Positive Behavior Intervention and Support specialist Paul Callis uses ClassDojo to help special education students build their confidence as learners. Callis, who supports students between 6th and 12th grade at the Coliseum College Prep Academy in Oakland, says his students usually need to work to build back some lost self-esteem before they can tackle more rigorous academic matters. Once the students feel valued and successful, Callis can begin to get through to their potential. “That’s when the work comes in. First, to get them onto grade level, they need to be in a positive place,” he adds. Using ClassDojo, Callis looks for ways to reinforce the positive trajectory he and his students are building. This reinforcement creates a virtuous circle of self confident students who help one another, are punctual and prepared.
Watch more “Ideas for the Classroom“ to uncover other great ways teachers incorporate ClassDojo into their workflow.