Rewards and incentives can be a critical component to classroom management success. They are also the perfect tool to help learners to go outside their comfort zones and learn new skills. Simply put, providing rewards and incentives encourage positive behaviors. Sometimes rewards are seen in a negat

As teachers, we all face different behavior challenges in the classroom. These challenges can change day to day or even year to year, but dealing with student behavior is something that no teacher can escape. We can however, use all the tools in our tool box to proactive instead of reactive. I have found over ... Read More about 3 Behavior Essentials for Teachers

Classroom rewards don’t even have to cost teachers a penny. They can be cheap, free, and easy. Here are 60 ideas for fun whole class and individual student rewards including many that don't cost money. There are simple reward ideas that can easily be used with whatever positive reinforcement system you're using for behavior management in your kindergarten or elementary classroom. Party ideas, non-food, and intangible options are included.

Establishing a positive classroom culture can be a tricky endeavor. You want your classroom to be a warm and inviting place for students to feel welcome and for learning to feel enjoyable, yet at the

We should encourage and celebrates each child's successes. There are so many ways to celebrate students. Here are 60 free and cheap rewards.

In the 18 years I’ve been teaching, I’ve tried all sorts of behavior management systems. I’ve had the kids pull cards. I’ve tried the marbles in a jar. One year I even gave my students tickets for good behavior and excellent participation. Another year, I awarded table points. I’ve even used an economy system where my kiddos earned money and then spent it all in a class store buying trinkets. I was always looking for that PERFECT SYSTEM! The one that would work like a charm with every single child. After years of research in my own classroom, you know what I finally discovered? I’ve finally realized that THE PERFECT CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT SYSTEM DOES NOT EXIST!!!!! What works one year and with one group of students, might not work the following. Another thing I’ve learned is that you need to find a system that WORKS.FOR.YOU. If you don’t have much time left at the end of the week to run a class store, then do it! Be honest with yourself and how much time you’re willing to invest. It’s important to choose a system that fits with your teaching style and with the needs of your students. […]

So, I invented a new game today. It was completely necessary at the moment. It requires zero prep and zero materials (other than a class list). It. Works. Like. Magic! The name of the game is 'Last Kid Standing'. How

Don’t get me wrong — I love candy. And, a jolly rancher, a tootsie roll, or a starburst can work wonders in the classroom for student motivation and enthusiasm. So can pizza parties, and cupcake days, and brunch, and…I’ve had so many types of food parties I can’t even keep track! Recently, however, I’ve been […]

Have a chatty class? Do your talkative students get louder and louder during small groups until it feels like chaos? Do they talk when you'r...

A list of more than 350 PBIS Incentives for your students!

Do you teach tiny humans? I mean, like, REALLY tiny humans? After teacher Kindergarten and second grade for 3 years each, with a lot of subbing mixed in at times, I was forced to figure out what kinds of management strategies worked well for young learners. So, here are 7 easy ideas for managing yo

Use a good behavior grid as a part of your classroom management strategies for your middle school classroom to create a positive learning environment.

Working together to meet a goal builds classroom community & encourages teamwork. As a PBIS school, here are our favorite nonfood, low-cost rewards!

Stop negative behavior in your classroom before it starts by reinforcing your expectations and recognizing positive student behaviors. With two simple tools, I successfully managed student behavior at the secondary level. A ticket system and "shout outs" are little to no cost, require little work for you as the teacher, and will encourage on task, positive behavior from your middle school and high school students.

If you’re a parent or an elementary teacher you need to know about using chapstick, or smelly spots, for positive behavior. Positive behavior reinforcement is an essential aspect of promoting good behavior in children. One creative

If your school wants a school wide PBIS incentive, here are some ideas for what to do! Reward students with this easy, fun, and cheap incentive.

It's time to revamp your strategies for behavior management! This post shares highly effective behavior management resources for...

Looking for a great classroom management strategy that kids and teachers will love? Classroom reward coupons are the perfect idea for handling behavior in a positive way!

