Book Tubs

I have seen some teachers take photos of the students on back to school night or the first day of school. They will then laminate them and cut them out (6 pictures to a piece of paper- smaler). They then tape them to the book tubs so students can identify their box.

When I came into 2nd grade the 3rd week of school her book tubs were pictureless with only an index card taped conservativly on the book tub. The index cards contained one name of a student that the teacher wrote.

My thoughts were well... maybe she didn't have time or didn't like the picture idea.

But then... I saw that she had a purpose for only having index cards there written in her hand writing.

Come to find out once a week she randomly does a book tub check.
Prior to the book tub check she goes over how to handle the books and what a book tub should look like.
During her weekly book tub check she'll take note of anybody whose book tubs look neat and organized and follow the norms they have set for the book tub boxes.
If the students have passed two book tub checks she allows them to write their name on an index card and stick it on there replacing the teacher made one. (I would also let them use one or two stickers to decorate the index card)
Then if they pass two more book tub checks after they  have written their index card they get to take a picture have it laminated and it goes on their book tub boxes.


I thought this was a great reward system (although I don't typically like reward systems) it also allows them to take ownership in their book tub boxes and in return they'll take better care of the books.