Class Achievement Tree
Each student writes or draws something they achieved in class on a cardstock leaf and sticks it on a big tree drawn on the wall. It builds recognition of personal progress and keeps students motivated throughout the unit.
How to play
- Before class, tape butcher paper with a tree trunk and branches drawn on it to the wall, and cut out cardstock leaves (prep time).
- Students sit in a semicircle facing the tree. Recall the day's activities out loud and give an example of an achievement: "Today I jumped rope five times in a row" (1 min).
- Hand each student a leaf and a marker. They have 3 minutes to write or draw their achievement and add their name.
- In groups of five, students stand up, grab a piece of masking tape and stick their leaf on a branch. Everyone else waits seated (2 min).
- Read four or five different leaves out loud and give a silent cheer together by waving hands in the air (1 min).
- Explain that the tree will stay up for the whole unit and new leaves in a different color will be added each class. Students return the markers to the box (1 min).
Rules
- The achievement must be your own and from today's class.
- Any progress counts, no matter how small.
- Wait seated until it's your group's turn to tape your leaf.
- Nobody removes or moves a classmate's leaf.
Variations
Easier
Leaves already have pictures of the activities, and students color in the one they achieved.
Standard
One leaf per class with a written or drawn achievement.
Harder
On the back of the leaf, students write the next step they want to reach next class.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: hang the paper at wheelchair height, or a buddy tapes the leaf where the student points.
- Writing difficulties or autism: the student can use stickers or picture cards of the activities instead of writing.
- Fitness/level: students who finish early help read leaves for younger classmates or those who need support.
Learning goals
- Recognize a personal achievement from class.
- Value their own and the class's progress across the unit.
- Stay motivated by seeing progress add up.
Equipment for a class of 25
- butcher paper: 1
- markers: 25
- cardstock (cut-out leaves): 25
- masking tape: 1
Teacher tip
Use a different leaf color each class so students can watch the tree grow. Cutting the leaves ahead of time saves a lot of minutes.
PatioLab has "Class Achievement Tree" and 3999 more activities ready to drag into your lesson and run from your phone in the gym.
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