The "Scoreboard" has been a fantastic addition to my classroom. It's so popular that if I forget to ask the class what they want to play for that day before beginning my instruction they'll actually stop me and demand to know. Just that little motivation, that is totally under my control, has made a huge difference in their attentiveness! They love to play and I love it when they meet my expectations. If you're not familiar with it I'd be glad to share with anyone. The explanation is also available under the download tab.

You let the students choose the prize, huh? That seems smart, as you can be assured that they won't ever be like "eh, I don't really care about that game," but how do you avoid arguments among the students when you ask? Just a simple vote?

Yes, simple vote. The great part is I always control the outcome. So if there's an assignment I really need to have them do that evening I just rig the scoreboard in my favor. Plus, everytime they come up short on the scoreboard makes them want to do better the next time...that's also in my favor.

Yeah, the scoreboard is particularly devious. I'm going to give the vote a try tomorrow.

I use the score board for each period. I teach 6th grade with two groups of students. My one group of students I am able to use the same game for two periods. The other group of students are more challenging and after each period with them is a new scoreboard game. Example period 4 I usually play for: if students win they will be dismissed as soon as the bell rings for lunch if teacher wins I hold them for 1 min, 2min, 3 min etc. The time I hold them is decided by the way they enter the classroom. During 5th period depending on my needs we play for passing period minutes/ extra homework, etc. 6th period we play for extra homework which can be from a few problems to an extra page.

Hope this helps.