Effort+&+Recognition

= Read and Reflect =

**How do you currently apply this strategy without the use of technology?** **There** are several strategies I use to reinforce effort, recognize effort, and recognize student achievement. Two grades are unmentionable in my classroom, “D’s” and “F’s.” I do not write the letter grades on students’ papers, just the percentages. These grades are referred to as “below “C” level” (aka “below ‘sea’ level” – pun intended). Students know more effort is required to ‘swim’ to the surface. Another strategy I use allows students to join in recognizing achievement. After weekly assessments, drum rolls are given to students earning “A’s” and “B’s.” Students look forward to pounding on their desks and cheering for each other. Other strategies, commonly used among educators, include posting student papers in the hall and classroom and using peer-tutoring and peer-editing.

What new insight did you gain from the reading?

**There** are two ideas I plan to implement as a result of this reading. To help my students make the connection between effort and achievement, I plan to share and discuss a real-life example from the // Chicken Soup // books at least once a week. Long-term, I would like to read and discuss Dr. Benjamin Carson’s // Gifted Hands //. Dr. Carson is an example of a Detroit Public School student who overcame incredible adversity to become a world renowned surgeon.

= Apply and Reflect =

**Provide evidence of the tool you learned.**



**How might you use this tool in your classroom?**

**This** tool is applicable to Reading and ELA. This tool involves reading and grammar skills. In keeping with the reading for this tool, students can be challenged to make a connection between effort and achievement. Then, they must express it concisely to create a motivational poster.


 * The** other tools at Big Huge Labs, such as Magazine Cover might be used in my classroom to provide individual recognition of effort and achievement in academics, social development, or personal accomplishments. Mosaic Maker or Slideshow might be a tool for students to collaboratively summarize a field trip. The creations would be memorable keepsakes for students and parents.