Motivating Students- Revisited

We have less than 30 days of school left.

We just finished our state tests. Students are done, in all honesty, so our the teachers.

But, we have to keep them engaged for the remaining time. So, I am linking up with Joanne at
Head over Heels to help keep these kiddos motivated.

I am trying a few new things. First, let me say, I know these aren't great, bulletin boards, but our school is completely out of colored ink and isn't ordering anymore. And, I am just hanging on by a thread here people!!!

1. Bucket Fillers:
I am hoping to fill these buckets with stickers for respect being given to each other and the teacher in our class periods. Today was the first day, one class got a sticker. Uh, this is going to be a tough one.

2. Being Prepared Points
Students who come to class prepared for the week, will get a "Prepared Polly" ticket. They will get to add 2 points to an assignment of their choice.

3. Being Timely Points

Students who come to class on time for the week, will get a "Timely Ted" ticket. They will get to add 2 points to an assignment of their choice.

4. Bonus Points
They love bonus points, so I added a bonus points coupon to go with my other class rewards they can choose from each week.

I have posted about my reward system here.

I have updated my rewards to add these new ones. Click here to get them for FREE!

A "HodgePodge" of DIY

Okay,  I was inspired and made several things this week. Since I will be in Vegas next Monday and not posting, I am justifying it. (do I really need to justify being productive though?)

First, I cleaned up two clipboards. One with Modge Podge and one with chalkboard paint that I love so much.

Even the before photo came out ugly. (lol)

Some Modge Podge and cute paper and Viola!

Chalkboard paint (so simple)

Next, I  repurposed coffee cans. My hubby and I are big coffee drinkers. The teacher in me can't throw anything away, so I had  these and thought, "What can I do with them?"

SPRAY PAINT!!!!

The three finished products. Not sure what I am going to do with the polka dot one yet. Btw.. that is duct tape. I LOVE IT and it was so simple.

One of my goals is to use more "positive rewards" for my students. So, I created this Positve Performance Paw reward. Click on the picture to get a FREE copy.

 

When I see students behaving, I will give them a ticket, they write their name on it and put it in my newly decorated coffee can shown above. On Fridays, I plan to pull several names and they will get to choose from my FREE coupon rewards.

Click here to read that post and get those freebies.

Lastly, I made this for make up assignments.

The make-up assignment is not mine. It's from Laura Candler, get it here.

She is A-MA-ZING! Pour some coffee, turn on a good movie for your kids and get lost in her site!

What did you make? 

Free Rewards for Students and YOU!

This is my 1st Freebie Friday!!! I am so excited!

As teachers, we spend a lot of our own money. As I read blogs, I see all the great bargains everyone has been finding at Target, Wal-Mart, Office Depot, teacher stores, etc....

I have been shopping this summer as well. I have spent too much money, I know.

While planning positive reinforcements for my classroom management plan, I started thinking about how I could reward them with 1) FREE things, and 2) something that they would like. Plus, I have approximately 100 students, so free is important.

I made reward coupons. These are things I know they wanted to do last year, but weren't allowed to. Middle school kids are sometimes hard to please.

 I have 9 ideas so far.

I found these index card boxes at Target for 50 cents one week. I wish I had bought more because when I went back, they were $1. But, they also came with these dividers and stickers, that I know I will use at some point.

I made labels to match the coupon and this is where I will store each coupon.

I am really excited to share this with my Math department when school starts and to start using this with my students.

I also want to share this with you.  I  took my name off so you can use it yourself.

Click here  or the picture for the free download.

And, if you have any other ideas, please share them with me.