Submitted by Diann Rudd, Perkins, Oklahoma
Idea posted March 11, 2010
I use pony beads for extra incentives. A student can get a pony bead to tie on their recorder belt if they bring me a note that they have practiced 15 minutes at home, if they play their belt song from memory, or if they do something above and beyond what I've asked. At Christmas time, I give them a bead for playing their recorders in a music program outside of school, or if they play for someone who does not live in their house.
I've also developed a system of points where they get two points for each belt and one point for each pony bead. The students with the most points are the ones who get to help other students who might need help or help me as an assistant.