To Use With Your
SuccessMaker Program
Santa Rosa District Schools
Marianne Robey
Facilitator
WHY MOTIVATE?
Motivation is essential to the success of any program. In order to ensure that students are consistently putting
forth their best effort, teachers need to find ways to inspire students to want to learn.
Here are some guidelines to help you in developing your student motivational plan.
1.
Plan for the entire year at the beginning. Evaluate the rewards you plan to use and try to save the best for
last.
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Set realistic goals. Post the goals so students understand what they have to do to be successful. Every
student should be able to achieve in your lab. We want to set our students up for success, not failure.
3.
Display student progress. Students like to see how they are doing and they like to share their success
with others. Competition is often the best motivator. Bulletin boards displaying student achievement will
add appeal to your room.
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By recognizing their achievement, students will realize that what they do is important to you.
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Do not be afraid to make changes in your plan. Follow through on your procedures from the first
semester to keep the students interested.
Patti Stepbach and Becky Sutherland compiled the ideas in this booklet. They are a culmination of motivational
plans used by teachers, lab managers, and consultants in SuccessMaker schools.
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STEPS TO SUCCESSFUL MOTIVATION
Plan
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Make a yearly plan.
Save the best awards for last.
Let students know about the motivational plan.
Organize prizes by grade level so that the prizes will be different for students each year.
Display
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Let students see who have been successful.
Show an overview of SuccessMaker progress.
Involve students.
Make the room attractive.
Change
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“Variety is the spice of life”…Use a variety of measures of SuccessMaker progress – gains, target level,
total correct with a specified percentage, etc.
Follow your plan, but freshen up” occasionally.
Challenge
4.
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Make the student’s goal attainable, but challenging.
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QUICK, EASY AND INEXPENSIVE IDEAS
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Praise from the Teacher or Lab Manager Sheet on 100 Ways to Say “Very Good.”
Hug or Pat on the Back The teacher or lab manager can hug or give the student a pat on the back for
his or her accomplishments.
Personal Note to the Student from the Teacher Write the student a personal note about his good
progress, behavior, etc.
Note from the Teacher to the Principal Send a note to parents about their child’s success.
Letter to Parents Send a note to parents about their child’s success.
Daily Student Recognition Announce the names of students who make great progress in the morning /
afternoon announcements.
Most Correct Answers On a given day, five students who receive the most correct answers for that day
receive a certificate, poster, etc.
Lunch with the Teacher
Free Course Selection
Free Reading Time in SuccessMaker Libraries
Certificates See examples in courseware manuals or design your own.
Customize the Student Number screen The teacher can use a student photograph. Students can create
a picture in Paintbrush or use clipart.
Customize the Welcome message This can be student directed or teacher directed.
Wise Old Owl The boy and girl who receive the most total correct exercises from the previous day get
to keep the Wise Old Owl for the day on their desk. (The Wise Old Owl is a stuffed owl. You can use
any stuffed animal.)
Commercial Coupons Ask for coupons from business partners such as McDonalds, Pizza Hut, etc.
Teacher Created Coupons The teacher creates and gives students coupons such as free homework
passes, speed games, etc.
Sticker Book Students can design their own seasonal or thematic book. Students are rewarded with
stickers to keep in their book.
Ring the Bell Student rings a bell when he/she gets a certain score and receives applause from the class.
This works well in the distributed model.
Hand Stamp Student receives a stamp for getting a certain score.
Punch Card Student has his/her card punched every time a certain score is achieved.
Lab Assistant for the Week Student is selected to clean headphones and assist with keeping the lab
clean.
Wall Charts List student’s names on a chart. A star is placed by the name for getting a certain score
Individual Student Charts / Folders Students keep track of scores independently.
Catch a Student Being Good A student receives recognition from a teacher or principal for displaying
good behavior or obtaining expected scores.
Computer Assistant A student is selected each day to assist the teacher or lab manager with general
housekeeping, shutdown, etc.
