We've had the same issue--and sometimes it seems like whatever system we come up with, DD quickly figures out how to optimize her 'take' for the least amount of effort, which can be pretty frustrating but I guess is a useful life skill. But what has worked best is if the teacher is willing to restructure the order of works so, for example, if DD gets three works done that are on her list for the day, then she gets to read for awhile, or to do a work that she really likes but has already done. Some of the teachers have been willing to help DD with this, but of course it does take extra work on their part and of course in Montessori the kids are supposed to be learning to motivate themselves, so some teachers have held it against her. For our DD, it's been difficult for us to reinforce desired in-school behavior from home, so the teacher's participation has really been key. However, we also use cash rewards (an allowance that she earns by behaving in school) and that has helped keep her on track somewhat. Also she can earn ~30 minutes of video game time at home as a reward, and also dessert (regular old dessert). Those are our current top motivaters at home. So we have the whole gamut of things that you're not supposed to reward kids with. I do feel bad about using them sometimes, but golly they can really do wonders when not much else does. Good luck!
