As teachers we all know how hard it is to establish a positive classroom culture at the beginning of the year. Working hard on expectations and procedures in those early days will always pay off later in the year. Keep that positive vibe flowing all year long by utilizing fun classroom rewards that recognize and reward positive choices. To help encourage positive classroom behavior I reward my students with fun privileges and classroom recognition. These rewards help them have a positive outlook on their own classroom behavior and keep them striving towards their personal best.
One of the easiest ways to encourage positive choices is by recognizing behaviors that you would like to see more of. I do this by having a VIP (Very important Person) desk set up in the front of our room. This is a special desk that is brightly colored and decorated. I stock a caddy with lots of markers, colored pencils, metallic colored pencils, highlighters and fancy pens. When a student achieves VIP status they earn the privilege of sitting at the VIP desk. They can then use all the fancy supplies. You could have a VIP all day or just for one subject. However you implement it in your classroom, your students will love the shout out and recognition for their positive choices.
Let's face it, regular pencils are boring! It's hard to focus on your work or your notes when everything looks the same. So why not switch it up? Reward groups or tables for their good behavior choices by placing a color caddy on their desks. Fill it with all of the fun markers, colored pencils, highlighters, fancy pens etc. When your students show good behavior simply set this on their desks to share. Encourage them to continue working nicely as they use the fancy pens and pencils. If a group starts to get off task simply grab their caddy and set it aside till they are ready to earn it back. Change out the supplies often to keep them excited and wanting to use it more.
Treat your students to a trophy. After all, everyone deserves to feel the pride of recognition for a job well done. When your students show positive behavior choices recognize them by placing a simple trophy on their desk for a job well done whether they complete an assignment with nice handwriting, help a friend, use inside voices during group discussions or simply work hard to master a skill. You can also encourage them to pass along their trophy when they witness others working hard and making good choices.
Who doesn't love the mystery and intrigue of a scratch off ticket? These are fun little rewards that can be custom tailored for your own classroom needs. I like to write a variety of classroom rewards like treasure box, lunch in the classroom, computer free time, positive phone call home, positive note home etc. When a student needs to be rewarded, simply slip them a scratch off. I allow my students to redeem rewards every Friday for their scratch off tickets.
Recognize your leaders with a special leader lanyard. You can use the mini encouragement cards and attach them onto bright colored lanyards. Just laminate them for durability and hole punch to attach. When you spot someone being a leader, being kind or simply making good choices, you can recognize them with a leader lanyard. When they are done wearing the lanyard just unhook the inspirational card and send it home with them. You can reuse the lanyards over and over, just attach a new card!
