Saturday, December 7, 2013

Spark Student Motivation: Homework Pennant

It's Saturday! Let's get each other and our students motivated! What tip, trick, lesson, or idea have you used or plan to use in your classroom that motivates your students?
Do you ever have some students that aren't motivated to complete their homework or turn it in on time?
Me too! It seems likes you get at least one every year right?
Well, I added a whole class incentive several years ago to give some of those students a little "peer pressure" to complete their homework.
This idea is simple and easy to keep track of (my favorite):
Every day EVERYONE completes their homework, they earn a letter (spells HOMEWORK).  
If they spell the word HOMEWORK, the entire class has no homework the following week!
Sounds like an awesome incentive right? It's pretty hard-I've actually only had to award this a few times in all the years I've been offering this coveted prize!
Why? If even ONE student forgets their homework or doesn't complete it, all the letters come down and they have to start all over again. :(
*I don't accept late homework for the incentive. 
There's only 8 letters, so I tell my students if they all encourage each other they can have no homework after every two weeks!
*Don't panic if you HAVE to assign homework or if you have a class that always completes their homework. As I mentioned earlier, it's difficult to attain this goal for most classes, but you could offer an extra recess or computer time instead. This motivational tool is to persuade those reluctant homework finishers to get on the ball or for classrooms that need a little spark.
Make this a class job-have a student hang up or take down letters. I have mine at the front of the room so it's a great visual and reminder. 
I sometimes offer an extra letter if everyone brings back important forms or returns their report cards the next day.
We also talk about how we should act if someone causes the letters to come down. How can we help that student? They come up with great ideas and it motivates the student to try harder.
This might be great to introduce when you get back in January to start the year out right!

Would you like a copy of my Homework Pennant? I'd love to share it with you! Just leave a comment with your email (if you're not a blogger) and I'll send it to you this weekend!

I hope you had a wonderful week! Please link up any lessons, ideas, tips, tricks, incentives, ANYTHING you do get your students motivated or excited!
Don't forget to grab my button and link back to this post!
Check out all the wonderful ideas from my friends who link up and don't forget to leave some love by commenting....we LOVE comments!

155 comments:

  1. Ahhh....peer pressure to complete homework can be a beautiful thing! Late work has really been a problem in my classroom this year. I have one student who doesn't do his homework at least three times a week (and I don't even assign much!). This may be the trick to solve that problem. Thanks for sharing it!

    Glad I could (finally) link up today!!

    Jennifer
    Mrs. Laffin's Laughings

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  2. Love positive peer pressure! This is how I get most of my kiddos to sign their assignment books. If all the kids at their table sign they get a point, at the end of the month the table with the most points gets a prize. This is a great idea to help them get their homework in, thanks!

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  3. This is a great idea! As I was reading, I thought I could do this in January per class... then you mentioned it! LOVE IT!!
    THANKS! This could shake things up for my kiddos!

    Elizabeth
    Hodges Herald

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  4. I love this idea. I've done something similar in the pass, offering a root beer float party for 100% homework completion. You are right; it rarely happens. I would love to use the pennant as a visual reminder. Kbronco@lsusd.net Thank you.

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  5. I love this idea. I've done something similar in the pass, offering a root beer float party for 100% homework completion. You are right; it rarely happens. I would love to use the pennant as a visual reminder. Kbronco@lsusd.net Thank you.

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  6. This is a great idea. I'm going to try it after the holiday break. Thanks for sharing!!!
    yashikaslaughter@gmail.com

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  7. I L-O-V-E this idea! I am having so much trouble with kiddos doing their homework this year! It's twice as hard with two classes! I can't wait to start this! I know my teammate will be on board with this! I finally joined the party today! So excited!!

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  8. Joanne, that's a great idea (and super adorable too!). I always have 1 or 2 kids who don't finish their classwork as homework, so this might just "pressure" them to get-it-done!! Thanks for the idea and freebie! allisonmeyer099@gmail.com

    Ali
    Teaching Powered by Caffeine

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  9. I love this idea! With my three ELA classes, I could really see them competing with each homeroom too! Thanks for sharing, as always. :)
    ~Holly
    Fourth Grade Flipper

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  10. I would love to have a copy, great idea!
    Nicholewarnock@gmail.com

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  11. What a wonderful idea!! I have been looking for a new incentive for homework. I even like the idea of having my two classes compete. I would love to have a copy!! sundaisy219@yahoo.com. Thanks for sharing!!!

