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14 Fun Incentives for Increasing Student Attendance

Get creative & reward your students for coming to class! We've got 14 fun incentives to help increase attendance.
By 
Justin McElwee
 | 
September 22, 2022

One way we can build up attendance in the classroom is to incentivize it! The goal behind incentivizing attendance is to provide students with reasons that will make them want to attend school or your individual class. 

One of the best ways to do this is to include a variety of rewards that will incentivize their attendance. This method works well because it allows students to see specific positive effects of the action of attending school. 

Let’s discuss some potential incentives when it comes to attendance in order to make your students eager to attend school each day. Use these ideas and you’ll have students eager to get to your classroom each and every day!

Attendance Incentive Ideas

1. Student Assistant

Depending on the grade level, some students love the opportunity to help their teachers by being their assistants for the day. 

Use your newfound helper to assist with tasks in the room to demonstrate just how important they are. Other students will be eager to fill in this role as well and make sure they’re present each day in class.

2. Free Purchases at the Classroom Store

Many teachers utilize a token economy in their classroom where students are able to earn “classroom currency” to make purchases at the classroom store. 

Allow students with strong attendance to earn free purchases or “discounted” prices. 

This is a simple solution that will have students eager to show up each day to school.

Student Attendance Incentive Example

3. Announcement Recognition

As educators, we know that every day begins with the morning announcements. Many students crave positive attention. 

Honor your students with strong attendance by reading their names during the morning announcements to the entire class. 

What better way to motivate students to attend school regularly than by giving them the positive attention they seek during the school-wide morning announcements?

4. Lunch with a Teacher

The teacher’s lounge during lunch is one of those “off-limits” places in the school building that students are never privy to. 

However, why not allow the teacher to eat with a student who has demonstrated good attendance at a location of their choosing. 

Pick a classroom or unique location and celebrate strong attendance by eating lunch together with those students.

5. Extra Tech Time

21st-century students enjoy time with their technology devices. Teachers can reward this by giving students the opportunity to earn additional tech time dependent upon their attendance. 

Show up to class, stay on task, and be rewarded with some time to surf the web or play an appropriate game on their own device.

6. Gift Cards

A simple solution to incentivize improving attendance is to offer gift cards for students who make it to class on time and as frequently as possible. 

It’s also possible to reach out to local businesses to help make this a reality. Not only does it assist the student but you’re also doing your part to help support local stores and restaurants by picking up gift cards for your students from them.

7. Attendance Certificates

Many students love being able to bring home examples of their hard work to show their parents. A simple way to include attendance within this is to create and distribute Attendance Certificates demonstrating their hard work to being in class consistently. 

Not only will they be rewarded with the certificate, but students will be eager to bring them home and show them off to their parents and guardians.

8. Free/Discounted Lunch

Similar to our idea for discounted school store purchases, this can also be done in the cafeteria as well! 

Consistently making it to school for a determined period of time can potentially earn students a free slice of pizza to a discount on the special of the day. 

Student Attendance Incentive Example

9. Chart It Contest

If you have a group of students who want to be known for their attendance then make it a contest! 

Attendance can be charted in the halls or media center/library where the students with the best attendance can be shown off. 

For extra incentive, create a way to track it in real-time throughout the school week where students can check in to see who has the best attendance.

10. Better Parking

For those high school teachers out there who are struggling with poor attendance in their classrooms, why not prioritize parking? 

If a student is demonstrating their ability to get to class on time and frequently, provide them with a better parking spot in the student lot. 

11. Pick Their Seat

If you have a large group of students who are being successful when it comes to their attendance in class, then reward them by choosing their seats. 

This is an easy solution to incentivize attendance because it allows students to potentially sit next to a friend (if they can stay on task).

12. Classroom Party

The higher the attendance rate of your class the better. If you’d like to target a larger population instead of individual students, throw in the potential reward of a classroom party. 

Allow students to suggest different types of parties as a reward. If the attendance goal is reached then it’s time to celebrate!

Student Attendance Incentive Example

13. Be the School Mascot

One of the best memories for students can be the large school-wide assemblies. Ultimately, there was always someone dressed up in the school mascot costume during these particular get-togethers. 

Allow students the opportunity to earn the ability to be the one behind the mascot for the next assembly if their attendance is strong. Not only does this improve attendance, but it also builds school spirit!

Student Attendance Incentive Example

14. DJ for the Day

Oftentimes when classes are working on independent projects, educators may choose to stream music for their classes. 

This can range from Mozart to today’s hits (and everything in between!) If you have a student whose attendance has improved, let them play DJ for the period and pick the songs that are played during independent work time.

Attendance in the school setting is vital to providing an environment for students to learn in a successful manner. There are times when our students may need an additional push or incentive to be successful. 

The methods and ideas described above offer tangible positive rewards for attending school and class on a regular basis. This concept of incentivizing attendance allows for increased student engagement because they will be eager to see what positive reactions and rewards are awarded for their presence! 

Utilizing any of these particular methods will see an increase in attendance to your class and could work well as elementary school incentives or as incentives for high school students.

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14 Fun Incentives for Increasing Student Attendance

Get creative & reward your students for coming to class! We've got 14 fun incentives to help increase attendance.
By 
Justin McElwee
 | 
September 22, 2022
Attendance in the classroom is the building block for which students are able to improve their academic performance. Without being present for lessons, activities, tasks, projects, and more, students are not able to progress their knowledge base as they grow.

One way we can build up attendance in the classroom is to incentivize it! The goal behind incentivizing attendance is to provide students with reasons that will make them want to attend school or your individual class. 

