This is my first post here, and I want to thank anyone in advance for the ideas they will share.

I am moving to a new school this year which is under the scrutiny of the state department of education after making an "F" three years ago. Luckily, the test scores have drastically improved and for the last two years, the school has maintained a "B". However, I find that I am in a bit of a dilemma.

At my previous school, I used the scoreboard to reward with outdoor freetime. I played football, soccer, kickball, etc., with my students. However, there is no time in the schedule at my new school for this activity. We are on an extended day schedule, and the final 30 minutes of our day will consist of the Action 100 reading program. We have been told there is no freetime and no recess.

In teaching fourth graders, what ideas do you all have for rewarding the positive behaviors that can be done in the classroom? Since I cannot go outside for "freetime", I want to have ideas in place when the students come back on August 22.

Jett, Look into the game mind soccer. You will find it on this site. Also, reward your students with what we call 1 minute parties. Such as, sit next to your neighbor and talk for 1 min., jokes, songs, play quick card game, start a favorite book (and then stop in 1 min. so they beg for more), coloring and on it can go.
The biggie kids love though is mind soccer. Search Youtube and watch Chris Reksteds kids just eat it up.
Good luck.

Jett,
First, I have to say that I am feeling bad for you. How can you have an extended day with NO recess! I feel that is terrible. Kisds need exercise and fresh air for their brains. On the flip side, it seems they are lucky to have you as their teacher. WBT will definitely be a plus. I would reward them with talk time, sit by a friend time, or dancing to music in addition to mind soccer. Good luck and keep us posted!

Jett,

WOW, no recess with an extended day. I agree with Annette, look at Mind Soccer the kids will LOVE it. You can also give them inside "parties", like Annette suggested, talking with their partners is HUGE!!

This is what I do with my kiddos (who don't get an afternoon recess). I have a funky re-mix of the Chicken Dance song & they earn time towards doing the dance. I start slow at first, for example, they only earn 45 seconds of the dance...then eventually they earn the whole song.

Your kids are very lucky to have you as their teacher. Good luck this year.

Tiffany

Jett,
I strongly recommend that you provide the students, as much academic review as possible, while allowing them to move. I love the idea of earning second increments of dance. Also, as mentioned on this thread mind soccer is wonderful! This week I tried something with my Science. I teach third grade and they are used to getting an end of the day recess. However, there is no longer a third recess in third grade. We teach Science instead. I noticed that many students were exhausted and tired, so I said "feet" 3X. They stood behind their seats, while saying feet 3x, and I taught 45 second increments of Energy, using the 5 step lesson template. Students would teach, while using gestures, on their feet. This was a high " energy" exciting way to flavor the long, drawn out, vocabulary used in the Science curriculum. Moreover, the students did great on their assessment and had a blast while doing it. Please advise how it goes:cheer:
Heather Hansen
WBT Intern
2011/12

Hi everyone,

Thanks for the ideas so far. I had not thought about using Mind Soccer for a reward as I use it often, but I will definitely use that along with the music portion to reward my students. I use a lot of music in my room both as a teaching tool and a reward.

As for not having recess, luckily my principal is in agreement that we SHOULD have this. She is very supportive of rewarding students for great behavior and supports my use of WBT. I feel very lucky to work with her. Unfortunately, do to decisions beyond both of our control, it is not in the works at this time. I thought about using "lunch with the teacher" as a reward which would allow us to eat outside at the picnic tables. If we finish lunch, we could always utilize the rest of our time with a quick game of football, soccer, kickball, etc.

Thanks again for the great ideas. I am very lucky to know you are all so supportive!

Take care,
Charlie