For March Reading Month, my sons’ elementary school had a fun challenge this week: teachers would call home once this week; if you were “caught reading”, i.e. reading when they called, you would win a prize. I think it was a good motivator and fun.
I’m going to try a variation on it next week with my choir. They are asked for 10 minutes of practice six days per week. They turn in practice logs each week, but it’s only semi-successful at best.
Next week, I will predetermine a secret 1/2 hour window for each school day. If a student texts “I practiced” during that window, they get a point. The student with the most points at the end of the week will win a prize after spring break.
It slightly gamifies practice, which I think is especially important early in developing the habit – when other motivations are less potent (streaks, past success with practice).
I’ll let you know how it goes and would love to hear if you try something similar!