One fun way to motivate an entire group of students is to use the marble method. Purchase a glass jar and bag of marbles. The glass jar should be put on display so that all of the students can easily see it. Explain that every time the class receives a compliment from another adult, good whole group behavior is observed or everyone completes an assignment on time, a marble will be added to the jar. When the jar is full, the whole group can be rewarded with extra recess or an ice cream party.
Many teachers enjoy creating a class store. Students should earn money to spend based on good behavior. At the end of each grading period, students should be given a chance to purchase items from the store. These items can be picked up at a dollar store, yard sales, consignment shops or donated by parents. Another idea is to reward students for completing specific jobs, such as the attendance keeper or the class helper. This type of positive behavior reinforcement will motivate students to demonstrate appropriate classroom behavior.
If funds are low, educators can also implement individual and whole group rewards that are absolutely free. Decorate a shoebox and place it in a central location of the classroom. Explain to students that they can earn a chance to pull a coupon from the box. These coupons can entitle them to fun rewards, such as an extra 15 minutes of recess, movie time, no-homework passes and craft time. Students will strive to behave appropriately in order to receive a coupon.
Ask any student about their favorite thing to do at school and you will most likely hear many responses about recess. Give students a chance to determine how much recess time they receive with a recess build-up. Tell students that they will begin the day with no recess. However, emphasize that they can earn recess minutes by demonstrating good behavior. This idea works well. If the students are attentive during class and stay focused on given assignments, then the teacher is able to easily grant them more play time while still completing the necessary lessons.