Following are some examples of what substitute teachers use as motivators:
Denise: As many of the teachers have the desks set up into tables, I put an index card on each table. As the students work, I go around the classroom looking for tables that are quiet and on task.
Nan: I write the words “Awesome Students” on the board. When a student is meeting the expectations, I tap them on the shoulder and they put their name on the list. Our goal is to have everyone on the list for the teacher to see the next morning.
Another strategy I’ll use when the class is being especially great, I will write one letter at a time on the board spelling out “Free Time.” If the class spells out the whole word, then for the last 5-8 minutes of class, we’ll play a fun game.
Sarah: I like to use Mad Libs as an incentive, especially in grades 4 and 5. Students are told that if we have a successful day, we will spend the last 10 minutes of class doing a funny Mad Lib together.
This last suggestion in an excellent one! Don’t underestimate the power of simplicity!
Kathleen: My reward at the end of the day is to the best of my ability, every child feels some form of caring. Every child feels someone wants them to learn, and every child learns at least one thing. This may be about reading, writing or arithmetic. More importantly it might be about life.