Jelly Beans The teacher keeps a jar of jellybeans on his or her desk. Students receive a jellybean each
time certain scores are achieved.
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MOTIVATIONAL BULLETIN BOARDS
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Travel the Road to Success
Display a model of a highway on the board or the wall. Provide each student with a pattern of a car.
Students move their cars along the road, stopping at designated areas for rewards. Teachers can target
gains or total correct exercises.
Climbing the Ladder to Success
Gains or total correct exercises measure student success. Students are given a pattern for a boy or girl.
Students climb the ladder to success.
I’m a Blooming Success
Student success is measured by gains. Each week a Gains Sort in the Custom Report Command is run to
track student progress. Students receive parts to build a flower for each level of success achieved.
Frequent Flyers to Success
Display a map of the United States on the bulletin board. Students color and write their names on
airplanes. Students are selected on a weekly basis to act as travel agents and flight attendants. Once a
week, students receive an update of the frequent flyer miles they have earned according to the number of
total correct responses in math and reading. CAI Flyers meet with ticket agents to calculate the number
of frequent flyer miles earned for the week. Students move their airplane across the United States to the
designated city. In this case, all flights land in Hollywood, Home to the Stars. Once students earn 500
frequent flyer miles, they become First Class Travelers, earning the privilege of having a cushioned
chair for the week and juice served by the flight attendant upon arrival to school. Once the students
arrive in Hollywood, a plaster cast of their hand is made and the student earns his or her wings.
Success Tree
Student success is measured by percent correct. Teachers display students names who have scored 70%
or above on daily sessions. Students write their names on apples, which are then hung on the Success
Tree.
Treasure Chest of Great Gains
Student progress is measured by total correct exercises. As the students reach certain plateaus, bronze,
silver or gold coins are given to the students according to the goal reached. The coins are placed in the
treasure chest. At the end of the year students are allowed to take their coins home.
Reach for the Stars
Student success is measured by gains. Stars represent one-month gain. For each month students grow,
they earn a treat from the treat jar. Three months growth earns students a trip to the treasure box. Five
months growth earns the students lunch with the teacher and a special treat.
Growing by Leaps and Bounds
Gains or total correct exercises measure student success. Bulletin board displays a pond with lily pads,
which represent one-month gain or a specified number of correct exercises. Students put their name on
the frog of their choice.
Going Bananas
Student success is measured by the percentage correct. A jungle theme using a banana tree is displayed
on a bulletin board. At the end of the day students scoring 70% or above are given a banana cutout with
his/her session score and places it on the tree. On Friday five students who have achieved the highest
scores receive a prize.
Our Goal is Better Gains
Student progress is measured by gains. A model of a football field is displayed on the bulletin board.
Each goal line is a gain. Students start on the fifty-yard line and move their football towards the goal
post as their gain increases. Two fields can be used, one for math and another for reading.
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All About Me
Students with special achievements are recognized by having their picture displayed on the bulletin
board or on the computer screen. Examples of recognition pictures can be the student with the most total
correct exercises in math and/or reading, the most improved student, the most gain for the month, or
students who top out of courses.
Step Toward Good Gains
Patterns of feet with total correct exercises are placed on the bulletin board. Students place their names
on the feet. Students progress along the trail to the class goal.
Build a Sundae to Success
Students are given a sundae dish and patterns for sundae toppings. Each topping represents a gain or set
number of correct exercises. When the student reaches the goal, they place a topping on their sundae. At
the end of the month or semester, students who have reached their goal enjoy an ice-cream social.
Something to Crow About
Students are recognized for topping out of courses. The bulletin board features a scarecrow and birds.
Names are placed on the birds to recognize completion of courses.
We’re Soaring to Success
Bulletin board displays a hot air balloon. As the students reach their goal (gains, total correct, or time on
the computer) they add a balloon to the board. At the end of the year, students who reach their goal
enjoy a fun-filled afternoon playing with the balloons they earned for good work.
