As a part of my inquiry into increasing behavioural engagement I am looking at what I do in regards to positive reinforcement for my students. I have found that positively reinforcing my students does not come naturally to me, particularly when it comes to praising them for doing things that I expect to be normal behaviours. After all, I don't get any sort of praise/reward for stopping at red lights. However, I realise that type of thinking is wrong and that students need to be taught how to behave in a way that is acceptable and normal. If positive reinforcement is going to help with that, i'm all in.
After observing a few other teachers in action and researching what others do to positively reinforce their students I have created a system of my own. It's called Wiseman's Warehouse. When Students are working well/doing what they should be doing they get given Wiseman Dollars. Every Friday Wiseman's Warehouse is open from 1.10pm - 1.30pm, students are able to use their Wiseman dollars to buy things such as stationary, treats or free time. So far it seems to be working well, I only have to go and reach for the Wiseman dollars and the whole class goes silent. Hopefully it continues to work well once the novelty has worn off.
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WOW! What a great (and very unique) idea! I guess its too early to say which is the most popular item to purchase! I like that you have given them choices which enables each learner to work towards a reward that they feel is personally motivating.
ReplyDeleteWOW! What a great (and very unique) idea! I guess its too early to say which is the most popular item to purchase! I like that you have given them choices which enables each learner to work towards a reward that they feel is personally motivating.
ReplyDeleteI've done a similar thing where the 'money' they earned could be spent at an auction on Fridays. Same kind of concept but children bid for rewards and can be very entertaining. A possible idea if you need to increase motivation to earn dollars later in the year?
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