This blog is in response to the reward systems and quieting students down. Every class I stand outside of my door with a role of tickets. Students are required to say hello to me with a smile on their face and to show me their silent reading book and in return they get a ticket. On my list of consequences posted for poor choices, students lose their ticket after they have been warned once. Every Friday we do drawings from the ticket box and students are able to pick a prize from the prize box. You would be amazed how much ownership and pride these students take in these tickets. Students must also “pay” me with their ticket if they are not prepared for class and have not finished an assignment.
As for quieting students down, I do the “Give me 5” technique. I do a lot of group work in my room and it at times can become a little rowdy. When I need everyone’s attention I simply put my hand in the air and say “Give me 5”. The students do the following things:
1. Put pencils down
2. Put hand up (serves as a signal to those around them)
3. Sit up straight
4. Eyes on speaker
5. Absolutely silent
We practiced this numerous times the first few days of school and now it comes naturally to the students. I also have a poster of the technique on my wall to remind students.
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2 comments:
Heather Day
We have implemented "Give Me 5" for our entire school. It works amazingly well, even when we have all 900 kids and teachers in the gym. Our principal or someone else, will raise their hand, and all around the gym, or other place, the kids will raise their hand and close their mouths. It's very fast. Our special areas teachers also really like it because it is a universal sign that they can use and it works on any student and class, and is not teacher-specific.
I love this idea! I am going to try it in the classroom where I work. Thanks for the idea.
Misha
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