Positively Incentivizing

Today I'm thinking about effectively incentivizing positive choices.

Click the graphic below to read my guest post for Free Spirit.

In the post, I suggest giving students the option to earn Brag Tags, Badges, and Experiences. Shortly after that post went live, I saw this creative idea on Facebook.

It was put in the yard of an unsuspecting student of one of the teachers, Christina Hogue, at our sister school. Isn't that a fun way to incentivize good character? Would it work in your district? If not, how would you tweak it? What could you do for a child in an apartment or condo, who might not have a yard? How might you change it if your school's parents didn't want you to share quite as much info?

And just yesterday, I read this post about rethinking those Clip Chart systems. I've always thought that if we were going to use a clip system, maybe it could be more of a Character Clip, using a visual like this. 

Here's how it could work.

Let's all start on caring in our community of caring. Then, throughout the day, as students are caught showing good character, we could say, "Bailey, thank you for making such good choices. What spot on the wheel do you think you could move your clip to?" Think about how empowering it would be for this child to go and move her clip to the pillar whose power she was positively sharing. Students could also be on the lookout for positivity they see one another giving: "I just saw Jimmy taking turns and sharing. Maybe he could move his clip to fairness?" 

 If there's a misstep, it could be handled privately

and the student could set a goal for how he or she will turn

that behavior around to get back on track and self-regulating

as they travel down the Character Road.

Energy flows where attention goes, that's for sure.

What are some of the creative ways in which you incentivize 

to shape those desired positive behaviors?

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Master Classroom Management

Today I'm excited because I've got three whole days {without too much planned} that I can spend digesting the treasures in this book I've been reading.

From the publisher: Dr. Jerry Evanski’s approach stems from a simple and practical idea: that classroom management is based on teaching methods that keep your students interested and engaged, not on disciplining students when they misbehave. As he says, “Poor teaching strategies can trigger behavior problems. You can prevent problems before they occur.”

Based on significant review of educational research that is sprinkled throughout the book, Dr. Evanski has developed a program that offers one simple skill a day to build a repertoire of classroom management techniques. After eight weeks, teachers have mastered 40 new skills that cover the key teaching areas of:

-       Getting attention

-       Keeping attention

-       Engaging students

-       Teaching the lesson

-       Getting participation

-       Giving directions

-       Communicating

-       Transitioning

Here is a sample of some of the skills covered in the book:

-       Your Teaching Spot - Teach students to associate specific locations in your classroom with different messages—one spot for teaching, one spot for announcements, etc.

-       The Big Picture – Help students establish the context for what you’re teaching by showing them how it fits into what they are learning throughout the year.

-       Acknowledge the Effort – Encourage participation by teaching students how to enthusiastically acknowledge the effort of their classmates.

Why I'm loving this resource: The first thing that draws me to this book is that Dr. Evanski's ideas, many of which are backed by brain research, 

exude engagement, motivation and fun. I have a feeling that educators like me will learn and grow by leaps and bounds as they tailor these tips to fit the needs of the students in their classroom families. 

The second sticking point is how the book is set up, with an idea to test-drive every day of the week for eight weeks, to facilitate learning and implementation. 

The third-and-equally-important reason I'm endorsing Dr. Evanski's work is that it's a tool that supports my firm belief in disciplining through proactive modeling, teaching and practicing of skills rather than with a reactive punishing of skill deficits. Isn't that what our students deserve from us? And isn't that how we hope they'll lead when they're in charge? 

Check out this book; I predict it'll be a positive influence and support as you work with intention to create a culture of dignity, caring and respect in your 

character building.

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PPBF: I Wish You More

As graduation time comes back around, 

I'm super excited about today's PPBF pick.

Title: I Wish You More

Author: Amy Krouse Rosenthal

Illustrator: Tom Lichtenheld

Publisher: Chronicle Books

Date: March 31, 2015

Suitable for: ages 5-8 (and up!)

Themes: inspiration, motivation, wishes

Brief synopsis: The words on each page in this thoughtful, inspirational gem express a wish of all things good for the reader:

Opening page: I wish you more ups than downs.

Resources:

See more pages and download Teacher's Guide {here}.

The story behind the story as told by the illustrator {here}.

Read a review at Cool Mom Picks blog {here}.

Check out another review at Sal's Fiction Addiction {here}.

