Hey y’all!!
I am stopping by very quickly to explain an amazing classroom management technique I use in my classroom from time to time! I have no idea where I found this years ago, so if you know the original source PLEASE let me know!!
Introducing… Secret Student.
WOW! I love bringing this into my classroom around this time of year. Today I told my class all about it and they ate it up. Basically here is the low down…
Each morning before the kids come in I pick a *random* student. I write their name on the board then stick my handy dandy laminated sign on top! I LOVE magnetic tape to stick on the back so that it stays up on the white board!
My students know whenever the see the sign on the board… I have a secret student that day. I watch the secret student all day long.
Are they on task?
Ready to learn?
Are they being kind?
I even give reminders..”Oh I hope my secret student is following along…” It totally works like a charm. 😉
At the end of the day IF my secret student has had a good day, and in my eyes has earned their reward, I *reveal* the name behind the sign. If not I just say, “Sadly, my secret student didn’t have the best day. We will try again tomorrow.” They don’t know who it was if the reward was not earned.
I am letting my students pick between 15 “patriot points” (school-wide point system to spend in the classroom store each week) or to use our exercise ball as a seat for the entire day the next day. You can do whatever works for you! Pen all day, switch seats, etc…
You can try with your students and I hope this works for you in your classroom! Grab my sign for free in my store HERE!! 🙂
For more classroom management resources follow me on Pinterest!!
Third in Hollywood says
November 6, 2015 at 1:09 amYESSSSS! LOVE THIS IDEA! Totally gonna try it!
Shakin' it up with Mrs. Shannon says
November 6, 2015 at 1:22 amI've tried something similar but love the simplicity of this! Thanks so much!
Haley L says
November 6, 2015 at 1:47 amCan't wait to try this!!
ERice says
November 6, 2015 at 2:09 amThis is a great idea! Thank you for sharing!
Kelli Wise says
November 6, 2015 at 3:00 amI love this idea! Thanks for sharing the super cute poster! 🙂
catherine says
November 6, 2015 at 4:01 amI do a "mystery" walker and my 3rd grade students were just asking if I would make a "mystery" student version. Thanks for the visualization. I just need to make something like it that changes the secret wording.
Stephanie Sargent says
November 6, 2015 at 1:38 pmThat is an AWESOME idea! I feel like this could even work with the rowdy bunch of 6th graders I had been subbing. The only problem with using it at the middle/high level is that that's a lot of prizes to buy…so maybe something like extra credit points [which are free to me] is a good alternative 🙂 But I like your exercise ball idea too!! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Stephanie
Tales of Teaching in Heels
Dorothy says
July 23, 2016 at 11:05 amI used this idea my last couple of years in an elementary library on a related arts schedule. I didn’t give out prizes. I just notified the teacher when she picked up the class. They are usually working on some goals in the room.
I especially loved it when one of the busy/difficult students won for the day and I could tell the teacher that his behavior won the secret student award.
For subbing, maybe you could leave a certificate for the teacher to award the next day.
Sailing into Second says
November 6, 2015 at 10:32 pmI do this with my students when we are walking to and from places in line. We call it secret star!! 🙂 love this idea too!!!! 🙂
Lindalouhoo says
November 7, 2015 at 12:40 amThank you!! This is brilliant! I may survive the crazy holidays now!!
Angela S says
November 7, 2015 at 2:00 amSUCH a cute idea. Love it! Thanks for sharing. 🙂
Angela
The Organized Plan Book
Kulsum says
November 7, 2015 at 2:52 amAshley, doing this Monday! Kulsum
Jill Coffman says
December 10, 2015 at 1:54 amThis is a great idea! Thanks for sharing! 🙂
Jill
Coffman's Creative Classroom
artsygirl says
January 14, 2016 at 1:07 amLove this idea for the Art classroom. I can use it week to week and choose a few students since I see my students once a week.
Rhiannon Hubble says
January 22, 2016 at 5:33 pmI do this on the regular with my fifth grade students. They absolutely love it and since my rewards are coupons, it is totally free!
Shelby VanConant says
January 27, 2016 at 2:35 amWhat types of coupons do you use? I'm student teaching 5th grade and need something extra to help with management.
Tcameron says
March 31, 2016 at 8:42 pmLove IT! Thank you for sharing. I was just thinking this week, I need something different and fresh to motivate my students toward better behavior! Thanks, Ashley! 😀
Laura Santos says
July 29, 2016 at 12:23 pmWhat a cute idea! I’ve done something similar called Mystery Walker (for respectful hallway walking) but I love this idea and how it works all day long!
Candice Gopaul says
March 21, 2017 at 9:18 pmI love this so much!
Thank you for a brilliant idea in classroom management.
Brittany says
July 11, 2017 at 4:56 pmLove this idea and it works wonders!!!