Incentives in the Classroom. Do you use them? If so, Please Share...

Some will say that teachers shouldn't offer incentives in their classroom, I am not one of them. I think just like adults appreciate being recognized for their efforts, it helps to have some type of incentive program in the classroom.

I used "Golden Tickets" which seemed to work well in my classroom. Students received 10 golden tickets for 90 above on quiz/tests), they received 3-5 golden ticket points for class participation ,3-5 points for for helping another student(chapter notebooks, study buddy, etc.).I also awarded golden tickets for Jeopardy winners or other games as well as golden tickets for best cooperation during group work.Students who watched Jeopardy 3 times a week or the evening news 3 times a week could also receive golden ticket points. Every 5 weeks, I also awarded 50 points to the highest average, 35 for the second highest and 25 for the third highest average in my social studies class. I also did the same for those students who showed the most improved average for 5 weeks.Students used the tickets to "buy" candy treats, to "buy" less homework questions, to add points on chapter notebook grades/tests,to purchase a free book,etc.

What kind of incenties do you use in your classroom?