I have written previously about the keys to a successful music classroom, with the top being student engagement and motivation. One way to keep students engaged is through a reward system.
Extrinsic and intrinsic are terms used to describe motivation. Intrinsic motivation is things within the classroom that motivate students, such as a sense of autonomy in the classroom like students having a voice where they sit or the decor or being able to work with partners. Extrinsic motivation is tangible rewards, like candy or a sticker chart or extra recess time.
How and When to Implement Rewards in your Music Class
Reward your students for effort, regardless of your expectations
Expectations are important in the classroom, not only for class rules but also so students know what is required of them. However, there are some students whose level of understanding or participation may be significantly different than others. This could be partly due to a special need, or it could just be due to having a harder time understanding the material. Meet them at their level and reward them for the effort you see them putting in, regardless of they meet the expectations you have for all students. This will often help to motivate them to do their best.
Reward ideas: slipping them a piece of candy or gum, or even praising them in front of the classroom goes a long way
Reward your students when they are consistently following the rules, even if it's not perfect
One year I had a very difficult early elementary classroom. I implemented a sticker chart, but no matter how much I tried to motivate them, they were my most talkative group. They just couldn't get it straight that there was a time to chat and a time to listen! I decided to switch up my reward plan to make it more of an individual effort instead of a class effort. This not only motivated the kids as they saw their peers getting rewarded, but it also helped those who were really trying to see that what they did actually made a difference.
Reward Ideas: Implement a reward system like Music Money where you pass out music money that you create, and they can accumulate and use to buy items. Or implement a sticker chart if that works for a particular class, where once they fill out all the stickers, they get a class party (like a stuffy party where they can bring in a stuff animal to participate with them in music. My kids love this!)
Be Intentional with the More Difficult Students
I have seen incredible success with students whom I have intentionally earned trust with. I have so many examples of students from all grade levels who hated me, and every other, teachers guts and then suddenly I am their favorite.
One of my most precious examples was when I subbed in a second-grade classroom with a girl who was talkative and bossy. I knew from helping out in the classroom before that she and her teacher did not mesh well, and she was constantly being corrected. I made it my goal during those few days of subbing to love on her, call on her, and praise her for her effort. After that, I was her all-time favorite teacher, and she would often tell me with the sweetest smile how much she loved me.
In Jr High general music, I had a difficult student who really didn't care about much of anything. There was one day when I called him out for something that he did not do, and I made it a point to talk to him in the hallway and apologize to him. After that, he was much more responsive and respectful to me, even joking with me and participating!
Reward ideas: For all students, praising them with your words goes a long way. Taking the time to work with them individually is also a reward in itself because it shows that you as the teacher cares. Tangible rewards can include letting the class know that "Jane is doing so well that we are going to play her favorite music game" to just taking them outside for some break time.
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