"FROG Homework Folders" Uzma Raza, Teacher

"I created FROG folders for all my second and third graders this year. The FROG stands for Fully Responsible Organized and Growing Students. I got the idea off a web site, but it has worked wonders in keeping all the homework and parent communication in one place. I no longer have lost homework papers because there is a section for homework. There are separate sections for lunch money, newsletters, reading log, sight words, and daily behavior charts. Parents have responded positively and no one leaves the FROG at home. The binders are lime green and I have added FROG clipart on the divider pages to go with the theme."

"Weekly Top Ten" Reynaldo A. Sy Jr., Teacher

"During my student teaching, my class is very bored and uninterested on our lessons in math. I decided to give them incentives to boost their attitudes towards activities in mathematics. Every week, I announce the top 10 students of each class based on the sum of their scores on quizzes, long tests, classwork, and assignments.The outcome is great because the students give extra time on my subject. Most of the students do their assignments. The students scores in long exams and quizzes are higher than before. The students do not want to miss the class. Eventhough it is tiring, I am fulfilled to see my students excited for the announcement of the TOP 10."

"Cost-Free Reward" Fredda Rosenbaum, Music Specialist

"When you teach a zillion kids, it is impossible to give a reward without reaching very deep into your pockets. I hit on this by accident, and kids love it. I set my computer screensaver to scrolling marquee. As a reward, I type in a student's name in a quick "brag." Kids will even compete for their classes to be on the teacher's computer. I am sure to turn my computer monitor toward the kids and I set it to come on after only one minute, so they can all enjoy the messages. It's fun -- and free!"

"Hogwarts Houses" Maxine Bonneau, Grade 4 Teacher

"Instead of seeming to advocate witchcraft and wizardry, I based the House names on the symbols of the 4 Gospels of the New Testament. We have a Sorting Hat ceremony and the student draws out a paper with the color of the House on it, then signs in on a paper beneath the House symbol.

The Houses are:
Lionsheart (Mark), Eaglesclaw (John), Oxenstrength (Luke), and Angelclouds (Matthew).

I award points for good listening and geting ready for the next class, transition times, kindness to classmates, etc. After the student earns 10 points, they place a symbol onto their House Page. At the end of the school year, I award a House Cup to the House with the most points. I have a large Trophy cup with the name of the winning House and the Year on the front plate and a gold, double-handled trophy cup on top. Each student receives a 5" version of the cup with their name and year engraved on it. They understand comaradery and mutual support, as well as good listening skills.

If you can't have Religious symbols, I developed 4 Houses based on the 4 Nature Symbols:
Earth=Groundwalkers, symbol, green Apatosaurus, colors: green/white; Air=Swiftfliers, symbol,flying eagle or bird, colors: blue and white; Fire=Flamekeepers, symbol, fire held on an alter-shaped stone, colors: red and grey; Water=Waterbearers, symbol, two leaping dolphins, colors, turquoise and blue."

"Hand Signals" Jennifer Hagen, Grade 3 Teacher

"I use hand signals in my class. They are outstanding for classroom management. When a student had a question, they raise their hand as usual. If they need to use the restroom, they hold their hand up and cross their fingers. If they need a tissue, they hold their hand up and make a "peace" sign. I can either get the tissue for them, or I can simply nod for them to get up themselves. Lastly, if they need to sharpen a pencil, they raise their hand and point their index finger up. I like the signals because it keeps my classroom quiet, I can nod yes or no, and I know what they need with out having to walk over to each student and disturb others with our conversation."