Paperclip Parties!

 

If you are looking for a new way for students to earn positive points for making good choices, try making a paperclip chain.  I draw a student's name from my class cup of popsicle sticks.  The student's name that is drawn gets to be the student who's height we must reach in order to have a class party!  My students are always excited to see who gets to be the next student to determine the length of the paperclip chain.  When the class transitions quietly, demonstrates responsibility, or stays focused beyond expectation, they earn a paperclip!  It is also a great year long review of measurement.  Students can predict how many paperclips it will take to reach their classmates height.  Once you get close to the goal length, you can use the paperclip chain to see how many more paperclips you need to reach "PARTY TIME!"  Doing this has prompted great conversation as students have asked me, "how do you know how many more paperclips we need?"  I demonstrate how our paperclip chain becomes a tool to see how many more we need!  This is a fun and practical measurement experience students can really relate to!  Let me know how it works for you!