Submitted by Linda Barnhart, Maryland

Idea posted March 8, 2006

My third graders just started recorders last week. Today, any recorders that can't behave have to go into the penalty box for two minutes. I will not have a real box, though the thought crossed my mind. I think it would be too disruptive with students getting up and down. Instead the FIRST offense of making noise on the recorder during instruction will result in me saying "penalty box," and the student must then put the recorder down for two minutes. They are responsible for looking at the clock and keeping the time. If anyone fudges the time, I will take the recorder for much longer.