All my desks are arranged in groups of 4-5 per group. Each group of students gets a colored bin containing supplies. Whichever color they are designated is the color for their group. They learn to work as a team and have to earn tallies as a team. This was also a simple way to teach tallies, and trust me by the end of the first 6 weeks all of my students knew how to use tallies without any problems. At the end of the week, the group with the most tallies get their names put in a drawing for a free homework pass and they get to become the BRAVO table for the entire next week. I have a little cone that says Bravo that I place at their tables for the week. They honestly all work really hard to be the Bravo table!
This is an awesome idea! Last year, I did a group incentive, but passed out "poof balls" into jars to keep track of points. It was effective, but a headache. This idea is FAR better! :) I'm happy I stumbled upon your blog! Thanks for sharing your great ideas and resources!
ReplyDeleteMrs. Heeren's Happenings
Thank you for sharing, love it!
ReplyDeleteI am in the final stages of setting up my blog and cannot get the pin it or follow me on pinterest buttons on my page. Do you have any advice. I have tried blog sentral and another link without much success. Do not want to publish until it is all set
ReplyDeletethanks for any advice
Susan
First go to Pinterest Goodies (in the help menu) in your Pinterest account to copy the Html address. Then add a gadget in the layout menu. You'll select HTML in the gadget menu and paste the Pinterest html address in the box.
ReplyDeleteHow do u handle those students that ruin it for the table. I always have this problem. That table never gets a fair shake?????
ReplyDeleteWe talk so much about teamwork and how you have to give your all to the team, that I really haven't had too much trouble with this. Now last year, I had one kiddo that consistently prevented his group from earning tallies, so I just took him out of the group. He sat solo and no longer got to earn tallies. He did not like this one bit, and came around after a couple weeks.
ReplyDeleteI teach 4th grade and we change classes (2 man team). How do you think this would work if the group tallies were combined for both classes instead of doing it separately for each class? I believe looking at the tallies the group in the other class earned would encourage that same group from the next class. Example: Team 1 from 1st period earned 3 tallies. When Team 1 from 2nd period comes in they see it and is encouraged to earn more for the team. Does this make sense?
ReplyDeleteI think it's a great idea to have your 2 classes work together. I'm all about teamwork- whether it's between small groups of students or even 2 classes. I used to team teach, and I had incentives that my am and pm classes had to work together to earn, and it worked out fine. I think as long as you explain how the system is going to work, and how their actions will not only affect their fellow group members, but also the 2nd period group, and vice versa. It's a lesson in team work and responsibility!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the confirmation! I can't wait to try it.
DeleteWow, I really like this idea and it doesn't take much prep. I teach first grade in Texas but this idea can work for any grade or classroom. Thanks so much for sharing.
ReplyDeletePattie
I love this! How or where can I get the letters that make bravo board?
ReplyDeleteThey are scrapbooking letters. The brand is Best Occasions and it's the Alphabet Punch-Out Pack. You should be able to get them at any craft store or on-line if you google it. Thanks!!!
ReplyDeleteI'm making this today! I'm calling it Bonus Points...I'll post a pic later:)
ReplyDeleteHow did the groups get their tallies?
ReplyDeleteTallies are generally given for good behavior. The quietest group at any given moment may earn a tally. I also give tallies to the groups that clean up first or groups showing great teamwork during an activity. They never know for sure what I'll give tallies for, but I'm always on the look-out for good behavior, great leaders, and super citizens.
ReplyDeleteDo you think rewarding each member on the team each Friday would become difficult to manage? We have groups of 3 and four.
DeleteI have groups of 4 and each Monday I reward the winning table with homework passes. It's a great way to start the week, and everyone is anxious to earn points for the week.
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