I made Class Points my classroom management system my first year teaching, and it’s worked ever since. Keep reading to learn more about this strategy that helped me improve student behavior. It helped me communicate effectively with students. Finally, it helped me manage a more efficient classroom.
In this blog post I share my tips to implement Class Points as a classroom management strategy:
- Give regular compliments, feedback, and updates
- Bring attention to positive behavior
- Reward individual behavior with Raffle Tickets
- Record Class Points on the board
- Award Class Points everyday, for every routine and activity
- Have a reminder
- Use Class Points in the background
- Use an attention signal
- When something needs improvement
- Set achievable expectations
- Reward students when they reach a certain number of class points
- It isn’t always fair
If you want to read more about what Class Points are, check out my blog post Why Class Points is My Favorite Classroom Management Strategy. Learn how it helps with Classroom Management. I also explain why I use them in my classroom.
#1 Give Regular Compliments, Feedback, and Updates
Check in with the class at least once every 15 minutes. Use these checks as a reminder to reward the class with a class point. Thank students for following directions, communicating well, working well together, staying focused, being on task, and cleaning up.
I offer around 5 class points in a block period, that’s about 1 point every 15 minutes.
Examples using Class Points:
- “Everyone, please pause your conversations and direct your attention to the front of the room.” Class point on the board.
- “Thanks everyone for being on time, and getting to work quietly on the warm-up. Well done!” Class point.
- “Everyone is focused and working together on the lab. Great job!” Class point.
- “The class is on task and making progress on the vocabulary log. Keep up the good work!” Class point.
- Tables 2 and 5 did an excellent job putting their supplies away. Now they are wiping down their lab station. Some more groups still need to put their equipment away. Let’s work on that. I’ll check back in 5 minutes. Another opportunity for a class point in 5 minutes. Raffle tickets for tables 2 and 5.
- “Can I have everyone’s attention at the front of the room?” Class needs more time. “I’ll wait.” Walk over to the class points on the board. Everyone quiets down. They do not earn a point because it took too long. Give another opportunity for a class point in 5 minutes. Next time the class gives me their attention faster.
#2 Bring Attention To Positive Behavior
Class Points works by positive reinforcement. I want to bring attention to positive behavior, and tell students what to do, not what not to do.
Point out and compliment what everyone should be doing. Give positive feedback, even if it’s only a few students who are doing it right at the time.
- “Thank you for being on time!”
- “Table 1 has their science notebooks and pencils out on their desks. You have 2 minutes before the bell rings to be ready.”
- “So-and-so is using their notes from last class to help with the warm-up. Good job.”
- Table 6 is looking at the board and waiting quietly to listen to the directions. Thank you.”
It’s crazy when you say what you want them to do, and they do it! If you don’t believe me, just try it! State the expectations or behavior, and point out a good example to follow in the classroom. The rest will start doing it. It works even with a crazy and disruptive class.
With my feedback I try to explain to students what success looks like, and show them examples. If I see something super positive or brilliant going on in the classroom, I point it out. Verbal praise, and also individual raffle tickets (#3 in this blog post) are great for this.
The class may need reminders here and there and not get a point every single time. Overall I want the experience and the result to be positive not punitive. I want to reward students for their efforts, instead of punishment if they do something wrong.
#3 Reward Individual Behavior with Raffle Tickets
Raffle tickets are awarded to individual students on a daily basis. I hand students a raffle ticket and say, “Thank you.” I can staple a raffle ticket to returned work like a Quiz. They write their name on the ticket and put it in their period’s bin. When the class earns 20 Class Points, we have a raffle and prize giveaway.
I make sure to also give verbal praise. I want to communicate clearly what they are doing well and why I gave it to them.
I purchase a giant roll of raffle tickets from Staples or Office Depot. It lasts for several years.
Raffle tickets are awarded for good behavior:
- Sometimes I am really impressed by a student’s work ethic. If they get to work right away, follow expectations, contribute in their group, I give them a raffle ticket. They set a great example.
- Good deeds happen. I notice them when a student goes out of their way to be helpful. They might also be kind to someone else.
- Extra help is always appreciated. Students volunteer to pass back graded work. They take the recycling bin around the room. This happens after we cut paper for an activity. It also occurs when we work on something in our science notebooks.
