Submitted by Melissa Cunnington, Milton-Freewater, Oregon

Idea posted February 14, 2003

My kids LOVE to have parties, so I decided why not give them a "music party" once in a while. Here's how I do it.

On my board are 5 "music notes" with the numbers 1-5 written on them, which represent points. Each class can earn up to five points every music day based on their behavior in class. If they misbehave, they lose a point, or if they do really well, they get a point (sometimes I give "bonus points, too!). I predetermine the point goal for each class/grade and when that goal is met, we have a party. I usually set the bar a little higher each time they have a party, and we only end up with about 3 parties a year per class.

This has been wonderful because it also gives me an excuse to show "musicals" for the movie we watch during the party! (I'm so sneaky!)