Why I like this book: As you may know, I'm always in the market for a good book, one that will grab me and refuse to let go. So the other night when I was browsing at Barnes & Noble, I was pleasantly surprised to happen on another newbie by the dynamic duo of Rosenthal and Lichtenheld. I read it in the store, but left without a copy for my shelf because I wasn't sure I needed more books right now. I was wrong. As I reflected on my way home, I wished I'd have bought a copy, and the very next morning I went back and bought four. It's that good. 

And not just for this time of year, though it'd be perfect for that special grad. I picked up a copy for myself, copies for two friends who find themselves at a crossroads in their life, and a copy to keep on hand.

I wish you more will than hill ... 

who wouldn't savor hearing that right now?

And how would I use this beauty?

As a gift, I can imagine finding a complementary scripture, inspirational quote or uplifting song to write alongside the wish on each page. 

In the classroom, I can imagine students making a wish page for a class book or individual booklets for parents, teachers, caregivers. 

I imagine students creating a bumper sticker. Here's mine:

I imagine writing wishes on address-label-sized stickers to seal the wrap around the napkin and plastic-wear at a local fast-food place.

I imagine a visual display on which we post students' wishes for one another and for our school family.

And I imagine using this treasure as a Reader's Theater and/or performed for special guests like Grandparents or Veterans.

What do you imagine doing with this precious book of wishes?

Leave your answer in the comments, then head over to 

Susanna's blog for more PPBF titles. 

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Fuel For Writing

Today I'm excited about a must-have 

writing workshop resource by Christine DePetrillo.

Click the cover image to purchase the digital version on TpT.

This little masterpiece is like a Reader's Digest guide to help writers in grades three through eight develop dynamic, intriguing, authentic, and engaging characters.

 Its 116 pages, divided into four major topics, are described in the book like this: 

Chapter one: Observing people to discover elements that reveal character 

Chapter two: Developing key aspects of characters - how they look, where they live, and what they say and do. 

Chapter three: Evolving character to show how a character develops over time 

Chapter four: Using voice, dialogue, and point of view to make a character come alive.

Ignite your writing instruction with five Common-Core-aligned activities per chapter, most of which will take about 45 minutes each. Sample entries and varied follow-up assessments enrich the text along the way. The goals, motivation, and conflict section has the potential to encourage self-reflection in the writers while they're creating the profiles of their characters. My personal favorite, the character interview, could easily serve to elevate empathy in the writers as they develop characters, and then get to know what they stand for, believe in, and value.

I enthusiastically recommend this exciting new teaching guide as an 

invaluable deposit for your writing fuel tank.

Click {here} for more information or to buy a hard copy 
and get the digital copy as a bonus.

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A Reason To Dance

Love Kid President . . .

. . . and his priceless advice 
to newcomers to our world.

I see so many teachable-moment possibilities with this.
Couple it with a lesson Mrs. Trayers shared yesterday {here}.
Whom will you positively influence today?

What advice do you have for them?
And how will you make today great?

Now, about that dance . . .

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When The World Says No

Tonight I'm excited because we had such a fun time hosting twenty educators from Ross Elementary, a school down the road in a neighboring district, who were checking out our character climate. Several of them sat in on a peace class with me and my second graders and I was so, so proud of those peacemakers who just went on doing what they do while sharing the room with our visitors, 
no questions asked. 

I just love helping school families as they embark on their trip

down Character Road, especially when they're as eager and enthusiastic as these teachers and administrators are. It was a win-win, really, because as we helped to jumpstart their journey, my battery was totally recharged and 
I fell in love with my school all over again.

Speaking of batteries, have you seen this Duracell commercial? It features Seattle Seahawks Fullback Derrick Coleman, an athlete who, despite his deafness, persevered through overwhelming obstacles and odds to play in the NFL. 
Click {here} to read his story.

Two points that this young man makes that really resonated with me are that he was "picked on and picked last" and that when people told him it couldn't be done, "I've been deaf since I was three, so I didn't listen." 
He didn't listen, and he didn't quit.

Just this morning on my way to school I was thinking about the saying about the difference between a goal and a dream is a plan. What I might add to that is that you need some passion and some people to support you as you work to achieve those goals and dreams. Derrick Coleman had a plan and he didn't let naysayers get in the way of his goals or his dreams. What an inspiration.

May we never be dream squashers!

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Dennis Lee: Army Of One

Yesterday was quite possibly my favorite day so far this year ... 

