I'M FINISHED - NOW WHAT?

In every classroom you will have racehorses and turtles. Make assignments and by the time you turn around the racehorses are saying, “I’m finished.” Meanwhile, the turtles never seem to make it to the finish line.

Here are several ideas to focus children’s attention and give them something to do when they complete their work. Most of the activities are open-ended and can be adapted to different age levels.

Super Duper Stars
Make a list of 10 things children can do if they finish their work. (Choose from the list below or create your own.) Children start with one and work through the activities in sequential order.

Note! I did this in my kindergarten and it worked like a charm. Eventually, the children realized there was no reason to hurry through their work because there was more waiting for them as a super duper star!

Bonus Cards
Write activities on strips of paper and put in a can. Children get to draw a “bonus” card when they complete their work.


*Here's where you can download the bonus cards:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1SnEagA4jljbHZuSmtxd1BCRXc/view?usp=sharing

BINGO
Each month draw a “BINGO” grid and write a different activity in each section. Whenever children have extra time, they do an activity and color it in. Who can fill in their whole card by the end of the month? Who can get a line across, down, or diagonally? Each child can win!
*Thanks to Jenny Ianero for sharing this idea she uses with her first graders.

I DON'T WANT TO DO THIS!

 Have you ever heard one of your students say, "I don't want to do this?" I love what Barbara Brown (a fabulous kindergarten teacher in Orlando) told me years ago. She said when her students say, “I don’t want to do this!” she responds, “I don’t want to do it either, so let’s just get it done and then we can do something fun.” 

There’s an important life lesson here. We all have to do things we don’t want to do. The best thing is just to do it and then you can focus on the things you want to do! (Get those assessments and reports DONE and then shut your door and sing and dance!)

Happie Sticks
Happie sticks can be a motivation for your students when they finish their work early. Write special activities on craft sticks and store them in a cup or can on your desk. Children get to choose one activity at a time, complete it, and then they can choose another stick. Here are some examples:

make a book

play a computer game

do a job for your teacher

play a board game

make something in the art center

draw on the board

read a book

help a friend

make something with play dough

You Get What You Get
Here is a song to sing when children complain about not getting the item that they want. It goes to the tune of “The Farmer in the Dell.”

You get what you get.
You get what you get.
Just like in the gum machine,
You get what you get.

YOU'RE GOING TO GET A SPECIAL VALENTINE'S PRESENT!

My webmaster has set up a special link for you to download the FEBRUARY HAPPIES that Carolyn Kisloski and I wrote a few years ago.  It's easy peasy, free, and will make February lesson plans more FUN!

COMPLIMENT AND KAZOO DAY

Here's another special day you won't want to forget. January 24 is Compliment Day and it would be a good time to talk about what a compliment is. How do you feel when someone gives you a compliment? What are some different ways you can compliment someone? How many compliments can you give during the day?

Compliment Jar
Get a clear jar and a bag of gems. Whenever someone compliments your class put a "gem" in the jar. When the jar is full the children get a special reward such as a popcorn party, extra recess, etc.

*You can use cotton balls, marbles, or other items for the compliment jar.

Hint! Be sure and let your special teachers and other school staff know about your gem jar so they can compliment your class when they EARN it.


Compliment Board (Kalli Lemley)
To encourage kindness and appreciation for others, place a bulletin board outside the room dedicated to compliments to each other. Vary the theme throughout the year:
“Leaf a compliment.” (Leaves)
“Snow’s some kindness.” (Snowflakes)
“Send a ray of sunshine.” (Sunshines)
“Watch our friendship grow.” (Flowers)


How could you miss celebrating National Kazoo Day on January 28th?



Ask your students to bring in paper towel rolls. (For sanitary reasons it is best to collect paper towel rolls rather than TP rolls!) Cut the paper towel rolls in half and punch a hole ¾” from the top. Let children decorate the cardboard rollers with markers or crayons. Cut 6” circles out of wax paper and use a rubber band to attach to one end of the roller and you’re ready to hum. March around the room as you hum some of your favorite songs.

Play “name that tune” as different students stand up and try to stump their classmates by humming a familiar tune.

DRUM ROLL!!!

Here's a new video my webmaster (Alex May) just created with winter jokes and riddles. We hope it puts a smile on some child's face this coming week.

Here is link for video with no audio -

https://bit.ly/Jan2023Jokes01

Here is link for video with audio -

https://bit.ly/Jan2023Jokes02

READ AND WIN!

