Above & Beyond Bonus Bonanza

A long time ago, I decided to toss my treasure box and let the kids know that they aren't going to be rewarded for handing in homework, working hard, being quiet during seat work, etc. Why? Because it's EXPECTED. To have a harmonious class community, they must follow the rules and learn AS EXPECTED. At the same time, I wanted something more than my weekly newsletter to strengthen the home/school connection. So, Above & Beyond Bonus Bonanza Binder was born!

Here's how it works:

Pick a cover and copy the reward pages and place them in a binder. Protect them by inserting them in plastic covers. Give an overview of the program to parents during BTSN or in a newsletter. My overview on BTSN last 2-3 minutes. Easy peasy! Then:

1. Kids get a punch card to keep track of their at-home BONUS QUESTIONS. (All voluntary!)

2. I offer Bonus Questions when appropriate. Examples: Go home and use our word of the week in a sentence. Now of course, they are trained to IMPRESS their parents and drop the word in a casual/natural way that usually results in buggy eyes from parents! EXAMPLE: When word was rambunctious, one child said, when he heard neighbors were on way over,: "I hope they aren't rambunctious today."

3. Parent fills out Bonus Notice and kids return it to school.

4. They leave Notice Slip in my mailbox with their cards and I punch them.

5. When they get ten bonus questions (or you could do 20 or more) they select a treat from binder.

NOTES
The Bonus opportunities are all organic and occur naturally. Example: A child once asked who was on the 100 bill at the end of the day. Kids had different answers so I offered a chance to find out at home.

*I love this program because I feel everyone deserves a pat on the back for going "Above and Beyond" and it truly keeps families in the loop as what we're discussing in the classroom.

The punch cards and extra Bonus Notice slips are kept next to binder in a basket.

Pages include:
1. Cover for TPT
2-3: Directions and Credits
4-8: Cover for Binder in various colors to choose from to match your room.
9. Play on computer for 20 minutes
10. Draw/Write on board for 20 minutes
11. Have lunch in classroom with a friend
12. Wear your socks in the classroom all day long
13. Be in charge of morning meeting
14. Use the easel to paint a picture
15. Pick a friend to build with blocks
16. Read to the principal or a special teacher
17. Change desks with a friend for the day
18. Pick a book and listen to it
19. Pick a puzzle to put together
20. Wear your pajamas to school
21. Bring something in from home to share
22. Share a science experiment with the class
23. Bring your favorite stuffed animal to school for the day
24. Share one of your stories with another class
25. When you complete 50 Bonus Questions, join another class for extra gym
26. Punch Cards
27. Bonus Notice Slips
28. Tracking of Cards Recording Sheet