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Even with my younger students, I try to avoid simple "give-and-go" rewards (e.g. trophies, etc.) because I don't find them very motivating. Stars are essentially the same thing, and I don't really see the point.

My most successful rewards are interactive. I know this can be challenging due to time restraints - it's hard to teach a student a game or explain something too complex. I have found the easiest way to engage a student is to offer them choices within their reward.

Depending how often I see the student, their gender, and their VIPKid level, I offer students 2-3 options for rewards. My most popular rewards:

Treats for the household pet

Choices: Different colored/shaped treats

My pet dog and rats are now well accustomed to the sound of my "Teacher" voice and come running when I say "It's time for a treat!" I bought some colorful and fun shaped treats (stars, etc.) and students can choose which one they want to feed to the pets. Just make sure this is pretty limited with low calorie treats, because you don't want your pets getting fat! I pretty much reserve this for my regulars, and only for the regulars who seem to really enjoy it. I've actually received multiple requests from parents in the feedback to continue with this because the students talk to their parents about it after the lesson.


Colorforms and Sticker Faces

Choices: Infinite combination of stickers

This is hands down my most popular reward for girls. It's a lot more cost effective to laminate these stickers/face templates, glue magnets to the back, and re-use them on a baking sheet each time. For each reward, I use TPR and say, "Can you choose body part for your girl?" Then I will point to each option and say, "1, 2, 3, or 4?" They get the picture very quickly. There are other sticker templates you can purchase including re-usable sticker kits, etc. The faces are the most popular, however.


Alligator Game (or other similar options)

Choices: Which tooth

This game gets a lot of reactions from students, especially if you make a big deal about it. On the reward slide, I will say something like: "This is the Alligator Game. (Open alligator mouth.) You (point to student) pick a tooth (press on all the teeth until the jaws snap), and one of them bites the teacher! OUCH!" When they get a reward, I point to each tooth instruct the student to say STOP (use TPR) when they are ready. Every time they select a tooth, I make a big deal of looking anxious and terrified, then wiping my forehead and giving a big sigh of relief if it doesn't bite me. They love it.

There are lots of options like this as well. I see lots of things that give me ideas just browsing on Amazon (e.g. Pop the Pig, Shark Bite).


Cootie Bug

Choices: Different shaped/colored body parts

Here's the link for this reward. This one is for slightly younger students, but honestly most of my students enjoy it. On the reward slide, I will say, "We are going to build a Cootie Bug (point to picture on game card). What color body (TPR, point to body) would you like? Blue, purple, red, or green?" This game comes with a neat little die with different body parts on each side. When it comes time to reward the kids, I put the die in a clear jar and shake it and tell the students to say stop when they're ready. The students can choose which style of leg, head, antenna, eyes, and mouth they want.

There are lots of options here. Get creative, go to the toy store. See what weird games (usually I look for simple games aged 3-5) and see if you can adapt it to your reward. All the rewards I suggested cost around $20 (combined) and my rewards get a lot of mentions in the feedback. Let me know your thoughts and if you have any other questions! Good luck!

For the magnetic letters, the thing that was hardest for me was having to lay them out in order every day so I could easily access the ones I wanted during class. Then I realized I had an extra one of these plastic organizing boxes often used for embroidery thread or beads. I put a couple letters in each box and it makes it much easier to find them!

In terms of other props, it's definitely helpful to have a few animal puppets. They can be used specifically for animal related lessons and also to model conversation. I have also printed out pictures of some of the commonly used characters, clothing, and foods and glued to construction paper backgrounds to use as props without having to spend money.

I have this: MPOW and I LOVE it!!

Hey! This is the ring light I bought: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01HXTHPXU/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I use it daily for 6+ classes and it is still working perfectly!

I believe this is the model my wife uses, and has been very pleased with it.

Jabra Evolve 40 Stereo UC - Professional Unified Communicaton Headset https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ODRSHZ6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_KAlKDbDCAQ69C

This is my cheap alternative to a laptop stand. I’ve been using it for over a year now. And it’s fantastic.

Philips Wake-Up Light Alarm Clock with Sunrise Simulation, White (HF3500/60) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00F0W1RIW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_ufLCDb2NQA5P2

This is the one I have. It’s annoying but very effective!

Here you go: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01B9OO006?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_image

:)

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01D4HTIOY/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1 this is the microphone I got, seems to be working very well with good sound quality and is fairly small. I'm also TMJ disorder + glasses and the headset is just unbearable.

I like Razer Headsets. This is the one I have: Razer Man O War

I have something like this: Smart Design Kitchen Storage Shelf Rack w/ Scratch Resistant Feet - Medium - Steel - Rust Resistant Finish - for Cups, Dishes, Cabinet & Pantry Organization - Kitchen (13.25 x 6 Inch) [White] https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0053ES352/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_H8RODb5DRCARH

If your Mac mini has FireWire, then the original Apple iSight camera is only $20 USD.

I don't have this problem, but you could go to a hardware/crafts store, buy some cheap foam, cover it with fabric (so it doesn't look like crap), then hang it on your walls. Should do well to dampen the sound your neighbors are hearing.

If you don't want to spend the time making them, you could spend the money

I’ve written a short handbook covering the important elements of #Phonics. It will be out on Wednesday.

99p. Read it on your iPad or iPhone in full colour:

amazon.co.uk/dp/B07ZNT8D6P

The colour paperback will be available soon

Jeecoo JC-G1000 Stereo Over-ear Gaming Headset with 7 Colors Breathing LED Light and Microphone - Blue https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01GOB77F4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_3CNvzbVD609GF

It's got a mic kill switch over the speaker. Very comfortable, I just don't plug in the light to the USB. It comes in orange, if you like their orange branding

I have this: Nexstand Laptop Stand – Portable... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01HHYQBB8?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share It keeps my laptop camera at eye level. It folds up for compact storage between classes.

AmazonBasics Ventilated Adjustable Laptop Computer Holder Desk Stand https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00WRDS8H0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_1XDODb722AK4Q

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XWG12QS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_m7mKDbE1G7WM0