On-Time Slips

Purpose

The purpose of this strategy is to decrease tardiness. Tardiness can be disruptive to punctual students, draw attention to the late student (function may be to access attention), and can also interfere with starting a lesson.

Procedures

The teacher begins the morning/class by walking around the room visiting with the students who are there early. This will give the students an opportunity to ask questions they might have over assignments or a lecture. This casual setting will facilitate questions from students who might not feel uncomfortable asking about problems during class. After the bell rings, give each person who is in their seat an “on-time slip” that is worth two points on the next exam (or other privilege. Explain that you expect them to be in their seats because you are striving for excellence. You should start out by doing this everyday or every other day, because students may only come on time when they expect you to give out slips. You should gradually vary the days and make it unannounced. If the target student(s) makes it on time, you would want to reinforce his/her punctuality.

Modification

The “on-time slips” could be worth other rewards besides extra credit. This is entirely up to the teacher. Before implementing this strategy, the teacher could discuss reward ideas with the class in order to find those that would be motivating.

E.T.S.U. Make A Difference Project, 2002-2003