First, I made a set of necklaces from neon-colored shoe laces I found at the dollar store. I took each lace and tied its ends together. I made about 30 of them and hung them on a hook attached to our whiteboard.

Then, I introduced the new idea to my students.

Mr. Morris
Making an early morning announcement:
As you know, your book report is due today by 2:00. Please place your report in the folder, and mark off your number on the Check Off List. After you’ve done that, come see me. I’ve got a Neon Necklace for you.

As students turn in their book reports, they come to me for a Neon Necklace. After receiving their necklaces, they put them on. Some kids wear them around their neck, as designed, while others will wear them around their wrists. Either is fine as long as the necklace is visible.

Everyone benefits from the Neon Necklace. For my students, it becomes a badge of honor. (If you’re wearing a necklace it means you’re a member of Club Ed.) The necklace shows that the wearer has completed and handed in his book report. And since most students are status junkies, they work hard to be able to wear one.

The benefit for me is obvious: I no longer have to guess which students aren’t finished yet.

Imagine it’s time for recess.

Mr. Morris
Slipping a Neon Necklace around my neck and holding it out:
If you’re in the Club, the boat is sailin’.

I then pause as the students who have already turned in their book reports were dismissed to recess. I’d also be beaming at them in recognition of their hard work and effort.

Suggestion: In the interests of physical safety, students are asked to remove their necklaces from around their necks and wrap it around their wrists before they leave for recess.

Mr. Morris
Turning to the students who are still in their seats:
Please don’t forget: book reports are due by two o’clock today. You know, you might want to work on it during recess, but...
Giving them a knowing grin:
That’s just a suggestion. See you later. Enjoy your recess.

Let’s move the clock forward to 11:30. During the next ten minutes, before my students head to lunch, they are given E.T., or extra time. Their first responsibility is to complete any unfinished assignments. After that, it’s up to them. They can read, draw, use the computers, or play a simple game with a friend.

During E.T. I notice four girls using the computers. Of the four, three are wearing a necklace and one isn’t. Hmmmmmm. Looks like it’s time to intervene.

Mr. Morris
Approaching the girls:
Ah, I see you’re playing “Where in world is Carmen Sandiego.” Good choice, girls.

I surreptitiously motion Rebecca away from the computer for a private talk.

Mr. Morris
Quietly:
Rebecca, I see you’re not wearing a necklace. Have you taken it off or is your report not yet finished?

Rebecca
With a somewhat guilty look:
It’s not done, Mr. Morris

Mr. Morris
Calmly:
Well, let’s go back to your desk and see what you have so far.

At the end of the day, all of the necklaces are collected and hung on the hook until needed again.

Problem: Please be aware that there are now many districts that expressly forbid giving anything to students to be worn around the neck. Although this is merely a reflection of our increasingly litigious society, this mandate would prevent the use of the Neon Necklace strategy. Bummer.

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