These sticker charts can be used to support positive behavior and motivation in the classroom. Students can track their progress with sticker charts. For the targeted goal, students will earn stickers on their chart. When the sticker chart is full the students will then earn a reward. This resource contains 200 pages of sticker charts and 141 pages of editable sticker charts for you to type in the desired goals your student(s) is trying to achieve. There is also a collection of editable reward menus for students to pick a reward from once they have filled up their sticker chart. Parents: This can be used during distance learning. Contents: PDF File (Sticker Charts): There are 200 pages of sticker charts in this file. These sticker charts cannot be edited. PowerPoint File (Sticker Charts Editable): This PowerPoint file contains all the sticker charts that can be edited. There are fillable text boxes that you allow you to customize the sticker charts to best need your students’ needs. There are 141 pages of editable sticker charts. PDF File (Reward Menus): This file has sample reward menus. They can be used as just an example for you to create your own, or you can print them for classroom use. PowerPoint File (Reward Menus Editable): This PowerPoint file will allow you to create your own reward menus. It is editable and you can input rewards into the fillable text boxes. There are 7 pages of editable reward menus. Sticker Charts (see preview): 18 Sticker Charts with and without goals typed {editable} 16 Big Kid Sticker Charts {editable} 92 Fun Sticker Charts 42 Kids Sticker Charts 3 Sets of 38 Goal Sticker Charts {editable}

Here are 50 Ideas for Student Rewards. This list includes ideas for teachers and principals. Rewards play a crucial role in the educational development of students, serving as powerful motivators that reinforce positive behavior and academic achievements. When students receive recognition for their efforts, they feel valued and encouraged to maintain or even enhance their performance. Rewards can boost self-esteem, foster a love for learning, and create a positive classroom environment where students are eager to participate and succeed. By strategically implementing reward systems, educators can cultivate a culture of excellence and continuous improvement, ultimately leading to better educational outcomes and personal growth for each student.

Individual behavior management with individual bingo boards to help students reach behavior goals in a fun and effective way.

Are you on the lookout for engaging and fun ways to foster social-emotional learning (SEL) skills in your students? Well, you're in the right place! Whether you're a seasoned teacher or a fresh-faced educator, I've included a treasure trove of games that will transform your classroom into a hub of self-awareness, self-management, relationship building, social awareness, and responsible decision-making. These games are not only a breeze to implement, but are sure to have your students begging for more. These activities aren't just about learning; they're about making SEL skills an integral part of your classroom culture. So, let the games begin! Self-Awareness: Game 1: Empathy Chairs This game is similar to musical chairs, but it has a social-emotional learning twist. Start the music as students rotate around a circle of chairs with emotion cards on the seats. When the music stops, they'll need to grab a seat. Based on the card at their seats, students will share experiences that they have had related to that emotion. For ready-made cards and detailed directions, click here. Game 2: Feelings Charades Get ready to break the ice with a classic game of charades, but with a twist! Instead of acting out movie titles or animals, students will express various emotions using only their facial expressions and body language. This not only hones their emotional awareness but also creates a safe space for open communication about feelings. Game 3: Emotion Journaling Equip your students with journals and encourage them to express their daily emotions through words, drawings, or a combination of both. This simple yet effective exercise fosters self-awareness by helping students identify and reflect on their emotions. Bonus: It's a fantastic tool for tracking emotional trends over time. Find my favorite journal prompts for building self-awareness here. Self-Management: Game 4: Mindful Minute Challenge Kick off each class or session with a mindful minute challenge. Set a timer for 60 seconds and guide students through a brief mindfulness exercise, such as deep breathing or visualization. This routine cultivates self-management skills by teaching students to center themselves, promoting focus and emotional regulation. You can also practice mindfulness with these FREE finger labyrinths. Game 5: Goal-Setting Bingo Turn goal-setting into a game! Create bingo cards with various self-management goals (e.g., completing homework on time, staying organized, managing time effectively). As students achieve each goal, they mark it off their bingo card. The first to get a bingo enjoys a small reward. It's a playful way to instill discipline and responsibility. Or turn goal-setting into a group bulletin board. Grab the FREE goal-setting materials here. Game 6: Popcorn Game Play a game called "Popcorn." Have students get into a circle. Explain that the goal is for them to each take a turn popping into the air and clapping at the same time. The only catch is that they must go in a random order. If they "pop" up at the same time as a classmate, they should all start again. This is great way to promote impulse control. Grab detailed directions to play this game and four others here. Relationship Skills: Game 7: Collaborative Storytelling Fuel creativity and teamwork by having students work together to create a story. Each student contributes a sentence, building on the narrative created by their peers. This not only strengthens relationships but also enhances communication and cooperation skills. Plus, it's a blast to see where the story takes unexpected twists and turns! (These reading passages based on SEL learning skills are fun, too!) Game 8: Group Challenges Help students develop their relationship skills as they complete a series of fun challenges as a team. Have teams of students work together to solve 5 different challenges that focus on teamwork, collaboration, and leveraging individual strengths to emphasize the power of working together. Make planning these challenges easy with these ready-made stations. Game 9: Peer Appreciation Circle Form a circle and have students take turns expressing appreciation for the person on their right. This simple yet powerful exercise builds positive relationships within the class and reinforces the importance of acknowledging each other's strengths and contributions. Social Awareness: Game 10: Perspective Puzzles Print or draw pictures of various situations and scenarios. Have students work in pairs to discuss and understand the emotions and perspectives of the people in the pictures. This game sharpens social awareness by encouraging students to consider different viewpoints and practice empathy. I've created a set of cards for this game here. Game 11: Community Connections Scavenger Hunt Create a list of community-related items or tasks that students can complete outside of the classroom, fostering a sense of connection to the broader community. This activity enhances social awareness by encouraging students to explore and appreciate the world beyond their immediate surroundings. Responsible Decision-Making: Game 12: Decision Dilemmas Present students with real-life scenarios that require responsible decision-making. Engage them in thoughtful discussions about the potential outcomes of each choice. This game equips students with the skills to analyze situations, consider consequences, and make informed decisions—a crucial aspect of responsible decision-making. Need some scenario cards to share with students? Grab them here. Game 13: Consequence Connect Four Create a Connect Four game board with spaces featuring different consequences of actions. As students play, discuss the potential outcomes associated with each move. This visually engaging activity reinforces the concept that every decision has consequences and helps students develop a sense of responsibility. Game 14: Decision Making Prompts Get students thinking about how they might respond to situations with targeted writing prompts. Share prompts that challenges students to make a decision. Then, give them opportunity to write how they might respond. Let students share their responses with peers or small groups. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- And there you have it, a bunch of games designed to infuse your classroom with social-emotional learning! These activities are not just about learning; they're about creating an environment where students flourish emotionally, socially, and academically. So, why wait? Dive into the world of SEL games and watch your students grow into self-aware, emotionally intelligent, and socially adept individuals. Your classroom is about to become the epicenter of SEL success—game on! Wishing you lots of fun in your classroom, Mary Beth P.S. Find 15 MORE social-emotional learning activities HERE.

