celebrities all day… 😂

And I totally get it… I agree with you.

I didn’t use this strategy every day… not even every week…

But there will be times during the year when you are working on a behavior with a kid - the kid is struggling and you’ve tried everything you can think of, you’re trying not to lose hope… then, WHAM.

You catch the kid doing it.

THAT IS THE MOMENT, for a celebrity phone call.

Those moments are few and far between, but they MUST BE celebrated.

When they are celebrated in a way that the kid will remember, (and other kids will notice)…it’s a win for the whole class.

Look at you, little buddy… Look. At. You.

Notice.

Acknowledge.

…Then, call Spiderman.