Extra Credit =)

I have been thinking about how to use this effectively... the more I think about it, I want to reward students for doing the right thing, and also going beyond expectations.

I have been giving stickers for extra credit when students are extremely focused and on task during in class work time, which models for the other students how to behave =) This has been a positive in several lights, the fact that the students are reinforced for their good behavior and the students who are off task are not reinforced... psychology, OOO YEA!

I thought I had been doing a great thing, but I read this blog and found some very interesting points
Extra Credit

This English man believes that it must be challenging (and sometimes staying on task is for these kids) but, if you are giving a lot of extra credit (when I only give 2 points) then it must be to build on a previously learned concept. I really found this interesting. Also, he only assigns extra credit if the student has completed all of the assignments... hmmm, kind of like the tests in math, you have to complete all the homework to take the test, so this concept makes sense to me in ways. You should check it out, it is really quick and easy to read through.


Now, some comics that may reflect a piece of your life...

My students are writing stories and many of them end abruptly, like this... it is funny how kids think! 

Don't forget that many students can utilize technology inside and OUTSIDE of the classroom with all of the cell phones and tablets, make projects adaptable to use with or without it, for those students who don't have access.

Another one on writing, but
when people think they are writing about nothing, that nothing becomes something!

Don't let this be you...
remember to keep your performance fresh and fun, for not only your job's safety, but for your kid's sake!

And remember... speak their language! =)