Blogger Showcase: Teaching 5 to 9

New Technology Loves – Positive Reinforcement

First of all I want to thank Leah here at “Learning 4 Keeps” for inviting me to guest blog today regarding my 2 latest and greatest finds for building the self-esteem and confidence of my students.  I have found, over the years, that if the students feel comfortable and safe within a classroom, the learning will come. 

I was reading Laura Candler’s blog during the summer and she mentioned finding her “Easy” button that she had purchased for positive reinforcement.  I immediately began scouring ebay and found one which I ordered that night.  

It didn’t cost very much (under $10) and it has yielded a much greater reward for my students and for me as well. How do I use it?  Whenever they receive 90 -100 on a quiz or test they come to my desk and push the “Easy” button…….it responds by saying “That was easy!”.  My students, from day one, have LOVED it.  I especially love it because I get to share in the accomplishment with them and I take a minute or so to discuss their success. 

On the second week of school one of my most timid, shy and precious little girls made a 100 on an AR quiz.  Instead of her going back to her desk, she came to tell me.  I had her push the button and we talked about it.  She had the most beautiful smile on her face as she went back to her seat………………….priceless!!!!

Another great new form of technology that I am using on my Smart Board everyday is called Class DoJo.  It is super easy to set-up and even easier to use.  This is what it looks like:

And YES it can also be controlled and accessed by an iphone. 

I use the program as a form of classroom management as well as a homework award.  After adding first names only, each child is assigned the cutest little monster avatar.  As I check the students’ homework they go to the Smart board, click their avatar and click homework.  A point is added to their total.

Aren’t they just the cutest?

I plan to also use the Dojo as an immediate reward for good citizenship and behavior.

The other side of the program is that there are negative comments which take a point away.

BUT WAIT!!!!!   There’s MORE……..

There is also a report that can be printed for parent conferences and progress reports……….awesome.

Thanks again to Leah for allowing me to stop by and share my latest tech loves for the classroom.

What's not to love?!