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!! 🙂
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YESSSSS! LOVE THIS IDEA! Totally gonna try it!
I've tried something similar but love the simplicity of this! Thanks so much!
Can't wait to try this!!
This is a great idea! Thank you for sharing!
I love this idea! Thanks for sharing the super cute poster! 🙂
I 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.
That 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
I 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.
I do this with my students when we are walking to and from places in line. We call it secret star!! 🙂 love this idea too!!!! 🙂
Thank you!! This is brilliant! I may survive the crazy holidays now!!
SUCH a cute idea. Love it! Thanks for sharing. 🙂
Angela
The Organized Plan Book
Ashley, doing this Monday! Kulsum
This is a great idea! Thanks for sharing! 🙂
Jill
Coffman's Creative Classroom
Love 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.
I do this on the regular with my fifth grade students. They absolutely love it and since my rewards are coupons, it is totally free!
What types of coupons do you use? I'm student teaching 5th grade and need something extra to help with management.
Love 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! 😀
What 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!
I love this so much!
Thank you for a brilliant idea in classroom management.
Love this idea and it works wonders!!!