At it again
Yep I sure am..at it again. By it I mean my grand attempts at systems for extrinsically motivating my children in the hopes it will become intrinsic in the end. Ha, look at me using big words from that fantastic education of mine.
Anyway, currently the kids and I brainstormed a plan where they would earn badges for specific skills, for example table manners, courtesy, teamwork etc. I got the badge idea from either Parents magazine or Family Fun. #1 said there should be a level system which I love because then they feel their progress towards the end goal. #3 said it should be 5,4,3,2,1 style. I loved that too because then it works to being number 1. #2 added that one is the littlest number so it makes it feel good to be the best at something. Ah, listening to the teamwork in action makes this momma's heart flutter!! #4 well all the while she was being her troublesome self, getting up and trying to disturb the flow. A big high five to the rest of the kiddos for ignoring her distractions.
The ideas and actions expected for each trait were spewing from everyone. They were raising their hands to speak and being pretty darn polite. I am thrilled with this response, and ran to get my notebook to jot things down. Sensing the lateness in time we felt we should stop there, clean up and rotate through baths/showers before we continued. In light of all this enthusiasm I said we could make ice cream sundaes and enjoy them while we make a graphic organizer for each trait. The teacher in me really does exist right?
So, here's to great ideas from other mom's and unique family plan's too. Look out for the results of our attempts, the celebrations of triumphs and I am sure a struggle or two along the trek. I will post pics of the finished products when we get that far.
The magazine said it would have online examples of the idea in the June/July issue and I remember thinking who on earth would want to wait that long? Not I said the fly because I we are making our own with that powerful Colbert Clan spin !
Anyway, currently the kids and I brainstormed a plan where they would earn badges for specific skills, for example table manners, courtesy, teamwork etc. I got the badge idea from either Parents magazine or Family Fun. #1 said there should be a level system which I love because then they feel their progress towards the end goal. #3 said it should be 5,4,3,2,1 style. I loved that too because then it works to being number 1. #2 added that one is the littlest number so it makes it feel good to be the best at something. Ah, listening to the teamwork in action makes this momma's heart flutter!! #4 well all the while she was being her troublesome self, getting up and trying to disturb the flow. A big high five to the rest of the kiddos for ignoring her distractions.
The ideas and actions expected for each trait were spewing from everyone. They were raising their hands to speak and being pretty darn polite. I am thrilled with this response, and ran to get my notebook to jot things down. Sensing the lateness in time we felt we should stop there, clean up and rotate through baths/showers before we continued. In light of all this enthusiasm I said we could make ice cream sundaes and enjoy them while we make a graphic organizer for each trait. The teacher in me really does exist right?
So, here's to great ideas from other mom's and unique family plan's too. Look out for the results of our attempts, the celebrations of triumphs and I am sure a struggle or two along the trek. I will post pics of the finished products when we get that far.
The magazine said it would have online examples of the idea in the June/July issue and I remember thinking who on earth would want to wait that long? Not I said the fly because I we are making our own with that powerful Colbert Clan spin !
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