- 100% on quizzes. It only takes a minute to acknowledge students for their effort and accomplishment. We discuss the quiz anyway, so might as well give some shout outs!
- The Science World Magazine crossword puzzle is one of my favorite extension activities. You can read about it in my blog post 9 Routine Assignments that are Easy to Prep and Make Great Sub Plans.
- When students win class games like Quizlet Live, Kahoot and Quizizz, it’s simple to reward them. You can give them a raffle ticket easily.
- Every student receives a raffle ticket on the First Day of School. It is one of my favorite things to do on the first day! Read more about it in my blog post 6 Of My Favorite Activity Ideas for the First Day of School.
#4 Record Class Points on the Board
Keep track of the Class Points on the board. Set-up a designated spot that is clearly visible to the class and easily accessible for you.
Keep a whiteboard marker nearby! I attach my markers to the board with velcro tape. It helps me keep track of them so I always have one handy when I want to record a point. Another benefit is that I can hang them upside down, which keeps the ink in the tip. They don’t go dry and last all year long! It’s honestly one of the easiest classroom systems to setup, and it’s essential in my classroom and my teaching.
Dry erase markers are my #5 most important teacher supply. Read more about it in my blog post, The Teacher Supplies and Classroom Systems I Can’t Do Without.
#5 Award Class Points Everyday, for Every Routine and Activity
Consistency is key! The more I use Class Points, the more it becomes a habit for me. That’s a big part of why Class Points transformed my teaching. The practice of giving praise and feedback has made me a better teacher. I learned to communicate my expectations to students.
Students become habituated with my routine of giving updates. This structure and predictability saves me effort and energy throughout the day. It takes repetition and practice, but it doesn’t take long to see the results. It makes my job easier every single day.
Give feedback and reward class points for classroom routines: entry, warm-up, organization, lecture and notes, classwork, cleanup, check-ins, end of class routine. Class points reinforce on task behavior during regular classwork, assignments and activities, and teaches students to work and transition efficiently.
Read more about the essential routines in my classroom. Check out my blog post 8 Classroom Routines & My Go-To Lesson Structure for Better Classroom Management.
#6 Have a Reminder
Give feedback and compliments regularly and frequently. Pick a spot in the room that you look at often. I use a brick next to the clock. Any time I look at the brick, it prompts me to check in and give the class some praise. You can hang a picture or write a phrase in that spot if that helps to jog your memory.
Over time, the practice becomes second nature and you won’t need a reminder. It will just become a part of what makes you an excellent teacher.
#7 Use Class Points in the Background
Sometimes I don’t want to interrupt the workflow or train of thought. For instance, during labs, tests, or when watching a movie. I give a point without pausing or telling them. They still notice the points going up on the board. I can recap what they did well when I have their attention again.
When I lecture I comment periodically, “Good job listening and filling in the notes outline. We’re on the 4th bullet point, Cells.” Class point. In this example, I reinforce positive behavior. I communicate my expectations. I give a little update to get everyone on the same page. All without missing a beat!
I love Class Points so much because once it’s in place, it goes on in the background. I can focus on teaching and working with students. Students are motivated to follow directions, stay on task, and be on good behavior because of the routine. It’s what makes Class Points such a great Classroom Management strategy!
#8 Use an Attention Signal
When students respond quickly to your attention signal, Class Point. If students are familiarized with my attention signal earlier in the year, the easier my life becomes. Lessons go so much smoother when the class gets quiet quickly for directions and transitions. I don’t need to fight for their attention.
I use a bell for my attention signal. I had a friend who used a bell and the class instantly stopped talking. I admired her for it, but I knew it wouldn’t work the same for me. I prefer a little more flexibility in my class, and I’m not a drill sergeant. So I combine my bell with a heads up. Ring bell. I say, “Please pause your conversations and direct your attention to the front of the room.” Everyone gets quiet and looks at the me. Class Point on the board.
The bell for my Attention Signal is my #1 most important teacher supply. Read more about it in my blog post The Teacher Supplies and Classroom Systems I Can’t Do Without.