The Main Attraction
Students earn theatre tickets for gains. Each month a movie is shown to students who reach the monthly
gain. The bulletin board can be decorated with movie posters obtained from the video store. Serve the
students popcorn and soda.
Ballooning Our Way to Success
Use two bunches of balloons, one for math and one for reading. Students fill in the balloons with their
names and goals until the bunch is completed. When all students reach the school goal, a school-wide
celebration takes place.
Gaining a Wealth of Knowledge with SuccessMaker
Display a large piggy bank on the bulletin board. Small moneybags with student names and goals are
placed around it. Students reaching their goal are eligible for a raffle at the end of the year.
Cashing in on Success with SuccessMaker
A picture of a cash register is placed on the bulletin board. Money with students’ names is placed around
it. When a student reaches the goal for the year, he or she receives a school credit card to use in the
school store.
Write for Success
A computer and pencil are used as the background for the board. Students who are working in RA
Reading / Writing model or WE are given a journal for writing. As assignments are completed, students
add the titles of their writing to the board. A class journal can also be kept to include students’ actual
writing samples.
Putting It Together for Success
Each student is given a puzzle to color and decorate at the beginning of the year. The student then cuts
the puzzle into various pieces and places it in an envelope. When a goal is attained, the student places a
piece of the puzzle next to his or her name on the board. Once all students complete their puzzles, the
class celebrates with a game day.
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Stocking Our Pond for Success
The background for the board is a large pond or a small child’s outdoor pool can be placed in the room.
Students earn fish of different colors and sizes for goals attained. Number of correct exercises with a
specified percentage correct might be the focus. Fish might also be cut from white paper for students to
color. Students go fishing for prizes.
Reach for Your Pot of Gold
A rainbow and pot of gold are placed on the board. Students are given gold coins as they achieve their
goal. Once they reach across the rainbow, their name goes in a pot making them eligible for a reward.
BEE All You can BEE
Patterns of bees are placed on the board. Students receive a bee each time they get a score of 70% or
above (with a specified number attempted or correct). When a designated number of bees are in the hive,
students receive a special reward from the teacher.
OTHER TERRIFIC IDEAS
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Estimation Jar
The teacher fills a large jar with jellybeans, M & M’s, or cookies. Students make a guess every time they
reach a certain score. The closest guess wins the jar of candy.
Percent Correct Lottery
Every time a student makes a certain score, the student puts his or her name in a hat for a chance to win
a prize.
Challengers Club
Students are given time to do additional sessions before school or after school in order to reach a
personal goal they have set for themselves. Students meet with the lab manager to determine their goal
and to write their plan of action plan for the club. The club is voluntary.
Scrappy Dogs
The Magic Petz program is used to motivate students and keep them on task. This is a take off on the
“virtual pets” that have become so popular. It does not require continuous care like the ones the kids
have. However, it allows great interaction between the student and the electronic pet. Students can give
the dog food, water, and treats. They can play ball or tug of war, pet its head, or rub its belly. They can
even teach the pet tricks! The kids really love this activity. One student per day, per class, is selected to
spend the last five minutes of the class period playing with the pet. Students are selected on the basis of
behavior and their lab score.
Game Day
Students who have maintained a course average of 70% or above in all courses are given a game day
one Friday per month. Educational games are used as incentives for students to maintain their
percentage.
Spin the Wheel of Success
Two spinners are mounted on a board. One spinner contains Math, Double Day, Reading, and No
Winner. The second spinner has the following percentages: 65-100, 70-100, 75-100, 80-100. The student
whose roll book number matches the day of the month spins. The spinner with math and reading is spun
first. Should it land on Double Day, the spinner is spun again in an attempt to get either Math or
Reading. Should the spinner land on Reading or Math, then the second spinner is spun to determine the
scores that will receive NCS Learn Lab Bucks. The holder of three lab bucks may exchange them for a
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Cookie Coupon or the holder of five lab bucks may trade for a Snack Coupon. No one receives a lab
buck for the day if the spinner lands on No Winner.
