Tuesday, March 25, 2014

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.



17 comments:

  1. First of all, BAZINGA coupons?!?! I LOVE it!!! This is such a timely post for me. I continue to search for a meaningful way to incorporate vocabulary instruction into my days. I have a start. Thanks!! :)

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    1. Michelle, these coupons are bringing fun back to my class (and also challenge)!

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  2. Bazinga is just such a fun word! Great way to build more fun and meaning into it!

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    1. I love using fun sounding words with my students!

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  3. This just adds another layer to their learning in such a fun way. What fun to earn one of those coupons!

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    1. Hopefully I can write an update in a month or so!

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  4. Love the word BAZINGA! and I know my students would love it too. I was just going over the vocabulary words students say they are struggling with. Maybe I can work some BAZINGA into that work. Thanks for the word and the post.

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    1. YES! Bazinga makes everything sound so much better!

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  5. What a great idea! I fun way for students to think about their responses and incorporate new vocabulary.

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    1. We had a couple of great bazinga moments today!

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  6. What an interesting idea. I think you deserve a bazinga coupon or two.

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  7. What a cool idea! I am going to put this in my "teaching file" to keep in mind for future use. I like how your kids will self-analyze and be honest about whether or not an answer was truly "bazinga-worthy." They must really value those coupons and hold them in high esteem! This system seem like such a fun, clever way to motivate students.

    Also, I love the idea of having an Of Mice and Men mock trial!

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    1. Laura, thanks for inspiring me to think about my words!

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  8. I love this term, and I think my kids will, to - it just sounds motivational AND fun!

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  9. This is great. It is such a fun word to say! Great that you found something that works and give them a little push!

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