This classroom management tip is great to use before breaks or anytime you need to reinforce your expectations. Using group points as a classroom management strategy can be as simple or as complex as you want.
Why does this management strategy work?
✨ It’s new –and novelty can be motivating-anytime you introduct a new strategy there’s high interest
✨ Provides specific criteria to support student success
✨Helps with transitions. (Read more about how to teach transitions here!)
✨ Starts lessons calmly
How to Set up a Group Point System
First, put your students into groups with desks, rows or tables. Give each group a name-this can be decided by the students to provide more buy in. Display group names on the tables or desks. Also put group names on your board so you can add points.
Next, decide on the specific criteria for HOW groups will earn points. Examples: Each group will earn 10 points when everyone is sitting quietly. Each group will earn 25 points when everyone is reading quietly by themselves. Display criteria so you can refer to it when necessary! Here are some examples of criteria!
Teach your class specifically what your expectations are for earning points. Practice these expectations as often as necessary to make sure your students understand your new system.
Finally decide how often points will be added up and what the reward will be. Again take student input.
Classroom Reward Ideas
Group rewards can be simple and easy:
- 10 minutes of drawing time
- Partner reading
- Extra brain breaks/recess time
- Have a student teach the class something-how to do origami or the newest dance move
- Free play time with blocks, play dough etc
- Game time
Support Classroom Community
This managment strategy supports classroom community by providing clear criteria for students to follow when they are in a group. If students are having difficulty meeting the criteria, reteach and review.
Be certain that students can demonstrate meeting the criteria before starting to give points. You can always adjust the criteria or reward.
Another idea is to provide scripts for your students if one of their group members is NOT meeting the criteria. For example, “Friend, how can I help you work quietly when the teacher asks us to?” Another example, “Our group wants to earn points, how can we support you?”
Bonus Tips:
- Ask students for suggestions for rewards
- Set a daily or weekly goal to earn a reward
- Change table groups often
- Provide opportunities for students to reflect on how/why they earned (or didn’t earn) points
- Brainstorm ways students can help each other earn points
- Vary the rewards to motivate students differently
- Start the points over each day for a fresh start
I hope you found these ideas helpful! Trying new management strategies are part of an effective classroom management plan-get more ideas here!
Supporting you all the way! 💗
