Over the past few years it has seemed to me that all my students want prizes for everything from bringing back their homework to being the first student done with an activity. I, like many of my co-workers, gave prizes for good behavior when students filled up a behavior chart. I gave prizes when my students were well behaved for a sub too. I gave prizes for tidy desks. I gave prizes for students that were responsible about bringing back their homework. The list goes on...
I spent lots of money at the dollar store and the Target dollar section trying to buy prizes that my boys would like, and prizes that my girls would like. Parents were kind and sent in some prizes too.
I just had one question: Why was I rewarding my kids for behavior that was an EXPECTATION? I realize our kids are far from being in the real world. But in the real world we don't get prizes for getting to work on time or remembering to shut down our computers. What message was I sending to my students by giving them prizes all of the time?
I made the decision about this time last year that I would have a year without a prize box.
It has been my best year of teaching yet!
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I knew if I started the year with no prize box then my students wouldn't be expecting prizes. I also knew that I had to get the parents on board too. At the beginning of the year when we had an open house/meet the teacher presentation I explained myself to my parents. I told my parents that
1) The pace of first grade is different from that of kindergarten. I also explained that there is a lot of information packed into each quarter. I passed out our
nine weeks skills list and heard gasps among the parents. There was a lot to be learned in just nine weeks.
2) I explained my thoughts on the prize box and how I didn't want to reward my class for behavior that was an expectation. I told my parents that I would reward the class for trying their best, working hard, getting along when there is a conflict, etc. But I would not use happy meal toys as my reward.
My parents nodded their heads in agreement.
3) I asked my parents to help their children be responsible because, I believe, first grade is a grade where good study habits and responsible behavior is learned. They cannot do it all on their own at first, but we can guide them. I begged, "Please don't pack your child's backpack. Remind them to pack up their backpack and ask them what is supposed to be in it. They will know my expectations because I make them very clear. Let's give them the chance to learn to be responsible." I gave similar instructions when it came to homework, returning library books, and brining a snack to school. Again, my parents nodded their heads in agreement.
*I have to say this is the very best group of parents I have ever had. They want their children to succeed. They recognize that their child is not just like the child that sits in the seat next to them. They get excited about their successes and encourage their children to do their best. They focus on their child's growth as a first grader, and not on whether they are a straight A student. They hold their children accountable for their actions and they support me 100%. Best group of parents EVER!*
***
I talk often in my classroom about how we are a team. We are almost like a family. We may not always get along (some days we may not even like each other), but we can be more successful if we work together. I encourage them to help others, to pitch in, to help take care of our classroom. When a student is absent I don't even have to ask for a volunteer to do their class job. Someone just offers to do it. If a student is sick the other students at their table organize their desk and are ready to explain assignments to them as soon as they return. When a student is proud of themselves for hard work other students high-five and are just as proud.
I tell my students daily to be leaders. How can we be leaders? By being a good example in the hallways, in our classroom, at assemblies. They just love that they can be a leader for older students. I have no worries when I have a substitute. (It helps that I tell my students whenever possible that I'm going to be gone.) But they behave the same way with a substitute that they do with me. They behave responsibly because I expect it.
***
All of this happens without prizes.
Does that mean I NEVER reward them? Of course not! I reward with activities like read-a-thons, art projects, books from my "secret teacher stash," or five minute dance parties. Before Easter we did an activity from my
For My Peeps pack and students made their own jellybean flavor. They had such a ball. They want to make a second flavor. I'll bring that out when they least expect it.
They haven't missed toys. They haven't missed getting funky pencil sharpeners or plastic slinkys. NOT having a prize box has given us the opportunity to focus on what truly is important in the classroom. Instead of a prize I tell them how proud I am or how I appreciate their hard work. I write notes on my fancy stationery and notes on Post-Its- "I was really impressed with your reading today! Great job!" That means more to them than a happy meal toy. Just think about it- when your boss compliments you doesn't it just make your day?
I'm certain I will never go back to the prize box- I've had too much success without it!
.JPG)