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  12. What a super idea. I tried doing table/row contests where the entire group got a sticker on a themed picture ( apple/August, Pumpkin/October, Ornament/December, etc... ) But they wound up getting upset with the one who kept them from getting 100%. I'd like to try it whole group and see if that works better. Many of my students do not do homework. I teach 4 sections of math, so may have them race each other. I'd love to have a copy. plrscott@aol.com. I also love the way your place value chart looks. Mine is way too busy. I like it simple. :)

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  13. What a great idea! Most of my students turn in their homework everyday, on time but I do have a couple that just don't seem to think it is that important to finish homework. Maybe this would be a great incentive and really work for them. Thanks for sharing!

    Deb
    maxeysjl@defnet.com

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  14. I don't believe I've had 100% of homework turned in this year! That's really sad. :( I'm willing to give this a try. It sounds fun and motivating. I'm sure you know my email but just in case...ASwindle@cfl.rr.com Thanks for sharing!

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  15. I love the incentive idea, plus that pennant is adorable!
    Brandi
    My Teacher Friend

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  16. Sorry so late with my comment. Just sat down to enjoy my emails. I would love a copy of your HOMEWORK pennant if you are still able and willing! I think it's a great idea!!
    Jane at jneel@fwps.org Thanks Bunches!

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  17. Sorry so late with my comment. Just sat down to enjoy my emails. I would love a copy of your HOMEWORK pennant if you are still able and willing! I think it's a great idea!!
    Jane at jneel@fwps.org Thanks Bunches!

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  18. I love this idea! I cannot wait to try it! I am hoping that this will help all of my students finish their homework. I have had a lot of problems with homework this year.

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  19. I love this idea! I would love a copy of the banners if you don't mind. katyhollinger@gmail.com

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  20. I love your homework pennant idea. Would you please send a copy to me? I would love to star using this after the break. I believe this will motivated my class. Thanks for sharing. slld@verizon.net

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  21. I just came upon this. I hope it is still available. This may be the trick to getting homework completed in my classroom!! Please forward me a copy. Thanks! teacherheidig@gmail.com

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  22. Hi Joanne,
    I thought I better leave my email here with the link. I am so going to try this in my class!
    Hugs,
    Joan
    jdkrogman@gmail.com
    PS Thanks sooo much for the freebie ♥

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  23. How did I miss this post?!? I LOVE this idea! Can you still send me a copy? samantha.r.hulsman@gmail.com

    Thanks, Joanne!!

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  24. What an amazing idea! I've been doing an individual incentive...any student who turns in all their homework for the week receives a homework pass. But this.....this blows me away!

    Carla
    Surviving Sixth Grade

    Visit Me on Facebook - Surviving Sixth

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  25. I'd love a copy if possible! anisakhandwalla@gmail.com

    This is a GREAT idea! :)

    Anisa at Creative Undertakings

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  26. This is a wonderful idea! Would you be willing to share your pennants? I just can't possibly make one more thing! I was also admiring your place value signs. I'd love a copy of those if you're willing to share! Thanks!

    rjriefstahl@gmail.com

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  27. Awesome idea! Thanks for sharing!! edaughtry@henryschools.org

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  28. Love this idea and would greatly appreciate the letters! bdrugan3@gmail.com THANK YOU! :)

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  29. I have seen this idea before, but LOVE your design and placement! Thanks! miner220@emerytelcom.net

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  30. This is really cute! I also like the place value chart above! Do you have a copy of that as well?!
    bwidner1509@gmail.com

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  31. I would love a copy of your banner. This is such a great idea! kbaker207@gmail.com
    Thanks!

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  32. I would love a copy of your banner. This is such a great idea! barnick0412@gmail.com
    Thanks!

