Motivating Students 1. Praise Students Big Ways: - send positive notes home (print certificates and put an encouraging note to student) - hold weekly award ceremony in classroom - announce accomplishments over school intercom - place picture of student on school/teacher website Small Ways: - display accomplishments in classroom (ex. print certificates or keep track of each skill mastered on a chart) - shout-out for each student when skill is mastered Know your students’ names! Call them by name when recognizing/praising their accomplishments. (create photo seating chart to help you learn each students’ name) Use praise other than “Good Job!” http://imperfectfamilies.com/2012/08/13/50-ways-to-say-good-job-without-saying-good-job/

2. Expect Excellence Set realistic goals both short term and long term - Short Term: master 2 skills today, stay on task and focused for 15 minutes - Long Term: master at least 10 skills each week, keep up with weekly pacing goal, offer monthly rewards and display around classroom (ex. Sock Hop, Blow up inflatables, Pizza party, etc. for students reaching 25%, 50%, 75%, 100% of program complete goals)

3. Mix it Up Change the incentives that have been offered so far this school year Allow students to vote on rewards they would like the chance to earn - Teacher will need to give realistic examples Use positive competition (ex. Class A vs. Class B, 4th graders vs. 5th graders, boys vs. girls) If one student is really good at using a particular coaching strategy, allow that student to master a skill for the day and then help a friend master using that coaching strategy

5. Create a threat-free environment 4. Assign Classroom Jobs Check that headphones are back in their designated place, Chairs under table Collect scratch paper and pencils 5. Create a threat-free environment Positive reinforcements: focus on the can, not the can’t 6. Be excited! Students are more excited about learning when they can see how excited their teacher is about teaching

Resources http://www.teachhub.com/top-12-ways-motivate- students http://www.unl.edu/gradstudies/current/teaching/moti vating http://www.onlinecollegecourses.com/2012/12/10/how- to-motivate-your-students-what-every-teacher-should- know-but-doesnt/ Other Reading: http://www.alfiekohn.org/article/five-reasons-stop- saying-good-job/