#9 When Something Needs Improvement
If something needs improvement, I can address it on the spot. I love class points for giving me frequent opportunities to touch base with my class.
When students miss an opportunity for a class point because of falling short of the standard, I give another opportunity in a few minutes. I check in with them for a class point. When they work on something and improve, I want to reward their effort and give them praise.
It’s rare that I need to take a point away, but it does happen. If a group of students or the class will not quiet down, I first go and stand by the class points board. If that doesn’t work, I point for more emphasis. Usually students will “shhh” one another and everyone will get quiet.
However, at that point some students will still choose to disobey, and that’s when the class will lose a point. It usually does not go over well with the rest of the class and those who followed the directions. The disruptive students learn to pay better attention and be more respectful the next time. As long as I offer another opportunity for a class point soon, I don’t feel too bad about it.
In this instance, the class holds itself accountable. The Class Points system reinforces respectful conduct in social situations. I have struggled at times with students who are defiant. I learned that when I’m not alone trying to get them to behave, their behavior improves. Peer influence plays a significant role. This makes my job easier and a better learning environment for all students.
#10 Set Achievable Expectations
The whole class can’t be perfect all of the time. Some annoying little things you just have to let slide. If most of the class meets or exceeds the expectations, Class Point.
There’s always that class with one student who speaks out of turn and misbehaves, sometimes constantly. It wouldn’t be fair if the class continuously missed out on positive feedback and points just because one student can’t get it together.
#11 Reward Students When They Reach a Certain Number of Class Points
When the class reaches 20 points, we do a raffle with prizes. It’s something special that is unique to me and my class. It is honestly so much fun. I enjoy finding little things and stocking the prize bin with prizes I think they will enjoy.
On raffle days, for the last 10 minutes of class, I draw tickets and students pick their prizes! With great behavior, a class can earn a raffle in a week and a half or 2 weeks.
Free rewards ideas are late homework passes. They also include stretch breaks, catch-up day, movie day, or a game like Kahoot or Quizizz. You can even throw a class “party” where students sign up and bring the snacks to share.
Don’t wait too long before giving a reward. I had a friend who used 50 points as the goal, which students earned about once a quarter. It didn’t seem to help her with classroom management. For this system to work best, students should get a reward about every 2 weeks.
#12 It Isn’t Always Fair
Some classes get a lot of points, and some don’t! Class points reflect the reality of the situation. Some classes are more challenging than others, more talkative, or energetic. At the end of the day, we may still get the work done. However, some classes don’t get as much of the reward. Other classes may receive more.
They can’t really argue with it, or disagree with the system. The points are on the board for everyone to see. I explain why they are getting a class point, or directions on what to do to improve. It is a transparent system.
I don’t make it a competition, but my students LOVE to see how they compare with my other classes. My “Period 2 Angels” feel pride in their special stance and their superior standing on the chart. Even my classes that are a handful have fun with the lighthearted banter from their peers in other classes.
Give Class Points a Try!
When I was a first year teacher I expected students to automatically respect me and listen to me. That was a hard no, and it made my first year teaching extra challenging for me. I learned that experienced teachers have their own style. They also have a behavior management system in their classrooms that works for them.
When I first started teaching, I had a difficult time with classroom management. I spent so much time researching and creating science lessons. It was a full-time job, on top of the face-to-face time spent in the classroom. I was burnt out, and stressed when I didn’t know how to address bad behavior or challenging students. I was overwhelmed by everything on my plate. When I started using Class Points, things got easier almost immediately.
I love class points because they helped me become a better teacher. Class points are a reminder for me to give praise to my students for a job well done. Now it is ingrained in me to check in with my classes regularly. I don’t even have to think about it. Engagement, praise, motivation, encouragement, and feedback are just part of my teaching style.
Class Points transformed my teaching and makes each day easier. I hope the ideas in this blog post can save you some time and stress! To read more about why Class Points works and why I love using it in my classroom, check out my blog post. Why Class Points is My Favorite Classroom Management Strategy.
If you have questions let me know by leaving a comment. Do you have a great Classroom Management strategy or crazy store to share? Leave a comment, I would love to hear from you! For more ideas about teaching, classroom routines, and classroom management, check out my blog, How She Teaches!
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