Note to the Teacher

HOUSE POINTS
How I use this in my class
I started using house points after struggling to gain
control of my middle school classes. I decided to let go to Click here to
my natural instinct of shushing and yelling and decided see my
to initiate both an individual and a full-class reward Individual
program. After the first week implementing house points, Incentive Plan
I had full classes participating in discussions and
volunteering to read WITHOUT my begging and
prompting! It was amazing!

I tell the students that multiple/all classes can win the possible whole-class rewards
anytime in the year as long as their points are in good standings. For example, this
year, I told my classes they had to have so many points in order to see The Outsiders
movie at the end of the book. I had 4 classes watch the movie, but one class acted out
and was unable to see the movie.

I keep their scores on the board. The end of the 9 week prize may be donuts, cookies,
or one of the Whole-Class Rewards that the other classes did not receive.

The house cup is for the most points earned in the year. The prize is bragging rights
and a pizza/dessert/movie party, which I hold before the last week of school, since
most people have movie parties the last few days anyways. Make sure your reward is
something special that the kids don't normally receive (I tried to get approval to take
them on a field trip somewhere, but wasn't approved. It is definitely something to look
into though.)

© Books and Balance

 Class Rewards
HOUSE POINTS
How to Earn Points
+ 1 point for every B earned on a test
+ 2 points for every A earned on a test
+ 5 points when there is perfect attendance for the class
+ 5 points when multiple students volunteer to read/answer
questions
+ 10 points when the full class participates in readings, discussions,
and activities
+ 15 points when the whole class turns in homework completed

How to Lose Points

- 2 points for every student out of their seat
- 2 points for every student who comes to class unprepared
- 5 points for every student who uses technology inappropriately
during class time (texting, gaming, social media, etc.)
- 10 points when more than 4 students come to class without
homework completed
- 15 points when the class is chatty and off task after warnings

“We must all face the choice between what is right and what is easy.”
~Albus Dumbledore

© Books and Balance

 Class Rewards
HOUSE POINTS
Possible Whole-Class Rewards
+ Class Outside
+ Pick Seats for the Day
+ Fifteen Minute Free Time Friday
+ Movie Following Unit
+ Food in Class for All
+ Teacher Brings in Treats

House Cup Rewards

House points will be totaled at the end of each 9 weeks. The class
period with the most points wins a prize for their class. Each 9
weeks, the points restart. The last 9 weeks will total all house points
earned over the year to determine the House Cup Winner! The class
will receive the final, grand prize! (TBA)

“It is our choices, Harry, that show us who we really are…”

~Albus Dumbledore

© Books and Balance