Rewards

Reward your students with popcorn when they finally make it through their multiplication tables, to illustrate how steam and pressure can have explosive results, as an incentive to go one day without getting in trouble in the lunchroom or simply because it’s Friday. Popcorn is quick and easy to make, doesn’t cost much money and, no, a microwave oven is not required. Hot air poppers use no oil and empty into a bowl while they’re popping; if you like lots of oil and butter on yours get the motorized kind with the stirring wires where flipping the whole thing upside down turns the lid into the bowl. Dump your popped corn into a large bowl or bag, then walk around using a cup to pour popcorn onto paper napkins on your students desks. Be prepared to have someone ready to sweep the floor when you are done.

Having a reward-earning system in place is key because it means you and your students have something you can count on. The basics are simple – good behavior of some form on behalf of the students = reward for the students given by the teacher. We’ve compiled some ideas to help you set up your own rewards system, but keep in mind that rewards aren’t always free time or parties.