Several years ago while visiting a school I saw two shiny new bikes on display in the library. Every time a child read a book they got to put their name on a ticket to win the bike. What a great way to motivate children to read! These ideas aren’t quite as big as a bike, but I bet you might spark a little interest with them.

Book Drawing 

You will need a roll of tickets (purchase at an office supply store) or make your own. Each time a child reads a book she gets to write her name on a ticket. Collect these in a sack during the week. On Friday, draw a name out of the sack and that child WINS a book!

*It could be a book that you purchased or a book that the class has made.


Stay Up Late and Read 

To reward children make copies of “Extra 15 Minutes” coupons similar to the one shown. Children who earn the ticket get to stay up an extra 15 minutes at bedtime and read to their parents.

Lottery

Put children’s names on strips of paper in a cup. During the day encourage children to practice reading their favorite sentence or page. The last few minutes in the day, pull “winning” names from the cup and let those children read.


Popcorn Party 

Get a large jar and write “Popcorn Party” on it. Every time any student reads a book she gets to add a cotton ball to the jar. When the jar is full the whole class gets a popcorn party.

P.S. I asked Mr. Google about "reading incentives" and he gave me lots of great links.

This was one of my favorite sites:

https://www.weareteachers.com/28-reading-incentives-that-really-work/

PD #8 GIFT CARDS AND REWARD STICKS

Click to view July PD #8

Tired of giving out candy and stickers? Here are some inexpensive rewards to use for special treats!

What? jumbo craft sticks, Sharpie markers, plastic cup

Why? non-tangible rewards

When? To celebrate a special accomplishment, good behavior, kindness, etc.

How? Choose activities that you think would work best for your students from the list below. Write these on jumbo craft sticks with a permanent Sharpie and then put the sticks in a cup. Pretend like children are “winning” something when they draw a stick from the can.


Choose a song and lead the class.

Eat lunch with your teacher or a special friend.

Be excused from a homework assignment.

Choose an indoor game to play.

Select the book for story time.

Sit by a favorite person all day.

15 minutes of free time.

Help the teacher do a special job.

Decorate the bulletin board or door.

Sit at the teacher’s desk.

Take off your shoes.

Listen to an IPod or headset while you work.

Take a class game or book home for the night.

Chew sugar free gum.

Be first in line for lunch

Use the teacher’s stamps, pens, or markers.

Choose a board game and play it with a friend.

Hand out supplies.

Be leader of a class game.

Be excused from a written assignment.

Play games on the computer for 10 minutes.

Visit another class in the school.

Work with a friend.

Be a helper in the office, lunchroom, or in another classroom.

Read a story to the principal or another class.

Have the teacher call your parents to tell them what a great kid you are!

Take a note to the principal about what a great kid you are.

Make something at the art center.

Have your work displayed in the hall or on the classroom door.

One special wish!


Gift Cards

What? plastic gift cards or cardboard, markers, gift bag

How? Save plastic gift cards and hotel room keys and cover them with paper. (You can also cut cardboard into 2” x 3 ½” rectangles). Write non-tangible rewards on these and place them in a small gift bag. Let children choose a “gift card” for a reward.

Note! Let your students suggest activities that they would like for rewards. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

REWARD STICKS AND GIFT CARDS

Need a few incentives and rewards to keep those kids motivated the last few weeks of school?Rather than stickers or treats, here are reward sticks that you can use to reinforce a special accomplishment or good behavior.

Choose activities that you think would work best for your students from the list below. Write these on jumbo craft sticks with a Sharpie. Place them in a cup and pretend like children are “winning” something when they choose a stick.

Choose a song and lead the class.

Eat lunch with your teacher or a special friend.

Be excused from a homework assignment.

Choose an indoor game to play.

Select the book for story time.

Sit by a favorite person all day.

15 minutes of free time.

Help the teacher do a special job.

Decorate the bulletin board or door.

Sit at the teacher’s desk.

Take off your shoes.

Listen to an IPod or headset while you work.

Take a class game or book home for the night.

Chew sugar free gum.

Be first in line for lunch

Use the teacher’s stamps, pens, or markers.

Choose a board game and play it with a friend.

Hand out supplies.

Be leader of a class game.

Be excused from a written assignment.

Play games on the computer for 10 minutes.

Visit another class in the school.

Work with a friend.

