Best system I have ever seen: the teacher has the children fill out thank-you tickets (just write their name on the ticket) when they do something good, or helpful, or something that she knows is hard for them. The filled-out tickets go into a big jar, and are pulled regularly for special privileges or fun duties (going first at something, for instance.) The first week of school she gives out the tickets very frequently; soon the kids are all vying to do the right thing and be noticed doing it.
This system is entirely positive, the children adore the teacher for the positivity, and everyone does their best. It reinforces the particular behaviors that each child is working to master. It works especially well for the impulsive kids who are used to negative reinforcement and resigned to being chewed out all the time. Brilliant.
DeeDee
