The Ticket System: A Game-Changing Classroom Management Strategy

Introduction

As a veteran teacher with 16 years of classroom experience, I have tried various strategies to create a positive and well-organized learning environment. Among the many classroom management techniques I’ve implemented, the ticket system has proven to be one of the most effective and enjoyable for both myself and my students. In this blog post, I will share the ins and outs of this system, including how it works, the rewards it offers, and its impact on student behavior and engagement.

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How the Ticket System Works

The ticket system revolves around students earning tickets for various achievements and positive behaviors. These may include turning in homework, exhibiting good behavior when there is a substitute teacher, winning review games, participating in dress-up days, and displaying exceptional behavior. I purchase these tickets from Amazon. To ensure that students do not “abuse the system”, I recommend purchasing a new roll of tickets in a different color each year. Also, be sure to record the starting ticket number. Each roll of tickets comes with a unique set of numbers so even if students purchase a roll of tickets from Amazon, they will not have the same number sequence.

Student Ownership and Storage

An essential aspect of the ticket system is that students are responsible for keeping track of their own tickets. While some students prefer plastic bags or zipper pouches, others have shown creativity by repurposing gum canisters as ticket holders, showcasing a spirit of recycling. This responsibility teaches students accountability and organizational skills. Teachers and students often ask, “What happens if a student loses their tickets?” My response is, “OH WELL!” Students must learn to be responsible humans. Part of that responsibility (in my classroom, anyway) is keeping up with their tickets.

Ticket Cash-In Day

At the end of each grading period, I host a highly anticipated “Ticket Cash-In Day.” On this special occasion, students have the opportunity to redeem their hard-earned tickets for various rewards. These rewards can be tailored to suit your classroom and can vary from year to year based on availability. For instance, my school’s media center purchased a cotton candy machine and popcorn maker that teachers can rent. My teenagers love both of these options.

Here are some other incentives that I have used for ticket cash-in day:

• ice cream bar (ice cream costs 10 tickets and each topping costs 3 tickets)
• earbuds (these were very popular)
• chips
• Hugs drinks (inexpensive)
• water bottle stickers (my teen girls love these)
• flexible seating (sit in the hall on the café tables)
• jolly ranchers
• delayed assignment pass (allows students an extra 3 days to turn in an assignment)
• shoe charms (for Crocs) – I don’t know why, but some students go crazy for these!
• skittles drink packets with bottled water (thanks to Tik-Tok, my kids loved this option this year)
• hot chocolate (served during independent work)- a great option for winter
• fun erasers
• smencils (scented pencils)
• lollipops
• stress balls
• coupons to a school event or school snack bar

Incorporating Tickets into Grades

To further incentivize students, the ticket system can be integrated into their grades. I allow students to use 20 tickets to drop their lowest daily grade (excluding major grades) once per grading period. This motivates students to earn tickets and allows students to redeem themselves if their performance on a formative assessment is lacking. Additionally, students can turn in tickets for bonus points, with a conversion rate of two tickets for one bonus point. However, a maximum limit of 20 bonus points per grading period ensures a fair distribution of extra credit opportunities.

Seeking Community Support

Don’t underestimate the willingness of local businesses to contribute to the success of your ticket system. By reaching out and explaining the positive impact this strategy has on student behavior and engagement, you may be surprised at the treats and goodies local businesses are willing to donate. My local Sonic and Dairy Queen have been generous supporters of our Ticket Cash-In Days, providing additional incentives that enhance the overall experience.

Transforming the Classroom into a Well-Oiled Machine

The ticket system has proven to be a powerful tool in fostering good behavior and cultivating a positive classroom culture. By providing tangible rewards and incentives, students are motivated to consistently perform well, participate actively, and demonstrate exemplary behavior. The sense of ownership over their tickets fosters responsibility and organizational skills, and the integration of tickets into grades provides room for error and mistakes.

Conclusion

Implementing the ticket system in my classroom has been a game-changer in terms of classroom management. The combination of rewards, student ownership, and the opportunity to incorporate tickets into grades has transformed my classroom into a well-oiled machine. By fostering positive behavior, engagement, and a sense of responsibility, the ticket system has created a vibrant and productive learning environment.

If you are interested in downloading my Ticket Cash-In Day incentives poster, click HERE.