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  33. This is just the kind of thing I'd love to try with my kiddos! Thanks so much for sharing :)
    courtneymcnary@gmail.com

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  34. This is an awesome idea! I would love to get a copy of the banner...kperez07@gmail.com
    Thanks so much :)

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  35. Moving classrooms and grade levels and this looks awesome!! I would love the Homework Pennant and I also love the place value chart above too. If you have a copy of that I would love it too. I am going with a polka dot emphasis for the new class. :) Thank you!!!
    mmurray@conejousd.org

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  36. I absolutely LOVE this idea!! I would love your Homework Pennant!! Thank you!
    kimieut_04@yahoo.com

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  37. I would love a copy of your pennant. Fabulous idea! I also love the place value chart above your whiteboard. Can you share where you got it? Thank you.
    rpolak@stclareschool.com

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  38. Great idea!! I would love a copy so I can try this next year:)
    Courtneyjokisch@gmail.com

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  39. Looking for ideas for my first ever class starting in August and this looks fab, I would love a copy of this to have as an incentive from the start! Thanks!

    evelyn_major269@hotmail.com

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  40. Great idea! Love your site. Please send the HW banner to shelley.cooper@sumnerschools.org. Thank you!!!

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  41. I ADORE this banner. Please send me a copy.... it matches the theme of my classroom perfectly! legnerwh@bcschools.net

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  42. Could you please send me a copy of the banner? Very cute :) thanks! Rbedard13@gmail.com

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  43. I LOVE this idea. Could you please send me a copy of the banner. Thanks jlsharp78@gmail.com

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  44. Nice Idea! If it's not too late, can you send me a copy of the Homework banner?
    jrobert2@ccisd.net

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  45. Another great idea Joanne! Could I please have a copy?
    boleary@whitefield.org
    Thanks!
    Beth

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  46. Love this!! t_carrico03@yahoo.com

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  47. Love it! jessica.panter@yahoo.com

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  48. I totally love this! I have tried several incentives to get my 5th graders to turn in their homework with no avail-so frustrating! I think your idea is fabulous and I especially like how you discuss with your class how they will react when someone doesn't turn in their work. If your offer is still available, I would very much appreciate it! My email is blacka@carbonschools.org. Thank you so much!

    Alisa

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  49. I love the pennant idea! Sometimes a little bit of peer pressure is effective :). If the banner is still avilble, I would also appreciate it. Thanks! 2kizers@gmail.com
    Lori Kizer

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  50. Love it!! Please send me a copy!! Thanks!!
    jlowens12@gmail.com

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  51. I love your pennant! Please send me a copy at angiespragg@yahoo.com. Also your place value math board is awesome! Did you make that awesome well?

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  52. I love this idea!! I would love a copy of your homework pennant. I am so excited to use this in my classroom...I have such a hard time motivating students to complete homework!

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  53. I love this idea! Please send me a copy! Thank you!!!
    Kimlamp@ gmail.com

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  54. What a great idea! Thanks for sharing it :)
    Can you please send me a copy?
    Thank You!!
    gigigilbert2008@gmail.com

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  55. This is a fabulous idea! Thank you for generously offering to share. I would love a copy :)
    jenlaubach24@gmail.com
    Thanks!! -Jen

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  56. Forgot to attach my email...oops! lauradochniak@hope-school.org

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  57. Love the idea. Please send me a copy of the banner. xokelly09@yahoo.com

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  58. I love the idea! Thank you for the banner. ashleytatum@maderausd.org

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  59. I'd love to have the homework banner! It's a great incentive. bribrown5@bellsouth.net

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  60. Thxs for sharing. We are a Leader in Me school and this is a good way to track our homework data.
    tgalin1@neisd.net

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  61. I can't wait to use this with my kiddos. Rpljrp@gmail.com

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  62. I'd love to use the homework pennant with my class this year! avilulisa1@gmail.com

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  63. What a great idea! Kudogirl@aol.com

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  64. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  65. I love this idea! I will be teaching 5th grade for the first time!! Thanks for sharing!
    Allison@justlive.com

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  66. This is a great idea! I'm going to try it with my fifth graders this year. Thanks!
    lharrold4@gmail.com

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  67. I would love to have this banner for my classroom!! Thanks! franceslaplant@gmail.com

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  68. I would love a copy of the homework banner and the place value chart. Thanks!
    lwesterman93@gmail.com

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  69. I would love a copy of the homework banner. Thanks!! mnbilli03@gmail.com

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  70. I would love to have a copy of the homework banner and the place value chart! I LOVE LOVE LOVE the place value chart!
    Thanks!
    deana0687@gmail.com

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  71. Think this will work perfectly in my classroom!
    kelliesamples@gmail.com
    Thank u so much!

