WBT - The Scoreboard

Meet my Scoreboard...Smileys and Frownies!

I LOVE using The Scoreboard with Kindergarten, another fabulous idea from wholebrainteaching.    Although I admit that I was uncertain of its potential success at first.  In fact I was sure it wouldn't work with the Little Learners but could see it being effective in older years  But guess what???  It worked a charm.

(I simply printed my icons, cut them out and Blu Tack them to my chalkboard)

Give it a go - I am so glad I did!



Kinder Cottage Smiley and Frownie Scoreboard



What is this Scoreboard?? I hear you ask. The Scoreboard is a whole class motivational tool.  You simply put two icons on a board, one representing success and the other room for improvement.  Every time your class is achieving your expectations you exclaim, '1 second party!' hold up one finger and add a tally point below the Smiley on the scoreboard.  Now this next part is priceless - Your Little Learners then shout 'Oh Yes/Yeah!'  They raise their arm and punch up into the air. 

If you see or hear something that you want to discourage you simply exclaim, ' Mighty groan! shrug your shoulders, hang your head down and add one tally point below the Frownie on the scoreboard. Now for the priceless part - The Little Learners voice 'Ohhhh!' and sadly sigh loudly. 

It doesn't take long before the children are checking the scoreboard and quietly encouraging each other to do their best to ensure Smiley wins.  You need to maintain a difference of no more than 3 tally points between the Smileys and Frownies all day for optimum motivation and give points frequently.  100 points is suggested for the first few weeks. 

I know, I know, you are thinking doesn't this distract the Little Learners from their work tasks?

NO, NO, NO! 

Quite the opposite which is hilarious.  The Little learners very quickly make their responses then continue with their tasks without prompting to do so.  It really is funny to listen to their responses, watch gestures that accompany the words then to have the Little Learners immediately back on task....all without you saying a word.



The Scoreboard needs to be in a prominent position allowing quick, easy access.


By the way...there isn't any reward at the end of the day, week, month or ever.  Kids just enjoy the challenge.  After about a term you can crank it up/refresh it by telling the kids that they are soooo amazingly good that they have moved to the next level.  Simply write 'Level 2' on the board above the icons and off you go again.  Hilarious...but this genuinely motivates the Little Learners.  Theory suggests that they are so used to playing computer games that progressing to the next level is mental reward.

Give it a go.  I promise it works well.

Mrs Stowe :-)