In the first months of my first year of teaching, I learned that the incentive system I had in class was really great! Different class periods competed for points that were awarded based on seamless transitions, highest test averages, and being on task. Students were doing exactly what they needed to do to earn points. However, I had not actually planned the incentive.
When third period actually earned a reward, I was not prepared and had NO IDEA what to do. What would my principal allow? Could I bring baked goods as a reward? What about a class party? My indecision resulted in no incentive and sadly the class point system fizzled out.
At the start of year two, I posted a Facebook status asking for ideas and was flooded with helpful tips from teachers, old friends that I didn’t know were now teachers, and even my own former teachers!
INCENTIVES FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS
Sidenote – Before implementing any incentive system in your classroom, make sure to approve everything with your administration and grade level team. I learned this the hard way. That time when your assistant principal walks in and all your students are eating cupcakes… In my defense, it was my birthday and a student brought them for the class. Oops.
Group/Whole Class Rewards
1. GO OUTSIDE FOR A CLASS
The best types of rewards are when learning can still get done. Take the class outside after the notes to complete their daily work. If it is a big reward, take the day off from math and watch as your students play soccer.
2. MUSIC
Play music during the warm up or during classwork time. For bigger rewards, allow students to choose a Spotify station.
3. Computer Time/Tech Time
These websites www.math-play.com and www.mathplayground.com allowed for math practice that was also an interactive game. Another example of how to trick students into doing math AND having fun. 😉 I used this incentive when I had to be out with a substitute and wanted to reward a fabulous report.
4. Dance Party
Reserve this reward for Fridays and for your last class of the day. Allow students 5 minutes to ‘wobble’ or ‘hit the quan’ or whatever dance move is currently cool.
5. Show Funny youtube videos
Teenagers love youtube videos! Be sure to screen it for content and use a popup blocker for any inappropriate ads. Who doesn’t love the funny cat video or insane sports tricks?
Individual Rewards
6. Homework Pass/Late Pass
There is no shortage of students who will gladly accept this as a reward. Make sure to indicate when the pass can be used or when it cannot be used. One time a student tried to use a late pass to skip the test that day arguing he could take it at a later time. I laughed and said ‘good one.’
7. Pick a new seat/sit in a fancy chair/help create the seating chart
Probably a #teacherfail here, but I once was working on a new seating chart for a particularly chatty class period. My students were completing a unit test and one of my early finishers asked if he could help. I told him that he could do it for me. He did an excellent and diplomatic job, and I only needed to make two adjustments. What was surprising is how many students asked me if they could make the next seating chart.
8. Choose a partner
This is a perfect example of a reward that is a reward as long as you don’t always allow students to pick their partners normally. In my class, partners are assigned, so allowing one student to deviate from the norm is particularly exciting.
9. Raffle or Give Away a Ticket to the Dance or Sporting Game
This not only rewards students, but it also fosters school spirit. It might be worth mentioning to your team and working on something collectively.
10. Wearing Something Fun
Think pajama pants day or hat day or cape day.
11. Board writer
Is it just me or does every student want to write on the whiteboard? It is like they cannot help themselves. This reward might look like a designated student writing the homework on the board or anything else you might need. They will also write their twitter or instagram handle. This is inevitable.
12. Problem Solving Activity
This could be a minute to win it game at the beginning of class. One of my fellow teachers had a Bop It in her classroom, and students could earn the privilege of playing it and making it to the leader board. Students also love good ole’ fashioned board games like Life, Connect Four, and Jenga.
These creative incentives for middle school students can be a starting point. Don’t forget to ask your students at the beginning of the year what incentives they would like. This will create buy-in from all the students and give students voice. Some students want to work with their best friends, while some students would love to have the night off thanks to a homework pass. The best part is that almost all of these incentives are free and require no planning. What incentives do you use in your middle school classroom?
I love all of these ideas! This will be my first year teaching and first time with middle schoolers. I was wondering, how do you have the point system set up?
Hi Priscilla! I am actually working on a post about a point/incentive system. Be sure to check back over the next few weeks.
Hi Noelle! Love your ideas!
I tried a point system last year that I could not seem to remember to do. I’m curious about your system. I read in the previous comment that you were putting together a post about it, but I can’t find it.
Hi Laura, thanks so much! You haven’t found it because it is not up yet. Hopefully within the next month or two.
My son had an awesome teacher in the sixth grade and everything was a competition in his room. His room was set up half /half. Each week , it started all over new again. Which side had all class members in their seats first, which side could send the worksheets back the fastest, which side had the most homeworks turned in, which side had their desks straightened and was ready to leave for their next class, anything you could think of became a competition. The kids loved it and loved him. On Friday, the team (side) that had the most points received a Blowpop, a homework pass, miniture chocolate bar, etc. It worked, the students made the kids on their side compete. Every quarter, the seats were rearranged . That son, is now almost 31.
I love this idea! So incredible that you are able to vividly describe what she did in the classroom. She must have been a great teacher and you must have a wonderful son!
This sounds great! And fun, I remember in high school they had class competitions for almost everything, kids never grow out of wanting to win!
Hi Noelle,
I’m a 6th grade science teacher, but I’ve really enjoyed reading your posts that pertain to my classroom. I love the list of incentives you’ve included on this post! I was wondering if you ever posted about your point system. This is something I’ve thought about for years, but I’ve never figured out a good/easy way to implement it. I do like the ideas Darlene suggested in the comments, but I’m still curious about your system.
Thanks!
It’s on my list! Thanks for your kind words.
I would like to encourage teachers not to give sweets/candy as a reward but something healthier or non food item. We don’t want to create the idea that sweets are the only reward. Love the creative list so far. It got me thinking about having the last 10 mins at the end of a challenge period to play a trivia contest ( I have cards I got from Target $1 section or you can find online), a pictionary game with drawing on the blackboard, a Kahoot quiz, play a card or dice game, etc. They do love writing on the board and maybe they elect someone from their team to be the score keeper on the board.
I love the list of incentives. I think they are perfect for middle school students! I am also using a point system, which I’m trying for the first time. It was actually my own idea, so I am very happy to find out that many middle school teachers are using point systems. My students will have the opportunity of earning 5 points each day; 3 points are for showing good/specific behavior, and 2 points are for turning in complete homework and classwork. I hope this will be helpful for those who are thinking to implement a point system. I hope to read about other teachers’ point systems if any can share their experience using them.
That sounds great! Middle school students are easily motivated by points and ‘winning’ even if they don’t win a prize. Best of luck with your new system!
This also works for high school. I am a student and my school puts each grade against each other. Fundraisers and grades count for points to see which grade level is the best and will win.
I teach 6th grade science in a middle school setting and use Class Dojo. Each class period has a separate avatar and can earn a maximum of 4 points a day for various character traits. At the end of the 3 weeks I declare a winning class.