As we begin 2009, it is important to get your classroom off to a positive start.  Many of us have been on vacation for at least ten days and it often takes a day or two to get back into the “swing of things”.  I know personally, my classes will be in the computer lab working on a project or a simulation.  These activities keep my students on task and excited about finishing up the first half of the year. 

For those of you that feel you have much to catch up on, or find yourself finishing up some tough but relevant material, maybe energize your classroom, by “rewarding the front row”.  Give your students the opportunity to sit anywhere for the day, and tape a small incentive under the front row seats to reward the students who chose to sit there.  

This positive activity can provide you with the opportunity to explain why being "up front" or "close" to the action in life can put you in the position to benefit and acheive.

Find out more about this activity and who submitted it, by checking out “the idea of the week” at www.energizetheclassroom.com . 

-Paul Richmond