Submitted by Tami Mangusso , Colorado
Idea posted May 8, 2012
I am amazed on how hard my students work to get more smileys than frowns. Even my 5th grade classes work hard on it. I haven't had to give any incentives or rewards for having more smileys than frowns. My students have learned that when we get all smiley faces, we all are happy, and when we get too many frowns, then we all feel crummy.
At the end of class, we use the scoreboard to discuss what went well and what we need to work on. Any time they get a frown, I discuss and write on the board what they need to work on.
If you have to give a reward, I would recommend letting them earn privileges. Here are a few suggestions:
- Free Choice Seating: They can sit anywhere they want for one day, two days, or three days.
- Sing their favorite song.
- Play their favorite song on an instrument (e.g., recorders, barred instruments, or Boomwhackers®).
- Play a singing game.
- Do their favorite dance.
- Watch some fun YouTube videos.
- Have music outside (weather permitting, of course).
- Other favorite activity.
I would suggest letting the class come up with the songs, games, activities, and dances that they would like to earn. Then write each one on a piece of paper and put them in a bag. When they win that day, pull one privilege out of the bag.