Let's cut to the chase.
One strategy is not going to work for every single class. Actually, you may have to change up your strategy a few times within in a single school year.
After extended holidays, sometimes it helps to mix it up a little and introduce a new strategy. Here are a few that work well in my classroom:
1) Whole Class Incentive
This strategy is SO SIMPLE to implement, encourages teamwork and will cost you $0.
Each month, take a piece of chart paper and choose a symbol that represents that month. Think: apple for September, pumpkin for October, etc. Next, think of what you can add to the image every time your class earns a 'point'. For example, in December, I will draw a Christmas tree and every ornament I add to the tree counts as a point.
The goal is for the class to earn 10 points before the end of the month to receive a whole class reward. I usually make the reward 10 minutes of extra recess or free time, but feel free to choose whatever works best for your group.
This strategy also works really well for substitute teachers (see image below). The instructions are clear and the sub can easily continue with the strategy and incentive in your absence.
The rules:
1) The class can only earn one point per day.
2) If you exceed 10 points, every additional point adds 2 minutes to the extra free time you have earned i.e. 12 points equals 10 minutes + 2 minutes + 2 minutes = 14 minutes of free time.
3) Your classroom expectations need to be CLEAR. How will your students earn points? Here are some examples:
a) Using kind words in the classroom and at recess.
b) Including others in play.
c) Following classroom instructions.
d) Raising your hand to speak during carpet time.
2) Sticker Store
The Sticker Store is a fantastic individual incentive and classroom management tool. Here's how it works:
Each student constructs their own mini wallet (we make ours out of folded paper but you can also purchase small containers at the dollar store). At the end of each day, students have the chance to earn a coin from the Class Bank (again, you can use paper but I bought some plastic tokens at Dollarama). Once the student has earned 3 coins, they can use them to 'buy' a sticker from the Sticker Store (students have to come up and count out their coins and add 3 to the Class Bank to 'pay' for their sticker)!
This one does require the purchase of stickers - I buy bulk stickers on Amazon and usually get about 200 for less than $10 so they last a whileee. Just remember to look through them before displaying them in your classroom.
I LOVE to connect this to Financial Literacy too! It's a great way for students to practice earning, saving, spending and the practical skills needed to purchase something at a store.
Here's a look at my classroom Sticker Store:
This is the link to the stand I purchased for my sticker store.
3) Classroom Timer
This purchase is an absolute GAME CHANGER and definitely a classroom management strategy you can use all year long.
I purchased a larger timer so that it acted as a visual cue for students as they worked. My students used the clock to help them see how much time they had left, and the 'ring' when time was up was their cue to clean up and transition to the next activity. The timer also helped me stay on track too!!
The timer also has a strong magnetic back so it's easy to display on the board. I used this timer in SK/1 but will definitely be bringing it with me back to junior!
Shop this timer on Amazon here.
Happy Learning!
Stephanie
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Thank you for reading!
Stephanie
