My students need 4,500 stickers for daily motivation, 200 pencils, 200 erasers, 90 wristbands, a Behavior Management Pocket Chart, and certificates for best attendance.
I have an inner-city class which is in a very poor neighborhood. We have had a rash of violence in our school area that has impacted our attendance. My children want to learn but often have other things on their minds. I want to give them reasons to be here and to be excited about coming.
We are a diverse group with a predominate African American population. Some children are inclusion students and some have special medical needs. I teach all subjects to a class of the most special first graders in the whole world. They can be motivated and will work eagerly.
Recently, our area has had some very bad situations for the children to deal with. Many find it hard to willingly come to school on time and every day. I feel that an additional incentive each day, no matter how small, makes them more willing to be here and to be on time. By giving them just small rewards for showing up, I think their attendance will improve drastically.
I would like to start by giving them daily stickers for just coming in each day. Then I want to move to a small gift (pencils, erasers, and toys) for weekly and monthly attendance. Then at the end of each quarter I would like them to get special wristbands that declare them to be stars or outstanding. Finally, I would like to give them quarterly certificates to announce their great attendance. By having a chart in the classroom to display their achievements, they will have constant reminders of where they are and where they need to be. Because they get daily, weekly and monthly recognition, I think even those that miss a day or two will keep trying all year to improve their attendance.
You can help us reach our goal of improving our attendance by helping us to fund our grant. Small things mean a lot to these children and your kindness can help achieve this goal. Help children be the greatest asset in their own lives by giving them a boost into their future. They cannot learn if they are not in school regularly. Being there is the key to learning and doing their best.
Nearly all students from low‑income households
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
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