SURVIVOR JAR   Fifth-grade teacher Jeanie McLean of Henrietta, N.Y., takes a page from the TV show “Survivor” to improve classroom behavior. At the start of the day, she places a piece of candy for each student in a jar. Classroom rules are reviewed; if learning is interrupted, she mentions the misbehavior and removes one piece of candy. At day’s end, the remaining candy is given to students by a random drawing. Also, students can select six classmates for “immunity” (ballots must be signed to avoid voting for oneself), usually around mid-day. Students who win immunity receive their candy before the random drawing. The game works best when played intermittently, she notes, and disruptions in the classroom are greatly reduced.

MYSTERY TICKET  Deb Cousino of Petersburg, Mich., discreetly gives a ticket to one or more students at the beginning of the day. That student(s) is then challenged to make the other students’ day by demonstrating acts of kindness. At the end of the day, the class guesses the identity of the ticket holder(s). It’s a fun activity that builds positive relationships, she notes.

STAYING ON TIME  Improve your time management on parent-teacher conference days by placing a sign on your classroom door that states, “Please knock when it’s your conference time,” suggests Jean M. Ricotta of Howard Beach, N.Y. The presence of the next parent alerts the ones you are meeting with that they need to wrap up their conversation.

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