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  72. Fabulous idea. I couldn't get the "grab" to work, so I'm hoping that I can just leave my school email. morrisg@bcsc.k12.in.us Thanks for sharing!!

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  73. I am about to start my first year of teaching and I think this is a great idea! Thanks so much!
    lcsherrill85@gmail.com

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  74. Would love to have this banner!! kbkarn@hotmail.com

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  75. Very cool incentive for homework! Would love to have! pittmanshoni@gmail.com

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  76. I would love a copy of this!!!

    aburch@amphi.com

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  77. I would love a copy of this, what a great idea!
    Thanks for sharing!
    Lyndsy

    pisci1le@gmail.com

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  78. Great idea! I would love a copy of this.
    Thanks for sharing an awesome idea!
    -Melissa
    melissastead16@gmail.com

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  79. Love this idea!! I would love a copy of your homework pennant.
    Thanks for sharing!
    Krissy
    dk6spencer@elpasotel.net

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  80. Please send.....love this idea.....
    aimeesparkman@gmail.com

    Thanks

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  81. love the idea! Can you plead email me the homework pennant?
    yasminelkarrimy@gmail.com
    Thank you!

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  82. What a great idea. Always looking for new idea. Would love the pennant. :)
    vlong03@yahoo.com

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  83. I would love a copy!! Thanks so much! Jlswimuk@hotmail.com

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  84. This sounds awesome! shanjenn17@yahoo.com

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  85. I would love a copy!! angelaberry4005@gmail.com
    Thanks so much!

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  86. I would love a copy! ijimenez250@ gmail.com

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  87. I would love a copy of this! alipeet21@gmail.com

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  88. I would love to use this in my class next year! Msaereed@gmail.com

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  89. This is such a great idea! I would love a copy of the banner and the place value chart (if you're willing to share, of course). Thank you for this wonderful idea!
    :) Michelle
    Mbachman321@gmail.com

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  90. I would love a copy! Hoping to motivate my students with their homework this year! :)
    -Sarah
    Sarah41614@aol.com

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  91. I would love a copy!! Great idea to promote team work and encouragement!! Thank you!! ~Patrice
    email: patrice.cocco@gmail.com

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  92. I love this idea. I will be implementing it in my class this year. Thanks!

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  93. I would love to use this idea. Please and thank you! samilaynet@gmail.com

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  94. I would love a copy of this! Please send to karrk@manateeschools.net Thank you!

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  95. I would love a copy. Please send to smoennich@messiahfp.org
    Thank you

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  96. I would love a copy. Please send to dgrenteria@gmail.com
    Thank you

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  97. I would love a copy! Please send to daniellembatchelder@gmail.com. Thanks!

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  98. Ooops... My addy is kueenkrissy@gmail.com

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  99. lol I would love a copy of the homework banner. Thanks!

    Kris

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  100. Great idea! I can't wIt to try it.

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  101. I would love a copy of this - kwilson123@optonline.net

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  102. This is a great idea, thanks for sharing! Would love a copy, thank you - mailrobcooper@gmail.com

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  103. I would love a copy of the homework chart! Thanks for sharing!
    Allisonohara@live.com

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  104. I would love this! Sorry I'm a little late to the game! Prism1226@gmail.com

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  105. I would love a copy of the HW pennant- thanks so much for sharing!
    Shannonmbrace@gmail.com

    Thanks- Shannon

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  106. I would also like a copy of the homework pennant! Thanks-rachbarlow2688@gmail.com

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  107. I would love a copy!
    amber.kinney@risd.org

    THANKS!!

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  108. Hi I would love a copy of this also..thanks! jenjen.w@me.com

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  109. I would like a copy of this; thank you!
    dwyerc@knights.ucf.edu

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  110. I would love a copy of this! It's fantastic! Thank you
    cougha79@live.com

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  111. This sounds like an easy and manageable solution to a very frustrating problem in my classroom. I'd love a copy of the banner please! jmjalbert@hotmail.com

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  112. Yeah, a positive way kids can support one another in the quest to become independent learners. Sounds easy to manage and I won't feel like a nag! I would love a copy of your banner for my class! Tdk26104@gmail.com

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  113. I would love to try this in my classroom! Could you please send me a copy at lamberan@email.uscupstate.edu (That's an L at the beginning!)? Thank you so much for this great tool!

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  114. This is a great idea and I can't wait to try it. Please would you send me a copy to jodilundt@gmail.com
    Thanks for the awesome idea!