Happy December, Y'all! This is Chandra from Teaching with Crayons and Curls! This year my firsties have LOVED LOVED LOVED spending the day with a stuffed animal. Our class uses a classroom economy similar to this one from True Life I'm a Teacher and they use their money to purchase coupons. The 'Furry Friend' (spending a day with a stuffed animal) coupon is one of their favorites, so I knew I had to use this to my advantage! Meet our class Behavior Buddies- Listening Lion, Happy Hippo and Positive Pig! Aren't they adorable!? Students earn these Behavior Buddies when they are showing positive behavior! I usually choose one student per day to spend the day with each stuffed animal. Usually, they are chosen at the end of the day and they get to spend the next school day with that Behavior Buddy. The furry friend stays with them throughout the day in OUR classroom. They don't go to recess, specials, or lunch. Just makes things a little easier (and cleaner!). We've been using them for a few weeks now, and my students have started nominating each other to spend the day with a Behavior Buddy! I mean, how adorable and KIND is that!? It all started with one sweet little firstie saying, "Mrs. Dills, I think Sarah should get Listening Lion because she has been such a great listener today!" Yep, I made a HUGE deal about that! When students earn a Behavior Buddy for showing positive behavior, I also want to make sure that this is communicated to their families! So, I created certificates that the student can bring home to show their family! It's a great way to build that positive school-to-home relationship! I ordered all of my furry friends off Amazon. But, you can grab stuffed animals anywhere! Wal-Mart, Target, and the Dollar Store. There are many different animal options in my pack! Since it's so close to Christmas, I thought it would be fun to introduce holiday themed Behavior Buddies. You can grab this pack for FREE in my Teachers Pay Teachers store! Just click here or on the image below! I hope these cute little friends help promote positive behavior in YOUR classroom!

Strategies for defiant behavior that support positive behavior, develop teacher-student relationships, and minimize escalating situations.

If you're looking for an effective reward system to encourage positive behavior management, this collection of tips and good behavior charts is for you!

Refocus classroom management in your classroom by using these 10 tips for positive behavior management. Watch your students' behavior transform!

Imagine a classroom where disruptive behavior is replaced with self-reflection, accountability, and a positive learning environment. Sounds like a dream, right? Well, it’s not as far-fetched as you might think. Let’s explore the transformative power of behavior reflection think sheets and how they can be the secret weapon for effective classroom management. Whether you’re a ... Read More about Why Behavior Reflection Sheets are the Secret Weapon for Effective Classroom Management

Using positive classroom management is important in establishing a safe environment in which students can learn, collaborate, and create.

