Using reward systems in the classroom

Teachers have been using reward systems to encourage good behaviour in the classroom for decades. From star charts to notes in homework diaries and praise cards, there are a number of methods available. The right one will depend on your individual teaching style and the age of the children in your class. We've detailed some ideas in this blog post so we're sure that you'll find something that's just right for you.

Star charts

This is a fairly traditional idea that many teachers choose if their school does not have a house system that allows them to allocate points. Stars can be awarded for good behaviour and deducted for negative incidents. At the end of the week or month, it's a good idea to offer a prize to the child who has collected the most stars. Take plenty of care to make sure that the awarding of stars is scrupulously fair as children will pick up on any inconsistencies very quickly.

A way of extending this idea is by allowing children to trade in their points for prizes at the end of each term. School stationery makes for a great prize and having a supply of gel pens, art sketchbooks and other treats on hand is a great way to encourage your class to go the extra mile.

Praise cards and certificates

This is similar to the star chart system but prizes are generally awarded more sporadically. Children can be given a card or small certificate to take home (and hopefully be displayed on the fridge by a proud parent). Again, it's worth considering offering prizes for the child who has received the most praise in an individual term or allowing children to bank praise cards and trade them in for a reward at the end of the year. The certificates themselves can be printed on paper and card and you can even consider turning their design into an art project that the entire class can take part in.

These are just a couple of ideas for implementing a reward system in your classroom but we're sure they'll inspire you to put together something that works for your school.