That's right, tape + eww factor = motivation. Sounds weird, right? Well, one of the best motivational strategies in my arsenal has attained success with the majority of my students every year...letting them clean the floor. I know, I know...you're thinking, "Yeh, sure", but I'm telling you the truth. I know it's nearly impossible to get kids to clean up after themselves, let alone get them to clean the floor of all it's little bits of pencil shaving, tiny pieces of paper, etc. However, add a piece of masking tape into the equation and let the fun begin!
The first time I introduce this tape idea, I let the whole class participate so they all get a chance to try it out. I show them a long piece of masking tape. Then, I teach them how to wrap the tape backwards around their hand so that each pass is barely attaching to the edge of the previous one and the tape gets a wider surface with the sticky side out (this is often the most difficult part for the kids to understand and sometimes needs to be repeated a couple of times). After they have all received their strip of tape and we have it wrapped around our hands, they are ready to get started.
We establish safety and manner ground rules...you can't bother any other classes with your sound, don't interfere with anyone else's cleaning, and check for "trash" on all of the floor area (including under desks, tables, etc. I don't know what is so fascinating about getting under the desks, but they love it). Finally, they are all poised and I give a "Ready, Set, Tape!" send off. Away they go on their hands and knees scampering around the floor. It's not long before you see the smiles and hear the giggling. Then, they pause to look to see what their tape has collected and the "Eww Factor" kicks in. After a close examination of the "eww" on their tape, they happily return to cleaning the floor and often want another piece because their piece is full. The best, is when they stop to compare their "eww" (maybe I'll have them write a comparison paper on it this year?) because they want to get more than their classmate.
Now that they have all had a go at it, I've got them hooked! So, when Devontae decides he doesn't want to finish his Math paper I say, "That's too bad, because I was hoping you would tape the floor when you were finished. Oh well, I guess I'll have to find someone else to do it." Usually, he would say that I don't need to find someone else because he is almost finished and gets back to work. Of course, the work has to be neat and done to the best of his ability or I won't accept it and he'll have to redo it. This keeps him from rushing and putting down any old answer just to get finished. This also motivates the kids near Devontae because there might be a chance of more than one taper being picked.
I know, this idea smacks of manipulation, but if that is what it takes for Devontae, and all the others like him, to concentrate seriously on class work, then I'm ok with that. Of course, it doesn't hurt that "taping the floor" is fun to watch. I love to watch my kids smile. :^)