Be a helper in the office, lunchroom, or in another classroom.

Read a story to the principal or another class.

Have the teacher call your parents to tell them what a great kid you are!

Take a note to the principal about what a great kid you are.

Make something at the art center.

Have your work displayed in the hall or on the classroom door.

One special wish!


Note! Let your students suggest activities that they would like for rewards.




Gift Cards
Cut cardboard into 2" x 3 1/2" rectangles and write the non-tangible rewards on these. Let children choose a "gift card" from a bag.

CLASSROOM MANAGMENT TOOLS

These are some fun props that you might want to create for your "bag of tricks" before the school year begins.

Flashlight Spotlight
Take a flashlight and shine it on a child who is modeling the behavior you are looking for. “Spotlight on (child’s name). He’s got his math book and he’s ready to learn.”

Happy Chappy
You will need some lip balm with a fragrance. Gently rub children’s right hand with a “happy chappy” when they are following directions.

                         

You Knock My Socks Off!
You will need an old pair of socks, a stick, and a piece of string 18” long for this project. Tie a sock to each end of the string. Tie the middle of the string to the stick. When children do something outstanding, take the stick and wave it in the air as you say, “You knock my socks off!”

                                                 

Mr. Good for You!
A cloth glove, markers, fiberfill, and pipe cleaner are all you need to make a “good for you hand.” First, draw a happy face on one side of the glove with the markers. Fill the glove tightly with fiberfill or another stuffing. Gather the bottom of the glove and secure with a pipe cleaner. Children get “Mr. Good for You” and pat themselves on the back when they accomplish a new task.



Magic Lotion
Take an empty pump dispenser of hand lotion and remove the label. Make a new label for the lotion that says, “Mr./Mrs. (your name)’s Magic Lotion” and tape it to the bottle. When children are upset, frustrated, get a boo boo, or have hurt feelings, give them a “squirt” of magic lotion.

                                                                 

Brain Toys 

Fill a shoebox or basket with knotted socks or stress balls. Suggest children get a brain toy when they can’t keep their hands to themselves.



Peace Flower 

When two children have a disagreement let them hold the flower with both hands as they look at each other. When they have resolved their conflict they can hug and to back and play.

REWARD STICKS AND GIFT CARDS

Need a few incentives and rewards to keep those kids motivated the last few weeks of school?Rather than stickers or treats, here are reward sticks that you can use to reinforce a special accomplishment or good behavior.

Choose activities that you think would work best for your students from the list below. Write these on jumbo craft sticks with a Sharpie. Place them in a cup and pretend like children are “winning” something when they choose a stick.

Choose a song and lead the class.

Eat lunch with your teacher or a special friend.

Be excused from a homework assignment.

Choose an indoor game to play.

Select the book for story time.

Sit by a favorite person all day.

15 minutes of free time.

Help the teacher do a special job.

Decorate the bulletin board or door.

Sit at the teacher’s desk.

Take off your shoes.

Listen to an IPod or headset while you work.

Take a class game or book home for the night.

Chew sugar free gum.

Be first in line for lunch

Use the teacher’s stamps, pens, or markers.

Choose a board game and play it with a friend.

Hand out supplies.

Be leader of a class game.

Be excused from a written assignment.

Play games on the computer for 10 minutes.

Visit another class in the school.

Work with a friend.

Be a helper in the office, lunchroom, or in another classroom.

Read a story to the principal or another class.

Have the teacher call your parents to tell them what a great kid you are!

Take a note to the principal about what a great kid you are.

Make something at the art center.

Have your work displayed in the hall or on the classroom door.

One special wish!


Note! Let your students suggest activities that they would like for rewards.




Gift Cards
Cut cardboard into 2" x 3 1/2" rectangles and write the non-tangible rewards on these. Let children choose a "gift card" from a bag.

                                                

THANK YOU THURSDAY

I don't make up these holidays, but April 29th really is THANK YOU THURSDAY!

Everybody likes to be appreciated, so here are some simple ideas you can use to say THANK YOU to parent volunteers and school helpers at the end of the year.

Sing and Sign Thanks
Teach children this song to the tune of “Happy Birthday.”
We (Make “w” and circle around.)
Say (Index fingers by lips and move out.)
Thank you (Fingertips on chin and extend out.)
To. (Touch index fingertips.)
You. (Point.)
(Repeat twice)
We say thank you
For helping (Open left palm and place right fist on it and bring up.)
We say thank you to you!
                                          

Elvis Thank You
Get out your microphone. (Hold a fist by your mouth.)
Wiggle your hips.
(Pretend to twirl your microphone around.)
Thank you! Thank you very much!

