Teacher Tip Tuesday: Celebrate Success in the Classroom
As much as we teachers always try to help our students improve, we sometimes focus too much on where we're going and not where we've been.
When that student who's been trying to memorize the multiplication table forever finally can count by 10's and 5's, do we stop to celebrate, or do we go right to the next number? Yes, she may be behind, but rushing into the next step without acknowledging (and celebrating) milestones can eventually slow things down. Without encouragement, learning can be more draining than it should be.
How can you revive a worn-out student who's been working extra hard?
Some simple celebration ideas:
Do you have other ways to celebrate success in your classroom?
When that student who's been trying to memorize the multiplication table forever finally can count by 10's and 5's, do we stop to celebrate, or do we go right to the next number? Yes, she may be behind, but rushing into the next step without acknowledging (and celebrating) milestones can eventually slow things down. Without encouragement, learning can be more draining than it should be.
How can you revive a worn-out student who's been working extra hard?
Some simple celebration ideas:
- Food (pizza party) or candy can be effective, but can also be overdone. Some people are opposed to using food as a reward.
- Stickers or small, cheap gifts may work without breaking your budget. Giving them away too often will result in them losing their "magic." I've found that students will do practically anything for a scratch and sniff sticker (so I always have some handy when I substitute.)
- Free time, fun time, and extra recess can be a great reward. This is particularly good for a whole group.
- Books - Keep getting those freebies from the book clubs and set them aside for celebrations. You could give a book to someone who meets a reading milestone or to an avid reader who excels in a weaker subject.
- Say something. Acknowledging a success to the class may be appropriate, but also consider how it will make the student feel. If they are embarrassed that it took them so long, then keep the comments just between you and the students. Tell them you're so glad they got this far.
- Phone home. A call to a student's family when something good happens is appreciated by most parents. They might be shocked that you're not calling to say how behind their child is. Save that conversation for another day. Make this call all about the good things.
Do you have other ways to celebrate success in your classroom?
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