Rewards In The Classroom
I've used rewards in the classroom in a variety of ways and situations. I've taught for over thirty-eight years and have been in a lot of different grades and subjects. I substitute taught for awhile before I was lucky enough to have my own class. Probably that was when I started using behavior modification and rewarding. It grew from desperation.
My favorite modification program was with a second grade class. It happened because I wanted to reward the students who simply did the right thing. I called it "Privileges" with the idea that some rewards were not automatic. Some things were reserved for students who were willing to follow the rules-privileges that were earned.
It was pretty simple. If you managed to keep your name off the board for the week, you selected a random coupon from the jar. I then allowed a few minutes of discussion among the winners and if they chose to trade what they had selected this was their opportunity. Then the coupons were safely stored in each desk until the student chose to collect the reward.
The rewards were designed to give the students some fun jobs or a chance to be in the spotlight. One reward I designed so that several students could join me in the classroom for lunch instead of the lunchroom. I provided a small dessert and we chatted and had a relaxed lunch. It was a nice chance to get to know them better. I found I enjoyed the lunches as much as the coupon holders.
I'm offering a selection of coupons that be used in any reward program you are using. I've included one for lunch with the teacher. I hope you enjoy it as well.
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