Pictures and Letters
Integrate writing by having the children make thank you cards with various art media.

“Sweet” Thank You
Here are some clever ideas for awards you can give volunteers or school helpers. You can even cut paper the size of the wrapper and let the children make “designer” candy bars. 

Kudos Bar – “Kudos to you!”
Snickers – “Nuts about you!”
100 Grand – “A million thanks for all you did!”
M & M’s – “You’re marvelous and magnificent.”
Mint – “You ‘mint’ the world to us.”
Hershey’s Kisses – and Hugs, too!
Lifesavers – “You were a lifesaver this year!”

Gift Certificates
Here are some certificates that Carolyn Kisloski created.

                                        

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Gift-Tags-Gift-Cards-and-Gift-Ideas-2542953

2021 GIFT CARDS FOR YOUR STUDENTS

I've got a great gift idea that you can give your students this year. Best of all, it's FREE!!

Look at the list below and choose five or more that you think your students would enjoy. Run them off and make a "2021 Gift Card Book." Pass them out the last day before vacation and you'll have children smiling and "planning and plotting" how they are going to use their gift cards when they return to school in 2021.

*Adapt these to the age and interest of your students.  This list will also have to be adapted to your particular teaching situation.  A four year old might be thrilled to choose the book for story time, but a first grader learning online might prefer being excused from a written assignment.

Chew sugar free gum.

Use the teacher’s stamps, pens, or markers.

15 minutes of free time.

Help the teacher do a special job.

Decorate the bulletin board or door.

Sit at the teacher’s desk.

Take off your shoes.

Listen to an IPod or headset while you work.

Take a class game or book home for the night.

Choose a song and lead the class.

Eat lunch with your teacher or a special friend.

Be excused from a homework assignment.

Choose an indoor game to play.

Select the book for story time.

Sit by a favorite person all day.

Choose a board game and play it with a friend.

Hand out supplies.

Be leader of a class game.

Be excused from a written assignment.

Play games on the computer for 10 minutes.

Visit another class in the school.

Work with a friend.

Be first in line for lunch

Be a helper in the office, lunchroom, or in another classroom.

Read a story to the principal or another class.

Have the teacher call your parents to tell them what a great kid you are!

Take a note to the principal about what a great kid you are.

Make something at the art center.

Have your work displayed in the hall or on the classroom door.

One special wish!

THE JINGLE BELL CLUB

JINGLE ALL THE WAY THROUGH DECEMBER WITH FREE DECEMBER HAPPIES!

https://youtu.be/yG5LYIVV2Dc

Jingle Bell Club (Kitty Allen)
Kids get to sign their name as members of the “Jingle Bell Club” when they learn to tie their shoes. They also get a jingle bell on a ribbon to tie on their shoe laces.

Science -Winter Nature center

Materials:  magnifying glass, clip board, paper, pencils, tub

Let children look at the items with a magnifying glass.  Can they make a list of all the items they find in the tub?

Can they write descriptive sentences about what they find?

Gel Stickers

               
Free play on windows or a mirror. These can also be used on a cookie sheet.


Santa Chair Cover
Those of you who do flexible seating could use this as a special treat.

                                                                 
*Children could sit in the chair and write a letter to Santa.


A Coloring We'll Go
I am the last person in the world who would encourage coloring books over creative art, but the truth is that some kids just like to color. I was working with some child care centers years ago and my rules were no worksheets or coloring sheets and no screen time. I went into a teacher’s room and to my dismay there was a group of girls sitting at a table coloring. They were chatting and have a grand time. The teacher said, “They beg to do worksheets and use coloring books.” Oh, well! So, put a holiday coloring book and crayons in a center as a reward if children finish their work early.  It might entertain them and it certainly will do no harm.

                 

DIY REWARD STICKS AND GIFT CARDS

Tired of giving out candy and stickers? Here are some inexpensive rewards to use for special treats! Make the sticks or gift cards and you’ll be all set when school starts again.

What? jumbo craft sticks, Sharpie markers, plastic cup

Why? non-tangible rewards

When? To celebrate a special accomplishment, good behavior, kindness, etc.

