The secret agent is a student who I pick randomply at the beginning of the period to observe the classes behavior for the day (in secret.) That’s at least one student who I have behaving well that day! The rest of the class becomes almost giddy with excitement when I tell them there is a secret agent that day, and is usually eager to settle down and behave very well.
A few minutes before the bell rings, I say, “Will the secret agent please reveal themselves?” The agent raises their hand and everyone oohs and aahs at the surprise. I then ask the secret agent the three questions above. If they can answer positively to all three questions, the entire class gets a reward. This is usually either candy or a coveted yellow ticket. The yellow tickets are normally passed out only to students demonstrating exceptional behavior. They can be traded for small prizes at the end of the week, which is fun.
I would love to continue to develop this idea in my teaching practice. In the future, I will go with non-monetary prizes like 5 minute brain breaks at the end of the period. These can include things like music, mind puzzles, meditations… and other things that don’t necessarily start with the letter m. 🙂
Natalay G. Maria 