Try this!

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Try this!
By Tab

Ok, perhaps this is bribary, but it works! I start each year asking for 1 bag of mixed candy from each child on their supply list. During my lessons or just simply to get their attention, I will calmly walk over to someone's
desk who is on task, tell them "Thank You for doing what I ask" and then place a piece of candy on their desk. It seems to get the room quiet pretty quickly! Also during math homework check or mental math...it's a great treat to offer for those who participate by calling out correct answers. I tried once using an apron with pockets on it so as to carry the treats around with me...but

lazy me often forgot to put it on. Many times I will simply toss the candy to them across the room! They love it! They call me the "candy tossing teacher". Sometimes I grab a couple of pieces of gum on the way out of class and they know the best walker will "win" the gum when we get back from where ever we are going. I also like to use the following sayings...."When we go walking, there will be no talking." We also walk with our arms crossed in front so as not to touch our newly painted hallways or not to touch others. At the end of the day, to get my room cleaned from the trash on the floors and the zigzagged desk that are scatterred about, I say
"Neatest, cleanest, straightest row...gets a treat before you go!" There is a bit of a mad frezny to hurry and get things cleaned up, but it works! My classroom looks great every evening and then I don't have to take the time or energy to do it myself. Another word to toss in on this saying is "quietest". Most put their heads down once their row looks good. Then I pace around and search for the "best row" and give out even more treats. Walking them to the buses...I take treats and give to those who followed our walking rules. Not everyone gets a treat at this time, but by the weeks end, you can treat them all...just a few each day. They love it and they really EAT IT UP! (hehe) Stock up on cheap mixed bagged candy...it really can help the noise level when you reward the good, lots of the BAD will disappear. TAB