For the last several years, I haven’t posted rewards or consequences in my classroom. To be honest, I never even really gave them much thought. However, after attending the NJPAECET2 conference this weekend, my attitude changed. Two speakers, Baruti Kafele and Gemar Mills, principals who faced some of the most challenging students imaginable, opened my eyes to the importance of having clearly stated and prominently displayed Rewards and Consequences in my classroom. Although neither of them specifically discussed the idea of Rewards and Consequences, both of them hammered home the idea that classroom climate and culture are of the utmost importance in determining student success. “Climate and culture eat content for breakfast!” Mr. Kafele powerfully declared.
Both leaders told fascinating and inspiring stories which made me realize that giving my students clear rewards and clear consequences can clearly send the message that I AM SERIOUS about YOU doing YOUR work. I can’t wait to share my newly conceived Rewards and Consequences with my students, especially those “difficult” students. Here is what I came up with:
Click here for PDF version of the Rewards & Consequences
Trevor,
Thank you for sharing your list of consequences and rewards. I sense we are kindred spirits; I took down my list of rules, rewards, and consequences in the early 90s and never put them back up. If I were still in the classroom, your list would be posted proudly on my wall. These are consequences that I would be happy to share with my students.
I sent the pdf you posted to my colleagues this morning. I am sure I will be receiving some very positive comments from them later today. Kudos to you.