As the school year progresses, classrooms can often experience increased distractions and decreased engagement. However, a class reward management system offers an effective way for teachers to regain student attention and enthusiasm. Discover a powerful and positive classroom management tool that has been successfully used with thousands of students to enhance engagement for the entire class.
What is the best reward system for the elementary classroom?
There are so many ways to implement a class reward system for behavior management. It’s important to keep in mind these qualities of a successful classroom reward system:
- Clear and consistent expectations
- Motivating rewards
- Immediate and frequent reinforcement
- Focus on positive behaviors
- Achievable and realistic goals
- Collaboration and team-building
- Variety and choice
- Inclusivity and fairness
Implementing these characteristics can help create a successful and motivating classroom reward system that promotes positive behavior and enhances the learning environment.
Why Start Implementing a Whole Class System
Two years ago, my class was starting to get pretty squirrely….and it was the beginning of November. I knew I had to do something to stay sane until Thanksgiving break. So, I printed out a turkey and some feathers. The idea was that students had to earn a certain amount of feathers and they would get a class reward. They voted on a comfy movie day for our one day of school the week of Thanksgiving and I *might* have made sure they earned it. (*wink* *wink*)
Since that original whole class incentive, I have heard so much amazing feedback from teachers all over the world who have found success using them in their classrooms. Here are some frequently asked questions and more information so you can see if it might work for you!
What are Behavior Incentive Trackers?
Each Positive behavior incentives include a display of a classroom goal, expected behaviors, and a whole group reward that students will earn when they reach their goal along with a themed saying about positive behavior. The visuals not only track the progress towards the goal but also helps students stay motivated towards reaching it! Since it changes monthly, the novelty keeps it exciting and the engagement doesn’t wear off.
Choosing a Goal
When I change out the display for the month, I take the time to sit down with my class and have a chat about what is going well in our classroom and what needs some work. I typically have 10-12 of the behavior pieces already printed out and ready to go. We talk about a realistic goal and how much time we have to reach it. It is definitely a group decision but I would anticipate earning 1 behavior feather (or light, mitten, heart ect.) every 1-2 days. So if you have 15 school days in December, a good goal might be 7 or 8.
How many and what kinds of positive behaviors are included?
There are over 20 specific behaviors including lining up quietly, a positive report from specials, cleaning up the classroom, and manners at lunch. There are also editable pieces that you can type or write your own behaviors!
What rewards are included?
Just like the behavior choices, there are numerous reward options included—over 18 to be exact! These rewards range from having lunch in the classroom to engaging in a STEM activity. Some are seasonal, like Shamrock shakes in March and hot cocoa in January. As always, you can adjust these to fit your needs or create your own! I’ve tried to include as many options as possible, focusing on rewards that are either free or very low-cost.
Will this help promote positive classroom behavior?
Whole-class incentives are a powerful and positive classroom management tool for the whole class. It will promote positive behavior and can be a great way to steer the ship in the right direction. However, it’s not a substitute for a classroom with high expectations and clear routines and procedures. But, once you have established expectations, a reward management system is the perfect solution for promoting positive classroom behavior!
Class Reward Management System
If you would like to read more blog posts about behavior management, you can check out more here.
