Why Have You Not Given Up Rewards Yet?

I don't use rewards, incentives, or any type of extrinsic motivators in my classroom. Yes, it is my first year teaching, and I know plenty of teachers who say they couldn't do it without stickers, candy, or special events. I really just want to say, "I do it and it works." My students are motivated by our activities, how we do them, and their accomplishments.

I really enjoyed reading @pernilleripp's post that reinforces the reasons why rewards aren't necessary. If you use rewards and/or any type of extrinsic motivator, you should definitely read her post.

Teaching Students to Ask Their Own Questions

Expectation #4 in my classroom is "Ask Questions". Many students are afraid to ask questions out of fear that their peers may laugh, it may be a "stupid question", or other reasons that can cause them embarrassment. My students are starting to learn that they're free to ask questions and they will get an answer whether it be from me or another student. If the question is off-topic then it's easily redirected.

Here are six steps to teach your students how to ask their own questions.

Instead of... How about...

To be honest, I can't even explain this poster made by @KTVee from TeachFactory.com.

You really just need to read it yourself! :)

Instead of...

GIve Me Back that Gold Star or How Do You Reward Your Students When You Don't Believe in Rewards

Do you reward your students with incentives like stickers, candy, toys, or any of that other "stuff"? Doesn't that get expensive? Wouldn't it be nice to manage your classroom without them? Or how about simply rewarding your students with time? Seems brilliant to me!

Check out @4thGrdTeach's post about rewards on her blog Blogging Through the Fourth Dimension.

Three Levels of Effective Classroom Management

Sending a student to the principal's office (for negative behavior) is a decision, I believe, should be the VERY last resort and only used in extreme circumstances. Building trust with students and showing them I care is at the very top of my priority list. By having those in your classroom, classroom management shouldn't be a problem.

@thenerdyteacher wrote a post on @edutopia's blog explaining the three levels of effective classroom management.

Three Levels of Effective Classroom Management