Jolly Ranchers--the power of Jolly Ranchers

A wonderful moment occurs when one discovers the suckable, tasty, paperwrapped, red, blue, orange, green, yellow, etc., Jolly Rancher. Kids already know about them. They long for the taste. They last long. Used wisely and with discretion they become a wonderful motivater...especially in the beginning of the year, or with a new teacher, or substitute.
However, strict rules must be followed (as in all worthwhile endeavors). Using quality instruction and enough practice--demonstrate the behavior or desired outcome. (You teachers know what I am talking about.) As students begin to demonstrate a successful outcome--slap a Jolly Rancher down on the desk. Make it loud. Say the kid's name, what he did, and what he's getting (the blue Jolly Rancher, of course). Like wildfire, the rest of the class will vie for the Jolly Rancher. Done right...it's magic.
Intrinsic motivation will come eventually as the notion of success seeps into the psyche. Gradually fade off with the Jolly Ranchers...say the kids' names and what they did to be so great--one at a time. They'll no longer need the sweet taste of success to succeed.

...a year in fourth grade...

January 29, 2006

School is where everything happens…especially 4th grade. No longer babies, these younglings come to school knowing a lot and so eager for more. School is the melting pot of all emotions. These boys and girls come out of the shadows of their homes in the early morning hours. They meet. They CONVERGE…with all that that entails…they return to the shades of evening and to family. What goes on there doesn’t stay there. It all comes to school in one way or another. School is where everything happens…especially 4th grade.
I teach them. I wait each morning for the stories of their hearts. Yellow buses drop them off. They come racing in, or just walking in, or staring and wandering in. I carry my stories also. Our day together begins. We spend the day: we learn, we question, we play, we laugh, we hurt, we cry, we heal…yes, it’s our year in fourth grade.