Along with a group of 2nd graders that never lose (in a previous post), I also have a group of 5th graders that never win! I try so hard to get them to win, but they just don't care. They make fun of the class yes, and the mighty oh-yeahs (saying with a big attitude, "oh yeah, in your face!") If I want to read to them and have them be silent, I can't get through a sentence without one particular student making fun of the words. I had this group for only 30 minutes, and I looked so hard for a way to give them a point. I was able to give them maybe two, but when I got to two points ahead of them, I stopped marking my points.

I talked to their classroom teacher, and she said she can't get them to stop talking in her class. They are known around the school as being the group that people can't control, so the music and P.E. teachers end up yelling at them.

These aren't bad kids, but I can't get them to pay attention. They won't listen to directions, and they won't read them. They rush through their work, and often get it wrong. Actually out of 7 kids in this group, there are about 5 like this, while the other 2 seem to want to try.

I'm wondering if I should up the ante, so it's a highly desirable reward?

Ahhh... the kids who are immune to punishment.
Well, first, let me ask...is there just a reward if they win, or is there also a 'consequence' if they lose? If there is no consequence if they lose, you may want to adjust so that there is a (keep it like a game, and the consequence doesn't need to be too big) reward if they win and a consequence if they lose.

Now. If you've already been doing that, and they are immune to punishment, email me This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and we can discuss ...drum roll please..... INDUSTRIAL STRENGTH Whole Brain Teaching! The system for that group that is just immune to punishment.
It's been really making a difference with my 7th graders.

dianedj
I would suggest making the 2 good ones independents and letting them earn rewards and make a big deal of it when they do. Maybe the others would come around. How long have you been using WBT? Change, espially this time of year, can be hard. It sounds like they have had the run of the place for awhile. I have had the same problem, I started out too laid back this year. For a long time I paid the price.

Thanks for the post,
Matt

Hi Jackie,

I sent an email to your address.

Yes, Matt, I bet that is exactly what happened. I just started a few days ago, and it's really been great for most of my groups. It seems like there are always a handful who don't want to go along with the group, and it seems like those kids are the ones that are struggling with self-esteem. I know one of them has a pretty tough father (no mother), and maybe they just don't trust authority.