Bazinga Coupons

I have been thinking about ways that I could encourage my students to try new things in class. Use a vocabulary words that is a little out of their comfort zone. Perhaps think for a moment and organize their thoughts before answering in the same way that the previous person just answered. Being mindful about one's learning.

In the middle of March, Laura wrote a post about words. You can read it here. She inspired me to create my "bazinga coupons" to encourage and also to reward my students!

If you are not familiar with the word "bazinga" it comes from the television show Big Bang Theory. In that show, the main character, Sheldon Cooper, uses it when his clever pranks succeed. In my class, the word "bazinga" has come to mean something spectacular! Here is an example, during our recent Of Mice and Men mock trial for George, one of my new students gave a spectacular testimony when put on the witness stand. All the students started clapping. That was a "bazinga" moment! Plus, everyone loves saying the word!

I have already given away a few coupons. Students are often asking if their response was a "bazinga coupon" worthy. My answer is usually to ask them their opinion. Most of the time the students in question will think for a moment and then reply: "No, not really. But wait till tomorrow!"

I am for anything that encourages learning and trying for your best! So when students have collected two of the "bazinga coupons" I will add and extra credit point for them in the gradebook. It is not enough to make anyone think they don't have to do their homework, but enough to encourage them to try a little harder.