Sparking Student Motivation---Reward Cards!

Student motivation is always a hot educational interest for teachers.  In my personal experience, discovering ways to motivate students is especially intriguing for educators who work with older students.  Let's face it---getting middle schoolers excited about learning can sometimes take a miracle.  Ha!

The students I work with can be even harder to motivate.....as they are the "strugglers," and don't always experience success right away.  They face disappointment and (although it breaks my heart) start to develop a low self esteem in terms of academics.  My students---well---they need the most love, encouragement, positive reinforcement and motivation that a teacher can give!!

So....as a teacher of motivationally challenged students...I am forever on the lookout for ways to encourage and inspire my students. I think half of the battle is getting students motivated....and then the rest is easy peasy, mac and cheesy.

Now....I am not one of those people who strictly believe in intrinsic motivation.  Frankly I don't care what it takes to motivate a kid---I am just glad they are excited and willing to learn.  If it takes eating lunch with the teacher, 5 minutes of free time or a prize form the prize box---I will take it!

And in all seriousness---most students are extrinsically motivated these days and my students are no exception.  So I created these cute little reward motivators I use with my students.

I use these reward cards in several ways in my class.  One of the ways is for my student's spelling tests (see how I teach spelling by clicking here.)  I allow students to select their reward--student choice is a big deal!  If they score over an 80% on their spelling test--they get to fill in a circle.  Once all of the circles are filled---they have earned their reward!

I also use these reward cards for comprehension tests, fluency checks, and even completion of various tasks via online learning websites (Raz Kids, Lexia, Moby Max etc.).

Want to see if these cards can motivate your students?  Well you can---go download them for free at my TPT store!!

Included in the download are three cards that I use---Soda Pop, Candies and Popcorn. I also included a blank template--in case you want to make your own.

Honestly my kids love these---they like to know they are working towards something, and they enjoy the flexibility in selecting their prize!  If you are interested---check them out! :)

Enjoy the rest of your Saturday!

Giveaway Alert...

Alright, you caught me....Laura's giveaway at her Differentiation Station Creations isn't actually happening today or tomorrow....BUT it is starting on Monday, January 13th.

I thought I would advertise early and give all of you fabulous bloggers a heads up.  So....on Monday hop on over to her blog and enter to win one (or all three) of her prize packs!!

She is giving away 2 prize packs with grades Prek-2 goodies, and 1 prize pack with educational goodness from grades 3-5 and clip art!

You can't win if you don't enter...... (at least this is what I tell myself when I play the lottery......still waiting for my million...ha!)

Have a great rest of your weekend!!

~Katie

Currently

I am linking up with Farley from Oh' Boy 4th Grade for her currently linky......

Ok.....So I may be two days late.....but better late than never. Right? After all it is the first party of the year, and I can't miss that!

Listening--Yep...watching a little football tonight.  Heck--who am I kidding. We watch sports non-stop around here! :)  I am just hoping for an OU win tonight!!  Let's go Big 12!!!

Loving--I am still on winter break--- jealous??  hehe....

Thinking--I can't wait for the TPT convention in Vegas.  I am so excited to meet some of my "TPT Idols."  I saw this infographic on Pinterest the other day about booking flights.....so if you are flying to the conference check out the following info!

Wanting--Speaking of pinterest.....over break I pinned a ton of yummy recipes I want to try.  As if I hadn't already eaten enough....sheesh!

Needing--Man do I need to get back on a schedule.  Insert big sigh.....  My days of sleeping until 9 (maybe 10--but don't tell anyone!) are quickly coming to an end.

Memory/Tradition-- My dear sissy just moved to Germany on December 22nd, so this year we got to have the unique experience of a skype Christmas.  Although it wasn't the same as having her here....it was still pretty amazing to see her smiling face on Christmas day!

What Will Be Your Story?

Last night (in the wee hours of the morning) while skimming the newsfeed on Facebook, I came across this great quote, and had to share.

How wonderful, truthful, inspiring and motivating are those words?   What will your 2014 story be?  I know I am hoping to write a great one! :)

~Katie