• Learning stamps

You can use stamps to reward positive behaviours and achievements. Students received stamps for assisting classmates, participating in class discussions, etc. After collecting a certain number of stamps, they could choose a reward from a menu.

The menu can include, for instance, allowing students to choose activities or tasks they enjoy, giving them special responsibilities or roles within the classroom, granting additional free time during the day, sitting with a friend during lunch, choosing a theme for a dress-up day, such as pyjama day or superhero day, etc.

• Sticker charts

Make a sticker chart where students can earn stickers for achieving certain goals or showing desired behaviours. They receive a small reward after collecting a certain number of stickers.

• Recognition wall or bulletin board

Create a bulletin board to showcase students’ achievements, such as artwork, writing, or academic accomplishments.

 Source:teachercreated.com

• Learning Passport

Create a “learning passport” where students earn stamps or stickers for completing educational milestones.

• Art show or exhibition

Organize an art show where students’ artwork is displayed for the class, school, or parents.

•  Lunch with the teacher

Invite a student to have lunch with you as a special reward for exceptional behaviour, accomplishments like attending always class, completing a project, etc, or to give him the attention or care he needs.

• Student of the week/month

Select a student of the week or month and celebrate their achievements with a special badge, certificate, or recognition in the classroom.

• Peer recognition wall

Create a wall where students can post notes of recognition and appreciation for their classmates’ achievements.

• Homework bingo

Create a “Homework Bingo” game. Each time students completed a homework assignment, they marked off a square on their bingo card. Completing a row earned them a special privilege, such as choosing a classroom activity.

• You are the teacher

Reward a student with the opportunity to design and lead a classroom activity or a mini-lesson. You can do this with attention-seeking students to engage them in learning.

• Classroom decor contribution

Allow students to contribute to the classroom decor by creating artwork, posters, or displays related to their achievements/hobbies or interests.

• Virtual rewards

For online learning environments, use digital badges or virtual rewards that students can collect and display.

• Innovator’s spotlight

Showcase students’ innovative ideas, projects, or solutions on a designated “Innovator’s Wall.”

• Letter of appreciation

Write personalized letters of appreciation to students for BEING YOUR STUDENTS.

• Positive notes home

Send positive notes or emails to parents to acknowledge and celebrate the child’s strengths, accomplishments, or positive attributes, regardless of any specific behaviour or achievement.

• End-of-term celebration

Host a special celebration at the end of each term to recognize students’ accomplishments and hard work.

Classroom reward ideas for the entire class

• Outdoor learning time

Offer outdoor learning sessions as a reward, allowing students to explore and learn in an outdoor environment.

• Guest speaker or performer

Invite a guest speaker or performer to the classroom as a reward for meeting certain goals or milestones.

• Meditation and relaxation time

Reward students with guided meditation or relaxation sessions to promote mindfulness and stress relief.

• Themed dress-up days

Allow students to choose a theme for a dress-up day, such as pyjama day or superhero day, as a reward.

Some subject-related classroom reward ideas to enhance motivation and learning

• Language learning badges

ESL teachers can design a badge system to recognize language achievements. Students earn badges for mastering new vocabulary, improving pronunciation, and participating actively in class discussions. Badges are displayed on a “Language Achievements” board.

•  Reading marathon

A “Reading Marathon” can be initiated where students track their reading progress over a semester. Students receive rewards for reaching reading milestones, such as “Bookworm of the Month” recognition or a special bookmark.

• Creative project showcase

Art teachers can organize a “Creative Project Showcase” where students display their artwork for the school community. Students receive awards based on categories like “Most Innovative,” “Best Use of Color,” and “Audience Favorite.”

• STEM challenge points

For science teachers, they incorporate a points system for completing STEM challenges. Students earn points for designing and building solutions to real-world problems. Accumulated points could be redeemed for extra credit, a science-related prize, or a chance to lead a future challenge.

• Environmental awareness awards

Geography teachers initiate an “Environmental Awareness Awards” programme. Students actively participating in eco-friendly initiatives and promoting sustainability receive certificates and recognition in school assemblies.

• Classroom escape quests

In an English language classroom, the teacher designs a series of interactive escape room challenges centred around literary themes or concepts. Students work in teams to solve puzzles and riddles related to the curriculum. Successfully “escaping” the room earns the team recognition and a reward, such as a book-themed prize.

• Math quest

For this reward, math teachers set up a math quest where teams solve math problems to progress through different levels. The more complex the problems, the higher the points awarded. The team with the highest total points at the end of the semester enjoys a math-themed celebration and receives certificates of achievement.

• Inquiry-based research project

Teams in a history class undertake inquiry-based research projects on historical events or figures. They collaborate to gather information, analyze sources, and present their findings. The team with the most compelling research and presentation is honoured with a “Historical Research Excellence” award.

• Environmental stewardship competition

Teams in a biology class compete in an environmental stewardship competition. They collaborate on eco-friendly projects, such as creating a recycling program or designing a sustainable garden. Points are earned for successful implementation, and the winning team is recognized for their contributions to the environment.

• Cross-curricular exploration

Teams in different subjects collaborate on cross-curricular projects that integrate multiple disciplines. For instance, science and art teams could collaborate on designing and building an eco-friendly structure. The team that demonstrates the best integration of knowledge and skills is rewarded with a collaborative achievement certificate.

How should these classroom reward ideas be used?

To use classroom rewards effectively it is necessary to balance using rewards as motivators and cultivating students’ internal drive to learn. To do so,  teachers need to incorporate strategies for using rewards in the classroom in a way that promotes meaningful and engaged learning. Here are some necessary strategies you should use:

• Introduce a variety of rewards that cater to different student interests, learning styles, and needs. Rewards should be tailored to individual students’ preferences and goals. So, help students track their progress through reflection and goal-setting and celebrate their achievements.
• Align rewards with personal growth and achievement. For example, you can use a “Growth Journal” where students reflect on their learning process and reward them for reaching each milestone, focusing on their reflection and growth.
• Use rewards as noncontingent reinforcement to prevent behaviour problems and boost students’ self-esteem (e.g. a daily “compliment jar” where students receive positive notes or affirmations regardless of their behaviours).
• Allow students to select from a range of reward options. Your reward system needs to empower students to become self-directed learners.
• Recognize continuous progress and hard work, not just outcomes. It is important to move from celebrating small achievements towards larger goals.
• Use non-material rewards such as praise, positive feedback, and recognition. These will boost students’ confidence and self-esteem.
• Use collaborative incentives to encourage cooperative learning among students. For each challenge or collaborative task, teams can earn points or tokens and then exchange these for rewards or privileges.
• Finally, assess regularly the effectiveness of your reward systems. Bring adjustments based on student feedback, changing needs, and collegial collaboration.

 

To conclude,

While classroom rewards can be motivating, they should also be used to foster intrinsic motivation, encourage positive behaviour, and create a positive learning environment. Thus, the above classroom reward ideas are examples of classroom incentives that promote love for learning and meaningful engagement. Adapt these ideas to suit students’ interests, creating a balance between external rewards and the internal drive to learn.