Shooting Stars
Students with 1000 correct exercises with 70% or better in reading and math get their name put in a star
and placed on the Solar System Wall as “Shooting Stars”.
1000 Club
The student’s picture is placed within a mock $1000 bill, and put on the 1000 Club wall. The student is
able to acquire this by attempting 1000 correct exercises with 70% or above.
Top Hat
A large top hat is made and placed on the wall. Within the Top Hat it says “Topped Out of”, Reading
Readiness, Initial Reading, Reader’s Workshop. All around the large Top Hat are smaller Top Hats with
the student’s name when they top out of one of the reading programs.
Speed Game Contest
Every other Friday students spend the last 10 minutes of class doing Speed Games. First place gets a
Snack Coupon. Second and third place winners get Cookie Coupons.
Lunch with the Principal
The teacher selects a student who has met the lab goals for academics and/or behavior to enjoy an outing
for lunch with the principal.
Lunch with the Teacher
Teacher selects a student who has met goals to enjoy an outing for lunch with the teacher.
Trophies
A trophy is given to the class of the month. The trophy is given to the class with the most gain or the
most correct exercises. The trophy is passed to the next winner.
Student of the Day
The student with the most correct exercises on the previous day will wear a sash or badge showing that
he/she is the Student of the Day. This student can serve as the class leader and assist the teacher with
classroom tasks.
Student of the Month
The student with the highest gain for the month has their picture taken and placed on the computer
screen in place of the existing picture. A bulletin board can also feature this child.
Teacher of the Month
The teacher whose class has the most gain for a particular month can receive this honor and a special
parking spot, extra planning time, or some other prize.
Hats Off
Use the Ellison Die Cut Machine to cut a pattern of a hat. Each time you catch the student being good,
or each time the student meets with success in the lab, give him/her a Hats Off award.
Daily High Scores
The student with the highest daily score in each class is given a blue ribbon to take home.
Charting for Success
Class gains are charted and displayed in the lab. The class with the most gain each month is given a
certificate for a job well done. The class is added to the Success board displayed in the office.
Technology Club
Students who are interested in improving their scores and averages may join the technology club to
receive additional time on the computer. Students will be given opportunities to explore other courses.
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Web Site
Students can create a SuccessMaker web site to recognize student achievement. The web site is to be
updated on a regular basis.
Dust Cover Contest
Students are given the opportunity to design the cover for the computers. Judges comprised of students,
teachers, and parents will select the winning artwork. Students can work with the art teacher on this
project.
Mentoring for Success
Allow older students to assist younger students in the lab. Students who are maintaining 80% percent
and above and who exemplify good behavior will be given the opportunity to help others.
Gains Honor Roll
A class chart displays students who reach the targeted gains. A school awards assembly would be a great
way to honor these students.
Badges of Success
Students who reach targeted total correct exercises, gains, or time will be given the opportunity to use
the badge maker to design a badge to mark their success. Teachers can also make badges to give to
students to recognize their success.
Marking for Success
The Ellison Die Cut Machine can be used to cut out bookmarks to be given to students who read a
certain number of stories/excerpts in First Adventures Bookshelf, Reading Adventures, and/or Reading
Investigations. Students can also design book jackets to be displayed in the Media Center.
Success Chain
Cut paper strips in different colors for different percentage scores.
70-79%
Yellow
80-90%
Blue
90-99%
Green
100%
Red
Each student adds a link to the chain for scores of 70% or above. Have students write their names on the
links. The class with the longest chain wins.
Computer Lottery
Students with scores of 70% and above each day receive a ticket to place in a jar. On Friday, one name
is drawn from the jar and a reward is given to the student.
IDEAS TO HELP YOU CELEBRATE SUCCESS
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Video of Success
If the school has a student media team/club, they can produce a SuccessMaker video featuring students
who have reached their goals in the lab. This video can consist of interviews with students, teachers and
principals. The video can be shown at a school assembly or at an open house. This would also be an
excellent way to promote the lab for orientation of new students coming into the school.
