π Turning the Tide in My Classroom: Little Rewards, Big Smiles π
Tuesday, July 22, 2025A few weeks ago, I walked into class feeling lost. π The learners were loud, disinterested, and honestly… I wasn’t sure what to do anymore. I kept asking myself, “How do I reach them? How do I make learning feel meaningful and joyful again?”
But today — I’m writing this with a full heart π and a classroom that now echoes with genuine smiles π, not just noise.
Here’s what I did — and what truly worked π:
π§ English Class: Games + Goals = Magic!
π’ Week 1 & 3: Kahoot Quizzes (Weekend Challenge)
Instead of playing in class, I assigned them Kahoot quizzes via the parents’ WhatsApp group π± every other weekend. They had two days to complete them — and could retry as many times as they wanted!
At first, the response was a little slow… but by Week 3, submissions started pouring in! It felt so rewarding to see their motivation growing π±.
π‘ Week 2 & 4: Spelling Star Competition
This one? A total hit! ✨
Before the competition, I gave them time for spelling revision — and to my surprise, they were seriously focused π✍️.
Of course… some tried to cheat during the competition π , but I addressed it directly and reminded them what real effort looks like.
π Tokens, Stickers & Certificates
For both activities, I rewarded the Top 5 with small tokens and showered the rest with lots of encouragement π.
I also gave out certificates of achievement π¨️ to my mid-year exam top scorers — across English, PE & Music!
π Exercise Books: From Forgotten to Fabulous!
✨ Bigger stickers for Top 10 finishers.
π Smaller ones for those who complete their work.
The result?
They submit their work on time, guard their books like treasures π, and even request “cuter stickers” now! π
π€ Presenting with Pride
I created a Spelling Star Achievement Poster πͺ§ — so they could track progress themselves.
It’s also helped me manage the class better: I now call up group by group for presentations — and guess what? Even the usually shy or cheeky ones come forward willingly ππ½πΊπ½.
Even my special needs learners came forward to present. π That moment made me pause. The courage, the willingness — it reminded me that when given the right space and support, every child can shine. ✨
π I’ve also started doing short vocabulary reading before class (especially for Year 5). They now absorb new words and sentence structures more confidently!π§‘ One-on-One vs Class Noise
When I do personalised reading and tutoring, things still get noisy.
Some students chat loudly or distract others — and yes, it does get on my nerves. π©
It’s a work in progress… but I’m determined to keep improving. One step at a time.
π More Awards I’m Planning
To keep that momentum going, I’m planning more certificates soon:
π “Neatest Work”
π “Slowly But Surely Progress”
π “Kind-Hearted Helper”
π “Best Exercise Book”
π “Beautiful Handwriting”
Got any other ideas? I’m all ears! π₯°π¬
I never imagined those learners — the ones who used to roll their eyes, play around, or flat-out ignore me—would now look at me with hope, motivation, and trust.
Maybe all they needed was structure, support, and a few good stickers π❤️.
Here’s to trying new things, failing, adjusting, and watching little hearts open up — one certificate at a time.
❤️ Teacher Asniem
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