We learn something new EVERYDAY!
Until recently, I had NEVER heard of “Smelly Spots” as a classroom management strategy. So I jumped on the internet to do a little research and immediately said to myself, “Self, how is it that you have been teaching for 28 years and you’ve NEVER heard of Smelly Spots? You are OFF your GAME!”
Do you know about Smelly Spots? And if you do, why didn’t you tell me?
WHAT ARE SMELLY SPOTS?
Smellies. Secret Smellies. Power Potion. Invisible Stickers. Smelly Smiles. Sweet Swipes.
Whatever you choose to call them, Smelly Spots is a SIMPLE and FUN way to reward your students for positive behavior.
Smelly Spots is simply flavored/scented lip balm that you swipe on the back of a student’s hand when you catch them complying with a targeted behavior: working quietly, showing kindness, participating in a class discussion, etc.
BONUS: Based on scientific research, certain scents can have a positive effect on a student's memory and behavior (The Behavior Hub).
Peppermint has been proven to improve alertness as well as memorization.
Orange and citrus eases worry and anxiety in distressed kiddos.
Studies have shown that cinnamon heightens attention and stimulates the brain. When exposed to this scent, the study participants evidenced faster motor reactions and heightened attention. It’s great during study time or general classroom discussions!
If you don’t want to swipe lip balm directly on a student’s hand or arm, you can rub it on the paper of an assignment they are working on, or give them a “Smelly Spot” note.
There are an ENDLESS number of scents to choose from when buying lip balm. Many brands have holiday scents, as well. You could have some fun and let students GUESS what scent you are using that day.
Here’s what other teachers are saying:
“I call them smellies! I give a smelly as a reward for transitioning quickly. For example, when it is time to clean up morning work activities and transition to the rug for the phonics lesson, I quickly rub a swipe on the back of their hand. DONE!”
“I do secret smellies! At the end of the day as they are packed up and at their desk I give them one. Once everyone has one then we guess the scent! I’ve also used it as an incentive any time I’m looking for friends that are following directions quickly and give it to the first 5 that get to the carpet.”
“I use them as “Super Scents”. Students who have a great day get a slip of paper with a circle on it and a description of a behavior I am looking for. I check off which one they have earned it for. The student gets to choose what scent they want to rub on the circle and take it home. When they say, “mmmmmm” after smelling it, I say, “That’s the smell of success!”
Go get yourself some SMELLIES!!
