Does your state have a lottery? Often the slogan of lottery games is "You need to be in it to win it!" Use that slogan to encourage your students to do their homework.
At random, chose a homework assignment to be a part of the Homework Lottery. Each student who has handed the assignment in on time gets one entry in the weekly lottery. Students who have not done the assignment do not get entered that day. At the end of the week, select one or two names from the Homework Lottery to be the winners.
"Prizes" may include things like an extra five minutes of recess, a new box of crayons, a class story chosen by the winner, or other "prizes" chosen by the class. Keep them guessing. Don't select a homework assignment each day, or select two on other days. Never knowing when you'll choose an assignment for the lottery will keep students on their toes and doing their homework.
Copyright 2012 Irene Taylor.All rights reserved.