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  115. This seems like a great motivator - can't wait to try it out! Thanks for sharing!!! emency7@gmail.com

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  116. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  117. I would love to have a copy of this! tarakate07@yahoo.com

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  118. I would love a copy! kayleabaxter@gmail.com

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  119. I would love a copy at rwellborn@walton.k12.ga.us. Thanks!

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  120. i would love a copy of the HW letters! kwaychowsky@yahoo.com
    thanks!

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  121. I would love a copy of your banner. Thank you! wendi.vanleuven@gmail.com

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  122. I think this is a wonderful idea! Definitely holds kids accountable!! Could you please send me a copy to krvandenberg@hotmail.com.
    Thank you!--Kristin

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  123. I would love the pennant. Thank you !! karacornejo@gmail.com

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  124. I would like this pennant for my second grade classroom. My email is bsteinhauer@harvardcardinals.org

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  125. I would love a copy of your homework pennant for my class. Ldavies@fboe.org
    Thank you!

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  126. I absolutely love this idea! If this is still available I would love it for my class! My email is hhale@sandusky.k12.mi.us Thanks! Heather

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  127. Is this still available?? I would love it for my new classroom! My email is rlyoung901@gmail.com

    Thanks!!

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  128. I'm not sure if this is still available but before I try to make my own I figured I'd ask. I think it's a great idea! My email is ellen.varone@gmail.com

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  129. This is a great idea! If this is still available, I would love to use it in my classroom this year!! Thank you!!

    carolynmaltase@gmail.com

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  130. This is a great idea! Thank you very much :)

    brittany.grazianii@gmail.com

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  131. I'd love a copy of the banner! My email is jenniferwicks@sbcglobal.net. Thanks!

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  132. Yes, please send me the banner! I love it!

    jhipwell@nwsd.org

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  133. I love this idea and plan to use it next year! Please send me the banner :)
    sara.williams@christian.kyschools.us

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  134. I would love to have copy of this banner!! My email address is Beckturn3@yahoo.com Thank you!!

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  135. I would love a copy of that banner. My email address is kristenbradford623@yahoo.com

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  136. I would love a copy as well. kelseyefitzgerald@gmail.com Also, is there any link to download the place value posters?

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  137. I would love the homework banner, such a good idea! Thank you for sharing!!
    mlw031@bucknell.edu

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  138. I would love a copy of this banner if you still have it to hand. What an awesome idea! maraenglish21@gmail.com

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  139. Such an awesome and fun way to encourage those reluctant students! I am a fan! Thanks for your willingness to share, so on that note I would love the homework banner. christysinger8@gmail.com
    You have my thanks!

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  140. I would love to have a copy of this!! Just moved to a new school and do not want us taking away recess for no homework so this could be a great alternative for positive reinforcement!! Monimoni1.mm@gmail.com

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  141. I would love to have a copy of this!! Just moved to a new school and do not want us taking away recess for no homework so this could be a great alternative for positive reinforcement!! Monimoni1.mm@gmail.com

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  142. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  143. I would love to have a copy of the homework pennant banner. Great way to motivate the students and create some peer accountability.
    slfaucette@bellsouth.net

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  144. Genius! I had just been thinking I needed a more creative way to drum up more responsibility with homework! Love this!! ncurry@riverviewschools.com

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  145. I love it! I would love to get a copy of your banner! Positive peer pressure!
    bnrayburn@gmail.com

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  146. Such a lovely idea! Thank you! It is useful for as a teacher. I can suggest my little secret how to motivate children to do homework in writing. I explain to them that it can be a good job in future to make money writing different essays and reviews. But it is necessary to have some experience at all. Good luck!

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  147. I would love a copy! My email is nvanderford@usd506.org

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  148. Love Your Homework Letter idea to motivate students to actually do their homework. Can't wait to try it. reyna.diaz@mcallenisd.net

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  149. Hello Joanne
    I am love love loving your blog! So may amazing ideas! I would love a copy of your homework template if you are still giving them out on request. My email is crashqueen73@gmail.com (I dont know if my blog is still around as I havent blogged in years!!!) Maybe you will inspire me to start up again too! Thank you for caring and sharing!!!

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    content on our site. Keep up the good writing.

    Here is my web site - 풀싸롱
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    ReplyDelete
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