I use a similar system to Amy' s palette for rewarding classes. I
originally got the idea from someone on this list. I make crayon boxes out
of large manila envelopes, cut off the flap and draw blue diagonal lines
down the sides and write "crayon rewards" on the front. I laminate them
and cut them open with an exacto. Each classroom teacher gets one and
posts it somewhere in their room. Then I don't have to have the wall
space. I made paper crayons out of 12x18 paper just cut them 2 inches
wide,cut one end into a point and laminate them. I use nine colors. These
are kept in a big vase by the door. When a class leaves, we evaluate
together (quickly) to see if they earned a crayon-cleaned up on time,
followed rules, not having to have silent time,etc... If they earn a
crayon someone gets to carry it. I have a paper chart stuck on the wall
with classes gridded out so I remember how many crayons each class has and
what colors they have. When they have all nine crayons they bring them
back to my room and they get to have free choice art day. I have lots for
them to choose from. They love it. Before they get their free choice day
they have to pass the crayon test. Which are the primary colors, which are
the secondary, put them on the board with magnets into a color
wheel,etc... ( a quick test that kids come up to do) This gives them a
good review. I don't do it with kdg but use it with 1st thru 5th. It gets
harder to earn a crayon as you get older. This gets competitive and I have
the principal announce during morning announcements when the first classes
get their free choice day. Teachers are as proud as the kids to fill their
crayon boxes in the room. I don't label the boxes with teacher's names so
they can be used over each year.
Happy New Year!
Jeryl in SC
ps, Judy, You have my school web site, right?
