SUPER STUDENT BUCKS !

There are times throughout the school year when the newness of learning wears off and school can seem a chore like anything else. We all need motivation to complete the task at hand. At the end of last year, as the weather began to finally warm up, the kids were tired of the nagging mama/teacher and just wanted to go outside.
Our kids are blessed being homeschooled. They can do their work at their own pace, according to their schedule, and study what interests them. They don't have to rise when it's dark and stand at a chilly bus stop. They don't have evening homework to complete. Once their studies are done, they are free to play and have fun the rest of the day.
Because they don't know any different, they don't always appreciate these blessings. Instead of focusing on the constant threats of punishments for not doing their best work, I came up with a reward system to motivate them. We have been using the Super Student Buck system for about six months and it has been quite effective. At the end of each lesson time, the kids and I determine whether or not their did their best and used a positive attitude (which is the most important to me). If they feel they have, they receive a Super Student Buck. If not, they must wait until the next school day and try harder to earn one. After they receive five bucks, they can cash them in for a coupon. Their favorite coupons are A Date With Dad, Fun Time With Mom, 30 bonus video game minutes, 30 bonus stay up minutes, Play Date With A Friend, One Free Movie Rental etc...
It has been a good lesson to learn that they have control over earning rewards and that their progress and positive attitudes are worthy of tangible rewards. They are very often harder on themselves when it comes to determining if they receive or not. It's within their control and there are no arguments to be had. And Mama no longer needs to nag! :)