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Pep Rally
To begin the year, a Pep Rally can be held to motivate students and to kick off the new school year.
School cheerleaders or the technology club can be responsible for this project. This would also be an
excellent opportunity to launch the school-wide motivational plan.
Open House
Parents are invited to attend a Technology Open House to observe what the students are doing in the lab.
Parents can be assigned demo numbers to work a mini session or they can observe their child take a
session. This would be a perfect time to share the motivational plan with the parents. The open house
gives parents an opportunity to become more familiar with the technology used by their children.
Newsletter
Students can publish a NCS Learn School Newsletter as a part of their writing requirement. Articles will
feature student success stories. Our young journalist will be given the opportunity to interview students,
teachers, and parents.
Café Success
Students are recognized daily for scores of 70% or better. The school year is sectioned into 25-day
segments. In those 25 days, the students have the opportunity to score 16 days at 70% or better in each
program. If they do they are invited to Café Success. Students are given tickets to enter. The
multipurpose room is converted into a “fancy” restaurant. Music, tablecloths, and special dessert are
present. Occasionally door prizes are given to students in attendance.
Right on Target
The school should decide how many correct exercises the students can complete in a year. Running total
correct exercises for the previous year would provide a benchmark as to the number needed to set the
goal. Progress can be charted with a thermometer placed on the school grounds visible to the public.
(This is patterned after the United Way goal). Each week the goal would be updated. Once the school
goal is reached, students, teacher, and parents gather to celebrate.
Holiday Store
During the holiday season, a SuccessMaker store can be set up to provide students with a place to do
holiday shopping. Correct exercises are converted to SuccessMaker dollars. These dollars are used to
shop in the store. Teachers decide the value of the donated items. The support of local businesses will be
needed for this project.
SuccessMaker Auction
Correct exercises are converted to dollars that will be used for an end-of-the-year auction. Each Friday
students are given an account of the number of correct exercises for the week. They are deposited into
the SuccessMaker Bank, which is housed in the lab. Deposit charts are posted so those students can see
their accounts grow. A local auctioneer can be invited to run the auction. Local business support will be
necessary for the success of this project.
Awards Ceremony
Hold an awards ceremony to recognize student achievement at the end of the year. Parents, school
board members, and district level personnel can be invited for this special event. Refreshments can be
served as a thank you for a job well done.
Celebration Picnic
Have a picnic to honor all students who reach the school goal. Parents can be invited to share in this
special day. T-shirts can be given as awards for Most Gain, Most Improved Student, Most Total Correct
Exercises, etc.
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Competitions
Classrooms, grades, or even schools can compete against each other for most total correct exercises,
most gain, or most time on. This would be best as a monthly activity. The principal can award the
winners free ice cream.
Kiss a Pig
The school sets a goal. When the goal is reached, the principal kisses a pig.
Faculty Performance
When a class reaches the school goal, the teacher performs a talent at an assembly.
Up on the Roof
When the school goal is met, the principal spends the day on the roof of the school.
SuccessMaker Parade
Students who have attained their targeted goal ride in the county/town annual parade. The school can
design a float around the theme “Student Success.”
School Parade
When students reach the school-wide goal, a school parade recognizing student achievement is held.
Students can decorate their bikes, wagons, or their bodies. Parents can be invited to share in the
celebration.
Celebrate a Book
Students design book jackets for RA, RI, FAB, or RAP stories. Parents are invited to a Celebrate a Book
Night. Students can dress as one of the characters in the book, if they choose. Trophies can be awarded
for various categories.
Top Ten Trip
The top ten students in each class (based on class/school goal) are rewarded with an end-of -year
celebration field trip.
Wall of Fame
The school displays a plaque in the main hall with the top math and reading student of the year.
Monthly Theme
Different goals are set for each month. Students are rewarded with Crazy Hat Day, Button Day, Favorite
T-Shirt Day, No Uniform Day, etc.
Computer Month
Students create bulletin boards related to SuccessMaker for a PTO meeting. Parents are invited to the
classrooms to work in a mini-session using SuccessMaker.
