Hi friends! Today I want to share one of my firstie besties’ very favorite things in our Happy Classroom… class coupons! They are simple, they cost me nothing, and they have made a huge difference in how much reading happens at home.
How My Students Earn a Coupon
Every month, each child gets a Happy Hearts Reading Log. It has 20 numbered lines with a spot for a parent signature and the minutes read. When a student fills in all 20 entries by the end of the month, they earn a class coupon of their choice!
Here’s my little trick for keeping it all together: I copy the reading log on the back of my monthly newsletter. Families get the month’s learning, important dates, and the reading log all on one page. Students keep it in their homework folders, so it travels back and forth every day and never gets lost in a backpack.
I also add a reminder right on the front of the newsletter: 20 Reading Logs this month = a class coupon. Parents see it, kids see it, and everyone knows the goal.
Meet the Coupons
Every coupon is something my kids truly love, and none of them cost a thing. Here’s what they can choose from:
Eat Lunch with My Teacher
This one is always a top pick! The student gets to eat lunch with me in the classroom, and they get to bring a friend. It’s such a sweet time to just chat and get to know them a little better.
Fancy Pencil
Students get to pick a special pencil to use. It’s amazing how a little sparkle makes handwriting practice feel extra special!
No Shoes Day
Shoes off, cozy socks on! Students can go shoeless in the classroom for the day.
Show and Tell
Students bring something special from home to share with the class. Bonus: it’s great speaking and listening practice!
Stuffy Day
A favorite stuffed animal gets to come to school for the day and be a reading buddy.
Work on the Rug All Day
Firsties love a change of scenery! With a clipboard in hand, they can do their work stretched out on the rug instead of at their seat.
Work in the Tent All Day
The coziest seat in the room! Students get to set up in our classroom tent and work there all day.
Tips for Using Class Coupons
- Print and cut ahead of time. The coupons print four to a page, so I run off a stack and keep them ready to go in a pretty box.
- Let students choose. Having a choice makes the reward feel even more special.
- Celebrate together. When reading logs come in at the end of the month, we celebrate every child who reached 20 entries.
- Keep families in the loop. A quick reminder in the newsletter helps parents cheer their reader on all month long.
Grab Them for Free!
I would love for your students to enjoy these too! The class coupons are waiting for you in my Happy Teacher Free Resources Google Drive. Print, learn, and enjoy!
If you use them in your classroom, I would love to hear which coupon your kiddos pick first! Tag me on Instagram @victoria_saied.
Happy teaching! ♡
Victoria
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