
For some classes, I use the checklist with a ticket system, and they can redeem the tickets for rewards (I have put a picture of my rewards list below), but if the class is motivated by grades, you can use the checklist for points. Students have to be "In their seat when the bell rings, ready to work." At the beginning of the semester, I explicitly teach this. We have fun with it, and I have volunteers perform examples and non-examples of what this looks like. Sometimes it is necessary to reteach because "ready to work" is subjective. However, having one's materials and being seated is NOT subjective. I am fortunate in my classroom to have drawers, so each student is able to have a place to store their materials. Also, I don't care where they get their pencil from. Whenever I find a pencil/pen on the floor I put it in a holder on my desk and students are free to take one from there, and they can still get a ticket as long as they are in their seat when the bell rings. This is an effective way to get students on task immediately.