“Why would I offer extra credit? If they wanted a good grade, they should have done the work when I assigned it!” I hear other teachers say things just like this. And to an extent, yes, I agree with them. So many students do slack off, but they are children. Not every child has support at home, not every student comes to school after a great night. Even those students who have support at home and are from a loving family, can still have bad days. We all do!
I have started doing monthly packets that serve the main purpose of EXTRA CREDIT. And if I'm being honest, they are also perfect for my bad days when I need something for the students to do. These packets are just review sheets that fit the theme of the month. For example, my October Math Packet has fall, Halloween, and taco day themed sheets in them that review what we have learned so far - place value, addition, subtraction, rounding, factors, and multiples.
This allows students to complete a themed
packet and earn extra credit if completed. They have opportunities to work on it when they finish early (as early finishers), they can work on it for morning work or dismissal, or they can work through it at home. Either way, they have until the last day of the month to turn it in.
Plot Twist! I also use these for when we have week-long breaks! For November, I give my Thanksgiving packet the Friday before Thanksgiving break and if they complete it over break, they get the extra credit. Parents have LOVED this. I have never had so many students continue to review over break. I have also found if the review is offered as extra credit, students are more likely to complete it than if assigned for a grade. This option gives students (and parents) a choice. I don’t know what the key is, but it is very much less stressful for me.
Comments