Student Motivation Bubbles=Prizes, and Blogs by Grade

It is Saturday and I am off to school for our Spring Family Fun Fair. It makes for a long week, but the kids/families love seeing us in a "fun" atmosphere. Before I head out the door, I wanted to share something great that I discovered at Caffeine and Lesson Plans.

I don't know about you, but I am always on the lookout for fellow bloggers that are teaching my grade level (or close to my grade level) to follow. I've gotten some great freebies and have picked up some fantastic new ideas to use in my classroom from them. Mandy made a links page where you can add your blog by grade, and also discover other blogs from other grades. Be sure to check it out and add your link!

Since it is Saturday, I also want to link up with Joanne at Head Over Heels for Teaching.

Last week I shared about my clip chart and how I use it a little bit differently than others by incorporating points to keep my kiddos motivated. You can read more about it here if you missed it. One of the key rewards system that I use is my bubble charts.

As I shared last week, the students receive bubbles based on where they end up on the clip chart for the day. They also receive bubbles (up to five) from each special teacher. The special teachers appreciate being able to use my behavior system to encourage them to success.

When the students have completed a bubble chart they place it on my desk and receive a new one. I write down their bubbles on a chart in my binder. The students can choose to save their bubbles for a larger prize, or "cash" them in for a smaller one. It is a good lesson for some who always "spend" and then they are unable to do the "bigger" prizes with their friends because they spent all their bubbles. It is also very sweet because some of my kiddos ask if they can let their friends borrow bubbles so they don't miss out. You can see my prize breakdown below or download it here along with a copy of the bubble charts. (The charts are from an old magazine, but it says it can be copied without contacting the publisher so I don't mind sharing it here, but please be sure to share it, not sell it.)

The students work hard to earn bubbles, and the prizes they can earn still motivate them even now with the weather warming up!

What do you use to motivate your kids this time of year? Happy Saturday everyone!