It is important to document students' misconduct. Finding a simple system for recording infractions can make this easier. Complicated systems are time-consuming and do not always get used.  One simple way is Communicator Cards (3 x 5 cards) placed on each student's desk or notebook. Each time the student violates a rule, it is recorded on the card. Many teachers require that these cards be taken home and signed by the student's parent(s).  Another way, especially with older students, is a tracking method where the teacher uses part of a grade book. By numbering the rules and lettering the consequences, action can be documented in a matter of seconds.  For example, a student violates rule #4 and receives the consequence lettered "a." "4/a" is written by the student's name in the grade book on the date it happened.  See the example below.

Rules:
1.    Be prompt.
2.    Be prepared.
3.    Be neat.
4.    Be considerate.
5.    Follow instructions.

Consequences:
a.    Verbal correction/teacher counseling
b.    "Cooling off," "timeout," or other in-class/in-school disciplinary action
c.    Withdrawal of privileges
d.    Detention
e.    Note/call home to parent(s)
f.     Request assistance from parent(s)
g.    Request assistance from the office
h.    Request removal from the classroom
i.     Other: please specify

          Name            9/2       9/3     
          John Doe      4/a     5/d-e

This tells us that on September 2, John was not on time.  He was given a warning.  A "5/d-e" tells us that the student did not follow instructions. He was given detention, and a note was sent home.