I have noticed it is harder to get high schoolers excited about the scoreboard cheers and groans. At first I was puzzled that some days they were really into it and others they were not at all. I figured out that for younger kids it is the fun of cheering and groaning and the thought of playing a few minutes of a game that motivates them. However, high schoolers (at least mine) seem to be more excited about academic rewards that seem like less work. So less questions on a quiz, extra credit questions on a test, extra days to work on the essay, etc. have all shown to do wonders for my scoreboard. I have been able to use it all week to keep them working for extra days on their book report. Although some teachers may feel like this is altering their plans, if the kids are that focused in class and motivated by it, this shows they are thinking about their work and take it seriously. It allows me a chance to get their attention while talking about the book report. So I haven't had too many of those space cadets saying "What book report?"

Cool Angela - I like it! It really is all about finding what motivates them. Also, keeping it fresh - new Oh yeahs and Mighty groans help tremendously, especially if it is kid created and I am into it too.

Great ideas! I love the idea of extra time (a day or two) on a project. Or it might mean postponing a test for a day. We don't do extra credit at our school, but extra time is always welcome. I use More/Less homework as my standard, and that definitely keeps their attention. Sometimes, if they're ahead, I only knock off 2 or 3 problems (out of maybe 12). Even though I always makes sure still we cover them later (maybe as a warmup), it's still incredibly motivating to them.

-Jen

Along these same lines, if you dock points for late work you might offer the winning team one work assignment counted for full credit if it is late.

Just thinking out loud.

I might start doing extra credit points in my class soon, I've been offering little bits of Mind Soccer time but it's lost its dazzle for them. Thanks for the suggestions!

WBT Intern
2011-2012

These are great ideas! I can even think of ways to use them in my 5th grade class. Thank you for sharing.



Tiffany
WBT Intern, 2011-2012

AngelaM.

OK? Just saw this!! What a wonderful idea. I have noticed that some days they are like, "Oh no..." but no "mighty groan" they just don't want to be bothered!!!!

I will use this to my advantage for sure.

Roxi,
WBT Intern,2011/12
wholebrainwithroxishayne.blogspot.com