FREE rewards that teachers can give their students that will not cost any money, while at the same time, promoting a fun and interactive classroom atmosphere.

As teachers, we're always on the hunt for behavior management techniques that work. That's because we all know that if students aren't behaving, they're definitely not learning. Today, I thought I'd share some techniques that have worked successfully in my classroom. You can read all about them, or you can check out this FREE video where I explain them all: I also have a ton of FREE bonus resources in the download for the video, so checking it out is totally worth your while! Technique #1: Behavior Chart The first technique is one that I learned about when I was student teaching. It's a BEHAVIOR CHART. The set-up is easy. You just place four different colored index cards behind a small card with each student's name in a pocket chart. Then, using the chart is even easier. First, designate a consequence for each different card in the chart. For instance, you'll likely have a warning card. There's no consequence for that one. Then, you might designate the white card with a "write a letter about your behavior" consequence. Then, the blue card might be "lunch detention." And the red card could be a "meeting." If a student makes a poor choice that impedes his or her own learning or that of their classmates, just simply change the student's card in the chart. It's a very simple and visual way to manage students' behavior. If one of the consequences is "write a letter," you can just create a letter format for students to grab when they need to write to you. I always saved students' letters just in case parents or administration had any questions about how students were behaving in class. If you're looking for the letter format, you can find it in the download for the video. Technique #2: Behavior Cards Another simple idea is BEHAVIOR CARDS. They're just two sets of cards. One is a "keep it up" card that acknowledges good behavior. The other is a "stop" card that encourages students to make a better choice. Make copies of each set of cards. Then, after students know about the cards and how to act when they receive them, make it a habit to hand out "keep it up" cards all the time. Then, if a student makes a poor choice, you can just stick a "stop" card on his or her desk. When the student makes a better choice, just swap out the stop card with a keep it up card...and continue teaching. Technique #3: Positive Behavior Punch Card Another behavior management technique that really works is the POSITIVE BEHAVIOR PUNCH CARD. To implement these in your classroom, first make a set of the card (available for free here). Then, give each student a punch card. Explain to students that when they are following directions, working well at learning stations, completing their daily This or That Warm-Ups....or any other behavior that you want to see more of, you'll punch a hole in their behavior card. Their goal is to earn 10 positive behavior hole punches. These cards can be collected and redistributed each class period if you would like. This system works because it focuses on positive behavior. Once I had a few systems for managing students' behavior, I found that finding ways to recognize and/or reward students for doing the right thing was just as effective for improving students' behavior. Technique #4: Prize Cards One idea is PRIZE CARDS. Typically, I make about 25 cards. Ten of them have tangible rewards listed on them like pick your own seat, or skip one question on a test, or listen to music while you work and the other 15 cards have expressions of praise like “you’re a rock star,” or “you are so important to this class.” Then, after students meet a behavior goal whether it’s getting all the punches on their punch card, or earning 5 “keep it up cards,” or going an entire week without a card flip on the behavior chart they have a chance to pick a card from a bag or basket. They might get a card with a compliment or an actual reward…this keeps the prizes random and fun. I have a set of these in my classroom management resource, but they’re certainly something you can create on your own. Technique #5: Notes of Encouragement Another way to recognize students is to write simple NOTES OF ENCOURAGEMENT to them. I like to write "great news" notes to students. These notes make it super simple to quickly write a note to your students. Students will treasure your kinds words and work even harder to earn more. You might want to keep a chart to record who you've already written notes to. Find a set of notes HERE. The ultimate goal of behavior management is to create an environment where all students can learn and feel successful. Creating systems that are easy to implement, fair, consistent, and accentuate the positive have been game changers in my classroom. I hope that you've found some ideas to help you and your students. Don't forget to check out this video to learn more and download a bunch of classroom management freebies! Thanks for stopping by, Mary Beth

If you want to know how to use positive reinforcement in the classroom, we're sharing 6 strategies and 9 classroom reward system ideas to inspire you!

Using positive classroom management is important in establishing a safe environment in which students can learn, collaborate, and create.

Imagine this scenario: You walk into your classroom, ready to tackle a day and have a great lesson you cannot wait to share. But as soon as your class steps through the door, you’re met with a barrage of aggression from one student. A student who seems to thrive on chaos and disruption, making it ... Read More about The Surprising Effective Approach to Dealing with an Aggressive Student in Your Classroom: De-Escalating Strategies

Support your child's positive behavior and accomplishments with this printable weekly reward chart.

Looking for a new and engaging classroom management system for your classroom? I love Secret Student because all of my students buy into this system...