Submitted by Joanna, Mississippi
Idea posted August 19, 2009
Citizenship
Leadership
Attitude
Participation
Classes work to earn 100 points in a nine week term. They begin the 55 minute class with 10 points. Every name on the board and additional check for misbehavior loses points. Every time the class does something remarkable - like listening without interrupting, singing with good tone and expression, cleaning up supplies quickly, being kind and helpful - they earn extra points. At the end of the term, I put all qualifying classes in a drawing for parties, one for each grade level.
This works because of positive peer pressure. Students hold each other accountable for group behavior. And the citizenship part of the award means their criticism of those few button pushers and troublemakers has to be helpful. If they boss or blame that person, they all have a hand in losing points.