How? Choose activities that you think would work best for your students from the list below. Write these on jumbo craft sticks with a permanent Sharpie and then put the sticks in a cup. Pretend like children are “winning” something when they draw a stick from the can.

Choose a song and lead the class.

Eat lunch with your teacher or a special friend.

Be excused from a homework assignment.

Choose an indoor game to play.

Select the book for story time.

Sit by a favorite person all day.

15 minutes of free time.

Help the teacher do a special job.

Decorate the bulletin board or door.

Sit at the teacher’s desk.

Take off your shoes.

Listen to an IPod or headset while you work.

Take a class game or book home for the night.

Chew sugar free gum.

Be first in line for lunch

Use the teacher’s stamps, pens, or markers.

Choose a board game and play it with a friend.

Hand out supplies.

Be leader of a class game.

Be excused from a written assignment.

Play games on the computer for 10 minutes.

Visit another class in the school.

Work with a friend.

Be a helper in the office, lunchroom, or in another classroom.

Read a story to the principal or another class.

Have the teacher call your parents to tell them what a great kid you are!

Take a note to the principal about what a great kid you are.

Make something at the art center.

Have your work displayed in the hall or on the classroom door.

One special wish!

Gift Cards

What? plastic gift cards or cardboard, markers, gift bag

How? Save plastic gift cards and hotel room keys and cover them with paper. (You can also cut cardboard into 2” x 3 ½” rectangles). Write non-tangible rewards on these and place them in a small gift bag. Let children choose a “gift card” for a reward.

             
Note! Let your students suggest activities that they would like for rewards.

READING INCENTIVES

Several years ago while visiting a school I saw two shiny new bikes on display in the library. Every time a child read a book they got to put their name on a ticket to win the bike. What a great way to motivate children to read! These ideas aren’t quite as big as a bike, but I bet you might spark a little interest with them.

Book Drawing
You will need a roll of tickets (purchase at an office supply store) or make your own. Each time a child reads a book she gets to write her name on a ticket. Collect these in a sack during the week. On Friday, draw a name out of the sack and that child WINS a book!

*It could be a book that you purchased or a book that the class has made.

Stay Up Late and Read
To reward children make copies of “Extra 15 Minutes” coupons similar to the one shown. Children who earn the ticket get to stay up an extra 15 minutes at bedtime and read to their parents.
                                                

Book Bucks
Run off "reading-bucks." (Free if you do a google search.) When children read a book they earn a "buck." They can save these to buy a book or other prize.



Ideas for the whole class to compete and get involved.

Pajama Party
The students work together to read a certain number of books.  When they reach their goal they earn a pajama party and get to watch a video of a book.

Popcorn Party
Get a large jar and write “Popcorn Party” on it. Every time any student reads a book she gets to add a cotton ball to the jar. When the jar is full the whole class gets a popcorn party.

Note! There are some who think "bribing" children to read will backfire. That's why I have offered several choices here that do not reward children for the number of books they read.  I agree that "reading" itself is the reward, but many children LOVE a challenge.

I found this BINGO card on https://www.reading-rewards.com/blog/11-reading-incentives-classroom/.  I like something like this because children could choose their own reward for whatever they wanted to read.
                               

READ AND WIN!

Several years ago while visiting a school I saw two shiny new bikes on display in the library. Every time a child read a book they got to put their name on a ticket to win the bike. What a great way to motivate children to read! These ideas aren’t quite as big as a bike, but I bet you might spark a little interest with them.
                                                    
Book Drawing

You will need a roll of tickets (purchase at an office supply store) or make your own. Each time a child reads a book she gets to write her name on a ticket. Collect these in a sack during the week. On Friday, draw a name out of the sack and that child WINS a book!

*It could be a book that you purchased or a book that the class has made.

Stay Up Late and Read 

To reward children make copies of “Extra 15 Minutes” coupons similar to the one shown. Children who earn the ticket get to stay up an extra 15 minutes at bedtime and read to their parents.
                                                                             

Book Bucks

Run off "reading-bucks."  (Free if you do a google search.)  When children read a book they earn a "buck."  They can save these to buy a book or other prize.

                                 
Popcorn Party 

Get a large jar and write “Popcorn Party” on it. Every time any student reads a book she gets to add a cotton ball to the jar. When the jar is full the whole class gets a popcorn party.

Reading Incentives
I asked Mr. Google about "reading incentives" and he gave me lots of great links.