In some schools in Yorkshire, UK, good students star in their own DVD

The Praise Pod is a new and simple way to encourage and praise good behaviour in school.

When a teacher thinks a pupil has done well, in schoolwork, sports, fundraising or just by being well behaved and friendly, they go to a Praise Pod to record what they say. Praise Pod uses a diary room style webcam to record each child being interviewed about what they have done and why they think its worthy of praise. Then the recorded clips are burned onto a DVD so pupils can take it home to show their parents.

Only good behaviour gets attention and recognition and any member of staff can send a pupil to the Praise Pod during the school day, if they feel they have deserved it through their actions or work.

Staff have recorded their own Praise Pod sessions and even parents have got involved by coming in and praising staff or pupils. It is also used to praise other people like teachers and dinner ladies.

The Praise Pod is the brainchild of Richard Crook, who tested it on his daughters, Mia, 10 and Evie, eight. It is a great success. Pupils have been sent to the pod well over 2,000 times and the feedback from pupils, parents and staff has been positive.

While the Praise Pod was being tried out students were asked how it could be improved. One boy suggested a counter on the Pod. As everyone walks past the Pod they see the number of visitors getting higher.

"It's a constant reminder of how many good things have happened every day in school," says Mr Cook. He added: "Evie's latest idea is to let children earn points every time they visit Praise Pod.

"These points can be traded in for treats, either electronically or by vouchers. The idea to redeem points earned for good behaviour - against goods and services in the local area - is one we hope to include in the Praise Pod model in the future."

Companies involved in building new schools are interested incorporating a Praise Pod into the learning space, allowing pupils a private environment in which to access resources, post questions and leave or receive praise. The Praise Pod is unique. With its design registration in place and patent application pending, Praise Pod Ltd is now looking for partners to produce and market Praise Pods throughout the UK and beyond.

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