When working with students with disabilities, motivation is a key component. Every year, I change the model I choose to use to best fit my students. Some years I do a class motivation system, some years I do individual, and in some years I do both.
School work can be very challenging and difficult for my students, so I like to reward them for their hard work. There are many different methods to use. I have used a marble jar for the whole class and when they were all on task or having a great day or period, I put about 5 marbles into the jar. The students love this! Once the jar is full, I let them choose a preferred activity, whether it be a movie, ice cream party, free play outside, playing on their chrome books. Since they earned it, I want them to take ownership and decide what they would like as their reward. If I was choosing their reward, I do not feel it would as effective.
I feel individual reward system is very important. Who does not like to be told they are doing a great job? I provide my students with verbal praise throughout the day and it really makes an impact on their self confidence. I let my students participate in making their reward system. I have used penny charts, tally marks, tickets, and more. This year, my students want smiley faces on a post it. When they are working hard, especially during less preferred activities, I will give them smiley faces. Once they reach 5, they take a break. During this break, they can go for a walk, play with a toy, build legos, draw on an erase board. I am open to almost anything they ask for (in reason, of course). In previous years, I gave them choices, but it was not as effective. In addition to the smiley faces, I have them do a class reward as well. When my group of students are on task and put forward their best effort, they earn post it notes. They each have to write a message on it. For example, I read 2 books during reading!, I did not get mad during math! I tried my best, etc. They write these messages on a post it note and we fold it up and put it into a jar. Once the jar is full, almost every 2 weeks, they earn something. They usually pick free play outside for 20 minutes. I love this! They are playing together working on social skills and team building. However, before they earn this activity, we read all the messages together and I love seeing those big smiles on their face. Motivation and rewards go a long way!
nicolew 