Frog Jump Challenge
The Frog Jump Challenge: The student must put his/her hands behind their neck, then do a squat and jump,3-5 times. I use this as a positive way to steer students away from doing things I don't want them to do in class. There are obvious positive and negative ways to deal with behavior; This is an unusual way that is amusing for the class, and also fun and healthy for the participant.
This challenge I personally use for two different reasons depending on the class. Below are the two ways I use this challenge. I am sure there are many other ways to apply this, whether it be a different task or different circumstance of when it is applied.
A.) Yes/No Answers: If a student answers a question from the teacher with a quick yes/no answer but does not continue with proper English then they must do the challenge. This is to push students to answer in full sentences... (Yes I am, Yes I can, Yes I will, Yes I would.... No I won't, No, I would.. No, I was....)
*This is great for all ages. This has also encouraged my students to use more common language such as "of course, sure, maybe, No way" in younger classes. It has also made sure my older classes always explain their answers without question. All classes are always happy if a student slips and must do the challenge.
B.) Speaking the Native Language: If a student speaks their native language without proper cause, they must do the challenge.
*A great way to start this challenge is always with yourself or a fellow teacher to show that its "OK" to make mistakes and then take the challenge.
*My students are all between 8-15 years of age, So I am unsure about the use of this with very young, or older children. The "Idea" behind it can still be applied in that something that is not too embarrassing or negative must be applied if someone makes a mistake. The "frog jump" is fun because its not exactly difficult, just unpleasant but funny.
*My students that are 13-15 years of age: This is very amusing for the boys, but not so much for the girls that must do the challenge (in my history). This Should never be used as humiliation! If a student is not comfortable with this, then it should not be used, or modified to a simple jump. (also anyone that you realize would be too embarrassed to do this should just be given a warning)
*In the case that some crazy student enjoys this... I would change the rule to his best friend must do the challenge instead of him. If that doesn't work, then the whole team or class can partake. Most likely if it gets to that point then the point of this little challenge is not working.
This challenge I personally use for two different reasons depending on the class. Below are the two ways I use this challenge. I am sure there are many other ways to apply this, whether it be a different task or different circumstance of when it is applied.
A.) Yes/No Answers: If a student answers a question from the teacher with a quick yes/no answer but does not continue with proper English then they must do the challenge. This is to push students to answer in full sentences... (Yes I am, Yes I can, Yes I will, Yes I would.... No I won't, No, I would.. No, I was....)
*This is great for all ages. This has also encouraged my students to use more common language such as "of course, sure, maybe, No way" in younger classes. It has also made sure my older classes always explain their answers without question. All classes are always happy if a student slips and must do the challenge.
B.) Speaking the Native Language: If a student speaks their native language without proper cause, they must do the challenge.
*A great way to start this challenge is always with yourself or a fellow teacher to show that its "OK" to make mistakes and then take the challenge.
*My students are all between 8-15 years of age, So I am unsure about the use of this with very young, or older children. The "Idea" behind it can still be applied in that something that is not too embarrassing or negative must be applied if someone makes a mistake. The "frog jump" is fun because its not exactly difficult, just unpleasant but funny.
*My students that are 13-15 years of age: This is very amusing for the boys, but not so much for the girls that must do the challenge (in my history). This Should never be used as humiliation! If a student is not comfortable with this, then it should not be used, or modified to a simple jump. (also anyone that you realize would be too embarrassed to do this should just be given a warning)
*In the case that some crazy student enjoys this... I would change the rule to his best friend must do the challenge instead of him. If that doesn't work, then the whole team or class can partake. Most likely if it gets to that point then the point of this little challenge is not working.