Providing Recognition - Chpt. 3

The simplest method I've found for providing recognition is the computer generated certificate. I've used Word, Publisher and Print Shop and others. The neatest aspect of the certificate is the ease with which it can be personalized. And personalization doesn't stop with the student name. We recognized whole classes for their "good library conduct" by making each student a bookmark with their picture on it. We used the first class visit as a time to take pictures of all the kids for this purpose. Of course, there are specific certificate "awards" that I give. For instance, when students read a certain number of Cinderella tales (we have over 40), they receive either a Cinderella or CinderFella Certificate. We even use overhead acetate to print the certificates to represent the glass slipper. For most certificates, we also print and present as they are earned, rather than waiting until a formal awards ceremony at mid- or end-of-year. By using technology, we don't have to wait to order printed certificates that have to be filled out by hand.

I plan to make another form of recognition available online that involves a tech tool called Animoto. We may get to this later, but I have used it as a recognition tool in the past and plan to continue. Animoto is an online slide show service that takes your uploaded photos and turns them into a fun slide presentation with musical accompaniment. They have a free educator membership that allows you to avoid fees for presentations longer than the free 30 second format. Although I did not post this on our school site, I plan to do so next year. The link provided shows students who completed an author challenge, reading 4 books by the same author in a grade period, scoring 80 or better on the AR quizz, plus earning a passing percentage of goal and overall passing average on AR. Of course, the point of the show was as much to encourage other students as it was to recognize the accomplishment. The kids loved it.