To raise more money during our JRFH event I implemented an incentive activity that involved every classroom. The goal was for each classroom to raise enough money to make it across the country to Hawaii (on a map, of course).

In our main display case, I placed a map of the United States along with 21 numbered push pins all starting in Michigan. Each push pin represented a class and their journey across the country. As students brought in donations I would move their classes accordingly.

$1 = 10 miles on the map
4,387 miles to Hawaii from Lambertville, Michigan
$438 raised (total of class) = reach Hawaii.

The top 3 classes that travel the farthest recieve a reward.

1st place: afternoon movie with snack and extra P.E. time.
2nd and 3rd place: extra 45 min of P.E.

I also provided all classroom teachers with a unit called the Excellent Adventure.

http://www.curriculumunits.com/Adventure/

This is a great unit in which the students plan for a trip to any destination. Car mileage, weather, cost for hotel and geography are just a few of the things that are covered throughout the journey. This fun unit can easily be integrated as the students travel across the map and stop at various locations.

Email this best practice!