Promoting the Work Ethic

1- Purchase party favor plastic construction worker helmets for you classroom problem solving center. The cost is usually around $1 per helmet.

2- Invite a local construction worker to visit your classroom and talk about the value of work. Make sure s/he is wearing an authentic yellow construction helmet during the presentation.

3- Let children know you are adding the construction helmets to your problem solving center for the class to wear to show they are good workers.

4- Cut out a small paper square you can scotch tape to the back of the helmet. When your children are working hard at their desk the teacher can draw a check with a felt tip pen on the paper square to reinforce their hard work.

5- 5 check marks = Good Worker

10 check marks = Skilled Worker

15 check marks = Superior Worker

20 check marks = Foreman- They can be in charge of passing out the helmets during work periods.

6- Pick a fun project to introduce to the class for the first project like building a bridge with blocks so the kids will enjoy and want to participate.