5 “outside the box” classroom incentives for students
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Question:
Dear Guidance Counselor,
I am a 5th grade teacher who is having a difficult time with classroom management this year–with one challenging student in particular . He is consistently trying to be the center of attention, and as a result, I spend most of my time redirecting him instead of teaching. It seems that incentives are the best way to get him to buckle down and focus, but can you give me any ideas beyond earning candy, stickers and pencils. I appreciate your thoughts. Thanks much, Melissa
Answer:
Dear Melissa,
Ahh, the ups and downs that come along with becoming a teacher. I am sure that many educators know where you are coming from are right there with you on this one. In my experience it seems that no classroom management plan works 2 years in a row since they dynamics of each class changes every year. That’s why it is important to stay several steps ahead of the group, or individual child, and be willing to do a lot of trial and error when it comes to management. It sounds like you’ve already figured out the hardest part, which is what motivates the child. Try these 5 incentives to help keep all your students working hard and in-check.
Become a mentor to a younger student. Often times “big kids” are more than willing to show the “little kids” the ropes. This kind of reward builds confidence for your student and gives him attention in a positive light. Try setting up some time where your student can read to the younger student or even help him in the classroom.
Earn extra time to spend on enjoyable activities. Figure out what your student enjoys and then allow him the chance to earn extra minutes for these special activities. Perhaps he likes computer games, extra reading time, or learning games inside the classroom. Worried about how other students are going to react? A “fair, but not equal” motto is something that students should learn. Everyone has different needs and may require different tools to be successful in the classroom.
Work towards a private lunch date with a teacher or friend. If attention is a big one for this student maybe a lunch with the teacher will motivate him to follow the rules. If you don’t sense that eating lunch with you would be much of a reward to the student, maybe he could earn the chance to invite one friend to have a private lunch in the classroom Something like this often works with students who love the limelight, but feel they are constantly competing for attention, which no doubt is happening in the lunchroom too.
Work towards a “No Homework” pass. What student wouldn’t jump at the chance to earn a night of freedom from school work? It could be that this reward is just what your student has been waiting for.
Become a teacher assistant. Most children like to feel needed and important and, based on the information you’ve shared, it is possible that your student would love to be a teacher assistant. Maybe he’d like to make announcements to the class for the day, which would give him the opportunity to be front and center in a way that is productive for everyone in class. Or perhaps he’d rather be in charge of special jobs like watering the plants, organizing book shelves or cleaning the wipe boards. Once again, it is most essential to find out what this child responds to through trial and error. Best of luck, Melissa!
Tags: become a teacher, becoming a teacher, Teacher, teacher education
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