Rodeo Day
To celebrate reaching the school goal, a Rodeo Day is held for students and parents. Pony rides, rope
tricks, western storytelling, and western movies can be part of the activities. Students can dress in
western attire.
Dance Your Way to Success
An end of the year sock-hop provides students who have met the school goal an opportunity to have an
afternoon or evening of fun with their friends. A local disk jockey can be asked to donate services to the
school.
Graduation
Categories for recognition will be determined at the beginning of the year. Students leaving elementary
school for middle school are recognized at a SuccessMaker graduation ceremony. The student who
made the most progress may address the student body.
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SuccessMaker
Motivational Plan
Teacher
Date
My goal for the year is
My motivational activity is
SuccessMaker report(s) I will use
My reward for the winner
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Motivational Plan for the
Month of ______________
Activity Title
Grade Levels
Reward
Start Date
End Date
PR Needed
Visual/Bulletin Board
To Do
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Good for your!
Superb.
You did very well.
You’ve got it made.
Terrific!
Right On!
You haven’t missed a thing.
Marvelous!
You’re doing fine.
You’re really improving.
You’re on the right track now.
Now you’ve figured it out.
Outstanding!
That’s coming along nicely.
I knew you could do it.
Good work.
You sure figured it out fast.
I think you’ve got it now.
Well, look at you go!
Tremendous.
That’s RIGHT!
Perfect.
Nice going.
You’ve got your brain in gear now.
Now you’ve got the hang of it.
WOW!
Wonderful!
You’re getting better every day.
You’re sure learning fast.
You make it look easy.
That’s an excellent job.
Super!
You did a lot of work today!
Keep it up.
You’ve got it down pat.
Congratulations.
Exactly right!
Nice going.
Excellent!
Sensational!
You’re doing beautifully.
You’ve almost mastered it.
What a creative idea!
Let’s show this to everyone.
Absolutely correct.
You always try so hard.
Lovely!
Bravo!
Can you show me how to do that?
You didn’t even need any help.
51. That’s really nice.
52. That’s the best ever.
53. That’s great.
54. Way to go!
55. That’s the way to do it!
56. What an improvement!
57. Couldn’t have done it better myself.
58. Good thinking.
59. You’re really going to town.
60. Keep up the good work.
61. That’s it!
62. Fabulous!
63. Fantastic!
64. You out did yourself today!
65. You’re doing a good job.
66. That’s the right way to do it.
67. That’s much better.
68. Go for it!
69. I’m proud of the way you’ve tried.
70. That’s the best you’ve ever done.
71. You certainly did well today.
72. You must have been practicing.
73. Great!
74. Keep working. You’re getting better
75. You remembered!
76. That kind of work makes me so happy.
77. You’re really working hard today.
78. That’s what I call a fine job.
79. I’m so proud of you.
80. One more time and you’ll have it.
81. Fine!
82. That’s good.
83. Good job!
84. You really make this fun.
85. Good remembering.
86. Nothing can stop you now.
87. You are doing much better today.
88. Keep on trying.
89. You are really learning a lot.
90. You’ve just about got it.
91. You are so good at that.
92. That’s really nice.
93. Look how close you came.
94. You have a great imagination.
95. Magnificent!
96. I like working with you.
97. How attractive.
98. You found a way to do it.
99. A truly fine effort.
100. You never give up.
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I’m a Blooming Success
Student Success is measured by gains. Each week a Gains Sort in the Custom Reports
Command is run to track student progress. Students receive parts to build a flower for
each level of success achieved.
Pot
Stem
Leaf
Leaf
Bud
1 Petal
Star
2 Petal
Star
3 Petal
Star
4 Petal
Star
5 Petal
Star
6 Petal
Star
7 Petal
Star
8 Petal
.05
.10
.15
.20
.25
.30
.35
.40
.45
.50
.55
.60
.65
.70
.75
.80
.85
.90
.95
1.00
Submitted by: Terri Ivey,
Starke Elementary, FL
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