I'll get to why in a minute ... but first things first. 

The winner of an author-signed copy of 

Carol McCloud's Bucket Filling From A to Z is ... Mrs. Brown.

I'll be in touch to get your postal address 'cause you're gonna have mail! 

Thank you all for your Bucket-Filling reflections!

Dennis' baby Mickee Loves Nana Puddin'!

And now to the reason behind my funtastic Friday:  

It was Dennis Lee Day! 

And what's Griswold's rule? Don't Touch My Hair!

Every year since I've been at Westwood-Bales, we've had the good fortune of hosting a character assembly featuring the one-and-only ventriloquist extraordinaire, Dennis Lee. Every year he brings a positively uplifting program and leaves us with happy hearts. 
Every year is better than the last (if that's even possible). 

Was that helium in that balloon?

And this year's show, Army Of One, exceeded our expectations!

Dennis and his Mini-Me

One thought. One word. One deed.
Every one matters.
Every one makes a difference.
Every one.

Dennis graciously agreed to let me share a snippet of his performance with you; without further ado, Dennis and his newest cast member, Grandpa.

If you've never experienced the Funky Monkey Bunch in person, share this video clip with your PTO and ask them to treat your school family to this incredibly gifted educator and entertainer.

You will undoubtedly be blessed by his message and his work.

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With Purpose

What do you think about this cool quote? 

Click the graphic to listen to what 

Dr. Bertice Berry means when she says:

I know there'll be an extra spring in my step today

as I walk with purpose!

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Wanted: Good News!

Today I'm happy because the Gruener Generator randomly selected a winner of the Bucket Border from Friday's giveaway. 
Congratulations, Susan! 
You've got a package coming your way this week. 
Thanks to everyone who played along.

Today I'm jazzed to be linking up with sweet Jennifer over at 
Rowdy In First Grade because I love it when people 
pass on their positivity!

Click this graphic to link up with your good news!

 My good news at home is that this morning {day 31 of my recovery} I got behind the wheel for the first time since the collision and drove to church. Yay! I had to use Jacob's car since we haven't had a chance to replace the van yet, but it is delightful nonetheless to have successfully tackled that obstacle and be looking at it in my rearview mirror. 

My good news at school is that we hosted a successful 
Souper Bowl of Caring food drive last week. Our donations will be replenishing the depleted shelves at the local food pantry which partners with us to make our Buddy Backpack program work, so it's a win-win. It truly is food for my soul to see the kids bringing in cans and boxes and stopping by my office to share a story about this or that on their way to the donation station. It gives the phrase comfort food a whole new meaning.

My online good news is that manners matter! Kudos to the restaurant that rewarded a family for well-behaved kids not only with an ice cream sundae but also with a $4 discount on the bill. Click {here} to read that positively uplifting story.

And finally, today I'm psyched because Jo, my friend and scout up in Wisconsin, shared a motivational clip with me that I simply must pass along to you. It kind of reminds me of these wise words from Zig:

Font by Kimberly Geswein

Click the link below to head to You Tube for a 
booster shot of motivation; 
watch it daily to help you remember that 
We're All In This Together.

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Motivating The Unmotivated

Today I'm excited to welcome Jane Bongato to the Corner for some words of wisdom about motivating our children.

5 Ways to Pep Talk Your Unmotivated Children
by Jane Bongato

Photo from Flickr

You love your children unconditionally. But sometimes the frustration you feel when you watch them wasting their day playing video games or doing anything but their chores or homework can be overwhelming. While you want to strike a chord of motivation in them, the battle between playing their favorite video games and doing their homework is not an easy one to fight. You remember how it was as a child yourself and can relate, but you still wish that there was something you could do to make your children more motivated to do well in school and with their extracurricular activities.

Photo from Flickr

The situation can quickly worsen when it becomes less about the task at hand and instead turns into a power struggle between you and your children. They may act out and become less motivated the more you ask them to do something and the more you give your reasons for why finishing their homework or getting good grades is so important.

Still, as much as your children may not want to listen, there are certain things you can use in a pep talk that may ring true and just might motivate them to change their perspective. Here are five things you can say and do to get your unmotivated children back on track down the road to success.

