Classroom Reward Idea: The 100 Box

I can’t take credit for this idea. This is actually from my 8th grade teacher, Mr. Fontanetta (who by far, was one of the best educators in my life). Sure, the debate rages on with using rewards in the classroom. Some theories state that learning should be its own reward, but for some of our kids, that isn’t enough to get them to work!

I found with junior high students, who often become apathetic about finishing their school work, that a token economy works! I thought back to my own junior high experience, and I remember kids cramming for Mr. Fontanetta’s current events quizzes because of “The 100 Box”. So, in short, I know this works. I saw it done as a student, and used it in the years I taught middle school.

(This box needs a makeover…but it has survived MANY classrooms!)

I’ve varied how students entered their names into the 100 Box. For my kiddos with IEPs, it was the little things. I had a student Nicholas, who would get an entry for merely doing his morning routine correctly. Anytime a student received an above average grade, they entered.

On Fridays, we’d pull names from the box. Those chosen students were able to pick from a variety of prizes: extra recess, homework passes, books I bought with my bonus points from Scholastic, or to pick from my treasure chest of school supplies.

I’ve used this system from first grade all the way up to eighth grade, and frankly it worked well.

Just wanted to share it with you all in case you see those cute enlarged hundred dollar bills this summer! I know I’ve seen them at dollar stores, and I’ve even seen wrapping paper with this image. All you needs to make it is a box, contact paper or packing tape, and the wrapping paper/enlarged 100 dollar bills!