I think most teachers would prefer a world where all students were intrinsically motivated, but it just isn’t an every day reality. Many of us dig deep into our pockets and find extrinsic rewards to help change certain student behaviors.
Guilty!
Once I started adding up those little rewards, I knew there had to be a better way, so I started brainstorming ways to reward my students without the need to dig deep into my pockets!
Before determining which coupons to use in my classroom, I took into consideration the following:
My Management & Teaching Style
School Rules & Policies
Student Interests
Then I was able to come up with the following rewards that students could purchase with their classroom money.
These reward coupons are the perfect motivator for students who get bored with the daily grind and just need a break. In my class, this means skipping out on morning work, a free homework pass (for an individual or the entire class), writing with a special pen for the day, or taking a break from academics to have 20 minutes of free choice time.
I don’t provide a lot of edible rewards, especially when I have provided a designated snack time in the classroom. However, one of the most popular rewards has been to eat lunch in the classroom with a friend and the teacher. I’m not sure if the kids are nosy about what I eat or just want to escape the chaos noise of the cafeteria.
Another fun reward is chewing gum in class. Gum chewing is often a big no-no with the custodians, which kind of makes this one all the more enticing to students. I figure one or two students chewing gum and being closely monitored is okay, especially when I can make sure it has been properly disposed of.
Flexible seating seems to be a trending term, but to me it’s been a seating option for years during certain times of the day. Traditional desks have their place, but I know if I need to move and get a fresh perspective throughout my day then my students do, too. Some of the reward options I provide are using my teacher’s chair for the day, sitting on the floor with a pillow for the day, moving a desk next to a friend’s for the day, or choosing another special spot around the room for the day. If you teach primary, you probably spend a good portion of your day with your students on the carpet. For some students, being able to choose their spot on the carpet first is a big deal, so I also offer that as a reward.
You know those students who constantly need your attention or are seeking the attention of their peers? Why not let them have the stage for a bit. In my class, students can be rewarded with reading a book or poem to the class (or principal). They can also lead the class in a game, brain break, or activity.
You’ve had a bad day before, right? Well, chances are your students are likely to have a bad day, too!
Is there someone in class you just can’t work with today?
I have a pick your own partner pass for the days when you have been assigned a partner and just can’t make it work.
Is your desk a black hole where papers disappear?
I also have a pass for those constantly disorganized students. In fact, I volunteer as tribute will clean and organize their desk for them during recess (for a price, of course).
Is your patience paper thin?
Why not cut the line and have your work checked first for the entire day!
Tired of doing the classroom job you despise or just need a break?
Grab a coupon so you can pick your classroom job first or simplychange jobs with a classmate for the day!
You can grab thesefreereward couponshere. There is now an editable file so you can create your own coupons to match!
I kept the coupons on display in a pocket chart. I would place post-it notes with prices on the front of the pockets on days my students were shopping for coupons. Since prices can change at the store all the time, my prices changed throughout the year, too!
Most of these coupons are intended to reward the individual students in your classroom. If you’re interested in ideas to motivate your entire class, you can read more about how I set goals with my entire classroomhere and here.
Happy Teaching!
Related posts:
3 Tips for Managing Hallway BehaviorSnack Time {Pros and Cons}Classroom Economy: How I Use Money in the ClassroomPicture Books for Goal Setting
FAQs
Rewards refer to tangible objects (e.g., sticker, toy, or snack) and to preferred activities and privileges (e.g., extra recess, free time, or screen time). Students may also earn points, tokens, or tickets that can be exchanged for these rewards.
Why educators should avoid using a reward system in the classroom? ›
Rewards increase anxiety and shame: The fear of not receiving a reward can lead to anxiety and feelings of shame in students. In addition, students may feel anxious or ashamed if they do not receive a reward, or if they do receive a reward but feel that it is not commensurate with their effort.
What types of rewards are most effective? ›
Research shows that using money as a reward for performance often reduces motivation because it's an extrinsic reward. Instead, the most powerful motivators are intrinsic rewards—personal enjoyment and satisfaction of making progress toward meaningful goals.
What are positive rewards for kids? ›
Attention and Activities –Extra time with you or a special activity can be a powerful reward for young children. Some examples include playing a favorite game, reading a story, and helping with dinner.
What are some intangible rewards? ›
Intangible rewards are non-material forms of recognition and motivation. They hold no monetary value, yet significantly impact employee satisfaction and morale. Examples include praise, professional development opportunities, flexible work arrangements, and a positive work environment.
What are intangible rewards for children? ›
Intangible Incentives for Kids
Praise and recognition go a long way. Praise a student on the all-school announcements. Pull the student aside and praise them. Create a bulletin board and post work where students see it and share why each piece of work is on the board.
What is the classroom behavior reward system? ›
In some classrooms, the incentive system is based on rewards and consequences. Students earn perks with good behavior and lose points for misbehaving. Clearly explain the actions that lead to a point loss, such as fighting and rudeness. Remind them that having points taken away can slow their progress toward a reward.
What are the downfalls to using rewards with children? ›
The use of rewards can lead to a dependency on external incentives rather than an internal motivation to behave well. Over time, children may only behave well when they know a reward is at stake, which can be detrimental to their long-term development.
What are the risks of rewards in the classroom? ›
May not work for all students: Some students may not respond well to the use of rewards, especially if they feel that they are being manipulated or controlled. Potential cost: Implementing a reward system can be costly in terms of time, resources, and potentially even money.
Why rewards don t work in the classroom? ›
Psychologists think that this happens because, when we offer someone a reward for doing something, their inner motivation is hijacked. If we offer rewards for learning, learning becomes framed as something children do in order to get the reward, rather than worth doing on its own merits.
Giving kids sweets and treats as rewards can be confusing to children, making junk food even more appealing and potentially leading them to develop a preference to it over healthier foods. Kids are also very good (by nature) at regulating their own eating.
How do you reward small groups in the classroom? ›
Tangible rewards can include small toys, pens, pencils, notebooks, erasers, art supplies, or other school supplies. Intangible rewards could be earning extra recess time, a pizza party, or a special outing. No matter what prize each group chooses, be sure they know exactly what is required of them to earn that prize.
How do you reward your students? ›
Tangible Rewards: Stickers, pencils, and certificates are examples of tangible rewards that can be used to motivate students, particularly younger students. Certificates and awards provide students with tangible forms of recognition that they can proudly display at home or among their peers.
How do rewards motivate students? ›
The use of rewards within the classroom is a form of extrinsic motivation for students. It encourages them to participate cooperatively in academic and social learning experiences. However, what works for one teacher may not be the same for another.
Why is it good to reward students? ›
Rewards serve as a teaching tool for expected behaviors b. Rewards are an efficient way to provide immediate feedback to students about their behavior. a. If students value the reward, they will be more likely to demonstrate that behavior again.
