Do you need a simple and effective way to include more positive reinforcement into your classroom? Check out my teacher tip!
Sooooo, I’m a little late with adding my tip but better late than never! Mrs. Beattie’s Classroom is sharing some fab tips for teachers every Tuesday! Be sure to stop by and check out all of the great tips!
Do you ever find yourself being a negative nelly in the classroom? I recently found myself in a bit of a negativity slump (always nagging, saying no etc.). So I decided I need to change my attitude, knowing that if I change my students will also.
I started handing out “Gotchas” to students that I catch doing something positive.
This includes (but is not limited to):
- sharing
- being on task
- complimenting a friend
- participating in a discussion
- getting outside of their comfort zone
- tidying up their workspace
- including others
- using kind words
- solving a tricky problem
- persevering
- demonstrating growth mindset
I quietly walk over to the student who has earned a “gotcha” and I place the ticket in front of them. They write their name on the ticket and place it in a basket on my desk. Every Friday I hold a draw where I pick 2 names. I remind them all week that the more times their name is in the basket the better their chances (teachable moment on probability right there!).
If their name is selected they get to choose something from my prize bin OR non tangible item that I have written on the board (15 minutes of ipad time, lunch with the teacher, free writing time, 15 minute game with a friend, be the teacher for a lesson etc.).
It’s really amazing how adding more positivity into my classroom breeds more positivity. I always hand out a few first thing in the morning because it sets the tone for the day and the kids really want to earn them!
How do you use positive reinforcement in your classroom? Share in the comments below.
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I absolutely love this idea!! Thanks for linking it up – I just may try it in the next few weeks! 🙂
~Erin
Mrs. Beattie’s Classroom