Motivation+Ideas

First thing in morning, students write in agenda when they are finished, teacher gives them smart pill (m&m).

Classroom has stop light when student is bad. They move their clip. Yellow-warning, Red-trouble/no Fun Friday. When student is misbehaving, teacher calls on other friends and tells them how well they are doing. Misbehaved student will follow friends. When a student is misbehaving teacher will say positive statement to friends surrounding student. Give frequent, early, positive feedback that supports students' beliefs that they can do well. Ensure opportunities for students’ success by assigning tasks that are neither too easy nor too difficult. Help students find personal meaning and value in the material. Create an atmosphere that is open and positive. The teacher needs to show enthusiasm in classroom. Give students feedback as quickly as possible. Return papers, tests, and reward success immediately. Introduce students to good work done by peers. Share good work with other classes & teachers. Provide classroom time to share students work with their peers. Be specific when giving feedback to students.

Students are aware of responsibility. Change style and content when needed or every 9 weeks. Make student reaction and involvement part of learning. Make their opinions and feelings on subject important. Use group cooperative goals. Have students work with friends and classmates on projects. Don’t over teach. Telling students too much can overwhelm them. Summarize. Have summary of what they learned at end of lesson. Lead by example. Get into your lesson. Show learning is fun. Encourage additional study time. Offer special privileges. Extra fun play time. Give small rewards. Stickers or special pins. Use praise as reward. Acknowledge job well done.


 * Answer Cards ** Answer cards are a great way to involve an entire class and quickly see who’s on the right track. Place inside a library book pocket 6 or more 3×5 notecards. Across the end of each card put one response. I use A, B, C, D, and YES, NO. You may want to add TRUE and FALSE or others you need. The students remove the cards they will need and hold their cards close so no one can see them. Then I state the question and answers, repeat once, then tell them to think (wait a few seconds…..), say “get your answer ready”, “now, show me your answer”. All answers must be held up at the same time. You can see in a second who needs help. If many are wrong say “put your cards back and let me give a clue.” Then repeat the steps.

Practice spelling, math or whatever, clean the desks and make the room smell great! Have students clear their desks and give them a glob of shaving cream. I have my students practice writing spelling words, math problems or whatever I choose that day.