Joanne, Over at Head Over Heels for Teaching is having a link party for student motivation. She has a GREAT idea using QR codes. You gotta check that out!
Teaching elementary for 17 years, I didn't have problems with students wanting to do well. Young kids want to please their teachers.
Middle school is a whole nother animal!
Sixth graders have no internal motivation.
At the beginning of the year I implemented reward coupons. I was good about doing this the first semester. Not so much after Christmas.
Click for this post and you can get them FREE there.
I started this up again last week. When they return their homework, they get a ticket and a signature on the slip below. I started drawing names on Friday and they were really into it. An old trick, revisited.
Last week, we implemented a homework challenge. Students had to have nine days straight of homework. They all groaned. They are working towards a free electronic day. They are earning minutes, its not an all or nothing reward. One day, all of my classes were above 90% for participation.
We are also having a Saturday Camp next week for one last push before the state test. Motivating kids to come voluntarily on a Saturday, you can imagine the hoops we have to jump through. We do drawings for prizes at the end and feed them, which always helps.
In my class, they get to choose their reward. I shared this with them Friday and they were pretty excited.
Note: TTM stands for Think Through Math. Its a computer program our students have to complete each week. We have a 90 minute a week goal for our students.
Since the last six weeks is always the hardest since the "test" is over, I am excited to try some new rewards to keep my kids form totally shutting down.
Hope you join the link party and share your ideas as well!
Consistency is a problem that I run into as well. The motivational thing starts out well, then I start to get lazy or bored of it or it's getting too expensive. So then I drop it and behavior gets worse. Then I try something new. And so the cycle continues...
ReplyDeleteDiane
Fifth in the Middle
I can completely relate! The novelty starts to wear out and I find myself having to begin new strategies as the year progresses. I just started class dojo after spring break and think that might get me through to the end of the year (I hope!). I taught 6th for 8 years before moving to 4th and enjoyed reading your post:)
ReplyDelete~Holly
Fourth Grade Flipper
I love as a middle school mother that you still offer fun rewards! I love the electronic day-what a great idea! I know every kid in middle school has electronic devices! I wish my son's teachers did this! Thanks for sharing and coming to my party!
ReplyDeleteJoanne
Head Over Heels For Teaching
I am right there with you and all the above commenters! We know that consistency is the key, yet are plates are so full....its easy to stop doing things. I like the homework challenge idea! I've been trying to come up with a way to reward my students who consistently complete their homework everyday.
ReplyDeleteHave a great week!
Carla
Surviving Sixth Grade