Submitted by Kerry Weber, Newark, Delaware
Idea posted September 27, 2002
I use a great classroom management idea that I got from the MusicK8.com Mailing List and would like to tell you how I adapted it for my classroom.
The original suggestion was to give each child a piece of paper and have them write their name on it. Then, as a rule is broken, the paper is taken away. At the end of class, those with papers remaining have a drawing for a prize.
Instead of taking class time to have the students write their names on the papers, I prepared a name paper for each student and kept the papers in a ziplock bag labeled for each class. In most cases, I had time to put the papers on the student's chair before class started. If not, I would take time at the beginning to pass them out. This worked well for me because my students sit in chairs and don't usually have pencils unless I pass them out for something special. Also, I took the "lost paper" one step further by requiring a missed recess if the student continued to misbehave after losing his or her paper!
The system worked great. I really didn't have to say much except, "Johnny, put your paper on the piano." Thanks to whoever sent the original idea!