To make things more interesting, I used a timer in conjunction with the scoreboard. I would move the pen to my side, the center, or the students' side of the scoreboard. I wouldn't mark a point until the timer rang. Whichever side of the scoreboard the pen was on at the time the timer rang got the point. If the pen was in the middle, no one got the point. At times, I would pull out a second or even a third pen (never more than three), and shuffle them around the three different positions so that up to three points could be at stake for the next "ding" of the timer.

Regarding the timer: I started out setting it for 3 minutes, then 4, then I stopped telling students what I set it for. They had no idea when the timer might ring. I never set it for more than 10 minutes.

The effect: renewed enthusiasm around the scoreboard.

Anytime that you can change up the scoreboard game that is great. It's that time of year when you may need something new to pull out of your big back pocket. 10 Finger Rolling Woo to you!

I really really like this idea! I bet it sure keeps the kids on thier toes! I am going to try it soon I think it will work really great for reading group time. I have a large class and have 5 groups going (without parent volunteers or aids) and I think this would help eliminate some of the chatter!

Thanks!

perfect addition! This will really help wake us all up in the classroom. I will try to tie this into my teach/okay area. Connect some extra positive reinforcement there!! Thanks!