1.   Lead by example – Instead of pushing your children to be motivated, do what you can to lead by example. By aiming to be an inspiration to your children and showing them what it looks like to be motivated and to do well, you can set an example that will show them the benefits of hard work. This is important as your children will learn best by what they see you accomplish rather than by being nagged to do more.

2.  Do not nag to motivate your children toward the wrong actions – Constantly getting on your children’s case to do their homework or chores could motivate them to dislike you rather than push them to be motivated toward the right behaviors. Instead, back off and try not to let your anxiety or stress show. Let them know their options and what you expect out of them, then leave it up to them to complete the tasks at hand in a certain time period. This way, you become less of the villain and more of the supporter of their work, leading to less of a power struggle between you and them.

3.  Hold your children accountable – In the real world, if you do not do your job correctly, you will be punished by losing your commission or losing your job completely. Your children must learn this type of accountability early on to really feel the consequences of their lack of motivation. Set specific and attainable goals for your child and let them know the reward or consequence they will receive if they do not meet their goals. Then, leave it up them to do what they need to in order to accomplish each of their goals. This will help teach them the valuable skill of accountability and holding themselves responsible for doing well.

4.  Let your children motivate themselves – When you make the conscious decision to teach your children how to become self-motivated, you will be able to let go more easily. When you let go, you will inevitably nag your children less and show them that you have faith in their abilities. This way, they are self-driven to reach their goals instead of feeling like you are the one that got them to where they need to be. This will encourage them to accomplish more in the future and help boost their self-confidence and it will show them what they are capable of on their own.

5.  Use what motivates your children as an incentive instead of punishment – If your children love their video games, use that as an incentive they can earn. Encourage their progress by periodically rewarding them with the activities that they love, including video games or playing with friends. But show them that in order to receive their reward time, they must work hard first. This will teach them that hard work pays off.

Remember, pushing your children to motivate them can have adverse effects. Instead, use a reward and consequence system to show your children the benefits of doing well vs. doing poorly. When they see what they can accomplish, this, in turn, will help boost their motivation as well as their self-confidence.

About The Author:

Jane Bogato is an early childhood educator with a background in Psychology and closely works with children who have special needs for about 6 years now. She enjoys reading, painting or meeting friends during her spare time.

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The Domino Effect

Who doesn't love to experience a little first-day-back motivation? I first got hooked back in like 1987 when our district invited Toody Byrd to deliver the keynote. She was HILARIOUS and I still remember her and her message. We haven't had many more that impacted me the way she did; the other two that come close are Rick Rigsby and Riney Jordan. The most authentic keynote ever, though, was when one of our own Westwood alumni, Alexandra Landon, recorded a message for us on her summer break from Princeton. Click {here} to find Alumni Paints the World Blue in the playlist and watch the one I will NEVER forget. It'll be the best eight minutes you've spent online in a very long time, I promise.

Every time I'm ignited by a potent dose of inspiration, 
I think to myself, I could do that! 
And I actually did, once, in New Jersey, back in 2008, the keynote to kick off the school year for the elementary educators in Hamilton County. Here they are, all of them showing me their respectacles, well, most of them anyway. . . just look at these FUN teachers!

This week, I get to keynote again! About six months ago, I was invited to give two opening day presentations in Alabama and Wednesday and Thursday are the big days. The story behind the invitation is actually pretty amazing; Pam, a retired principal who started Character@Heart, found me through our school's website a few years back. She contacted me, we corresponded, and she looked into coming to visit my school. She decided instead that she'd like to bring me there. We've never actually met. Yet. Except for our talks over the phone and by email. And she hired me, sight unseen, based on the work I've shared online, to affirm and motivate, inspire and influence her character educators. 
I am SO jazzed! 
Here's the bookmark my friend Libby and I created for my audience.

Last year after I did a workshop, a veteran teacher wrote me the nicest compliment. She said, "Best workshop ever; you are changing the world."  When I shared with my son Jacob that I felt that might be a bit of an exaggeration because the world's a pretty big place, he answered:  You are, you know. You've spoken in D.C., right? And Indiana? Tennessee and New Jersey? Texas and California? Pennsylvania and maybe Alabama?

Those ripples are eventually going to touch, mom.

Such an incredible opportunity, to drop a pebble into an auditorium full of educators (have I mentioned there'll be 1500 in all?), and watch the magic of its momentum. My son Joshua created a visual to illustrate 

the ripple:

I'm flying out Tuesday afternoon to set the first domino in motion . . . 

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