"Why?" you ask. I'll tell you why---it's "END OF THE WEEK AWARDS" ceremony day! The moment all of my kids wait for and talk about endlessly all week long.
A few months ago, I began thinking about my end of the year awards. I took a moment to think about each student's strengths and began mentally assigning them awards as the end of the year draws closer.
Once I began thinking about the awards, I felt myself becoming anxious and impatient, wanting so desperately for the day to come. Then, I thought, "Why wait?" And, my friends...a star was born.
End of the Week Awards are specific motivational certificates to recognize student successes during the week. We hold a Friday awards ceremony during our morning meeting, but these awards really can be used anytime. It just makes it a little more special and important to look forward to a formal ceremony every Friday morning.
There are over 25 awards with a wide range of recognitions. I have even created a checklist to keep track of which students get the awards every week so I can space them out fairly and make sure all students are rewarded regularly.
Prep is SO easy. I keep a binder of all awards with a few copies of each one in separate sleeves. Every Friday morning, I flip through the binder and pop a few out that I want to use.
Another plus? This is a great character-building routine. As I announce each award, I give an example of what the student has done to earn that award. Throughout the week, I recognize behavior that is award-worthy. It makes students aware of their choices and reminds them of their goals in the classroom.
Easy, exciting, and motivating--what more could you want in a Friday morning? :)
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