One of my favorite characters paid a little visit to our classroom for the second time today. I’ve been working with him for four years now and he’s always proved to be a crowd pleaser. His name is Deeno and he’s our Desk Dino!
Here’s why I love him – he motivates my students to keep their desks clean and organized. Here’s why the kids love him- he leaves DINORIFIC treats anytime he stops by for everyone who does have a clean desk, much like the ones below. Our Deeno leaves candy, but if you prefer that yours didn’t (or you school wouldn’t allow it) fear not- Deeno has also been known to bring pencils, PBIS coupons, stickers, and other little dollar bin treats! He also surprises every kiddo in the class with special seasonal notes and treats for Halloween, Christmas, and Valentine’s Day-!!
I made an Ooops and forgot to let the kids know about him before he came for the first time this year. But it’s ok because he always leaves his special story book after his first visit to help teach the kids more about who he is, what he’s looking for, and what the kids need to do.
Naturally the first thing everyone wants to do after we read Deeno’s book is clean our desks according to
Deeno’s 5 rules for a Dinorific Desk
1) No loose supplies
2) No loose papers
3) Neat Stacks
4) No trash
5) No toys
Once our desks are clean, we talk about the steps we used to clean them and add sequence words such as first, second, then, next, and last. Then we create one of my favorite writing craftivities of the year-!!
It’s one of the simpler ones we do, but gosh do I love the way these dino’s turn out!
Check out these samples below…
{I love how this girl glued her eyes on this guy}
{This kiddo added glasses to his. He also used some very good picture directions!}
If you could use a little clean desk motivation in your room, Deeno is definitely the Dino for the job! You can pick this guy up in my TPT Shop.
If you’d like to snag this guy for your classroom leave a comment with your e-mail below and I will do a draw a winner on Friday 🙂
http://feeds.feedburner.com/ FallingIntoFirst
17 Responses
These are adorable. I just cleaned out a desk and found about 25 pieces of paper he hadn't taken home. Great incentive!
Lisa ([email protected])
I love how you use a dinosaur instead of the usual fairy!!
❤Teri
A Cupcake for the Teacher
Deeno is so super cute! Love the idea!
Pixy Stix and Teacher Tricks
I love it!!! Beyond cute!!!!!!
[email protected]
My kids would love this!
Ruthanne [email protected]
This is wonderful! It would be so fun!
[email protected]
Teaching Joys
I did my first desk check yesterday, and of my 22 students, only TWO had a desk clean enough for the treasure box! YIKES!!! I think I need this!!
Angela 🙂
Hippo Hooray for Second Grade!
[email protected]
Dino is so cute!!
Kirsty
[email protected]
Ahhh he's so cute. Never thought about writing about it. That's perfect. Gets them fully engaged, excited, and they completely understand what they need to do to get him to visit. This is great, Stephanie!
~Christy & Tammy
Fluttering Through First Grade
This is so adorable! And dinosaurs are my favorite!! 🙂
[email protected]
What a wonderful and creative idea!! I know how much your children love this!!! Thanks for sharing your ideas (and work) with others. It's such a cute and positive motivator!!
Susan in NC
[email protected]
Love this! My class would love this!
tokyoshoes at hotmail dot com
I just wanted to yell "Dyn-o-mite" lol
Super cute! (my messies…I mean kiddos need this)
Brenda
You Might Be a First Grader…
I always think I wouldn't use the desks but if I had to then this would be an awesome way to keep them clean! I think this is my favourite item from you yet!
Oh my email is [email protected]
Just in case 😉
This is so cute! Love it!
[email protected]
oh this is very cute, I love it!
Dynelle
http://firstgradefunmrsdunn.blogspot.ca/