Skittles

I have found a great solution for many issues that occur in my classroom...SKITTLES!

Who would have thought that something so tiny could make such a huge difference. I use skittles for everything!  Here's my list...

1. Messy Tables- The kids tables and toolboxes in my classroom were a disaster! Once a day or once every other day I will yell  "freeze!" The kids will stop what they are doing and I will go around and check the tables. The group with the cleanest table and toolbox get a skittle...1 tiny skittle :) I haven't had messy tables in weeks! I hear the kids telling their friends to clean up because "we might get a skittle."

2. Writer's Workshop- Sometimes kids can get super chatty during writer's workshop. The solution...I call out the quietest table, praise them and give them a skittle. I don't have to worry about noisy tables after that!

3. Guided Reading- My kiddos were not having the greatest attitudes about leaving literacy work stations to come to guided reading (which is the whole reason for lit stations...more on that later). Anyway, I started doling out skittles to my kids if they put forth great effort and had a great attitude during guided reading. I haven't had any issues since!

4. Anything else that pops into my head :)

This super tiny, super inexpensive, mostly allergy free treat has made a HUGE difference in my kids attitudes and behavior. 

What do you use to "shape" behavior in your classroom?

-Stephanie