Stickers, Stars and Students

Those of you who know me, know that I really hate to exercise. I mean, I have always considered it a waste of time and preferred to sit in my studio composing music. Recently I joined Curves, which promised to only take 30 minutes a day.

My enthusiasm and attendance was sporadic until Curves held "The Challenge". During the six weeks of "The Challenge", at Curves, every member who came to exercise was awarded a star. It's amazing to see how many middle-aged women changed their exercise habits and daily routines because of stickers and stars. It even worked for me! The 30 minutes a day has now become habit.

It's sometimes easy to forget how we, as adults, can bring about many positive changes in our students and our own children with a little positive reinforcement! Stickers, stars and positive reinforcement work for kids of all ages, 5, 25, and even 55!

When I'm not working out and adding to my collection of stickers and stars, Patricia and I have been developing some new neat material. These Bilingual Songs, for the younger set, are going to be great. Besides being great songs, they are all interactive and can be used as learning games. You'll see what I mean when the CD is released!

For now, I'd like to thank my friend, Pamela Spears-Wilson, for inviting me to observe her grade one classroom during the last month. Pam's kids sing songs from the "Funky Phonics Series" daily. Originally I went just to see how they were using the phonics program. (By the way, Funky Phonics has received a great review.)

Now, after watching Pam's class in action, my mind seems to be exploding with all sorts of other great ideas for great songs and great learning.

Click to enlarge photos

Positive Reinforcement in the classroom and Curves' Six Week Challenge.