One of the best ways to do this is to include a variety of rewards that will incentivize their attendance. This method works well because it allows students to see specific positive effects of the action of attending school. 

Let’s discuss some potential incentives when it comes to attendance in order to make your students eager to attend school each day. Use these ideas and you’ll have students eager to get to your classroom each and every day!

Attendance Incentive Ideas

1. Student Assistant

Depending on the grade level, some students love the opportunity to help their teachers by being their assistants for the day. 

Use your newfound helper to assist with tasks in the room to demonstrate just how important they are. Other students will be eager to fill in this role as well and make sure they’re present each day in class.

2. Free Purchases at the Classroom Store

Many teachers utilize a token economy in their classroom where students are able to earn “classroom currency” to make purchases at the classroom store. 

Allow students with strong attendance to earn free purchases or “discounted” prices. 

This is a simple solution that will have students eager to show up each day to school.

Student Attendance Incentive Example

3. Announcement Recognition

As educators, we know that every day begins with the morning announcements. Many students crave positive attention. 

Honor your students with strong attendance by reading their names during the morning announcements to the entire class. 

What better way to motivate students to attend school regularly than by giving them the positive attention they seek during the school-wide morning announcements?

4. Lunch with a Teacher

The teacher’s lounge during lunch is one of those “off-limits” places in the school building that students are never privy to. 

However, why not allow the teacher to eat with a student who has demonstrated good attendance at a location of their choosing. 

Pick a classroom or unique location and celebrate strong attendance by eating lunch together with those students.

5. Extra Tech Time

21st-century students enjoy time with their technology devices. Teachers can reward this by giving students the opportunity to earn additional tech time dependent upon their attendance. 

Show up to class, stay on task, and be rewarded with some time to surf the web or play an appropriate game on their own device.

6. Gift Cards

A simple solution to incentivize improving attendance is to offer gift cards for students who make it to class on time and as frequently as possible. 

It’s also possible to reach out to local businesses to help make this a reality. Not only does it assist the student but you’re also doing your part to help support local stores and restaurants by picking up gift cards for your students from them.

7. Attendance Certificates

Many students love being able to bring home examples of their hard work to show their parents. A simple way to include attendance within this is to create and distribute Attendance Certificates demonstrating their hard work to being in class consistently. 

Not only will they be rewarded with the certificate, but students will be eager to bring them home and show them off to their parents and guardians.

8. Free/Discounted Lunch

Similar to our idea for discounted school store purchases, this can also be done in the cafeteria as well! 

Consistently making it to school for a determined period of time can potentially earn students a free slice of pizza to a discount on the special of the day. 

Student Attendance Incentive Example

9. Chart It Contest

If you have a group of students who want to be known for their attendance then make it a contest! 

Attendance can be charted in the halls or media center/library where the students with the best attendance can be shown off. 

For extra incentive, create a way to track it in real-time throughout the school week where students can check in to see who has the best attendance.

10. Better Parking

For those high school teachers out there who are struggling with poor attendance in their classrooms, why not prioritize parking? 

If a student is demonstrating their ability to get to class on time and frequently, provide them with a better parking spot in the student lot. 

11. Pick Their Seat

If you have a large group of students who are being successful when it comes to their attendance in class, then reward them by choosing their seats. 

This is an easy solution to incentivize attendance because it allows students to potentially sit next to a friend (if they can stay on task).

12. Classroom Party

The higher the attendance rate of your class the better. If you’d like to target a larger population instead of individual students, throw in the potential reward of a classroom party. 

Allow students to suggest different types of parties as a reward. If the attendance goal is reached then it’s time to celebrate!

Student Attendance Incentive Example

13. Be the School Mascot

One of the best memories for students can be the large school-wide assemblies. Ultimately, there was always someone dressed up in the school mascot costume during these particular get-togethers. 

Allow students the opportunity to earn the ability to be the one behind the mascot for the next assembly if their attendance is strong. Not only does this improve attendance, but it also builds school spirit!

Student Attendance Incentive Example

14. DJ for the Day

Oftentimes when classes are working on independent projects, educators may choose to stream music for their classes. 

This can range from Mozart to today’s hits (and everything in between!) If you have a student whose attendance has improved, let them play DJ for the period and pick the songs that are played during independent work time.

Attendance in the school setting is vital to providing an environment for students to learn in a successful manner. There are times when our students may need an additional push or incentive to be successful. 

The methods and ideas described above offer tangible positive rewards for attending school and class on a regular basis. This concept of incentivizing attendance allows for increased student engagement because they will be eager to see what positive reactions and rewards are awarded for their presence! 

Utilizing any of these particular methods will see an increase in attendance to your class and could work well as elementary school incentives or as incentives for high school students.

Let’s take this to your inbox
We’ll send you our monthly newsletter which is fully stocked with free resources like articles, videos, podcasts, reward ideas, and anything else we can think of to help you make your school awesome.
Attendance in the classroom is the building block for which students are able to improve their academic performance. Without being present for lessons, activities, tasks, projects, and more, students are not able to progress their knowledge base as they grow.

One way we can build up attendance in the classroom is to incentivize it! The goal behind incentivizing attendance is to provide students with reasons that will make them want to attend school or your individual class. 

One of the best ways to do this is to include a variety of rewards that will incentivize their attendance. This method works well because it allows students to see specific positive effects of the action of attending school. 

Let’s discuss some potential incentives when it comes to attendance in order to make your students eager to attend school each day. Use these ideas and you’ll have students eager to get to your classroom each and every day!

Attendance Incentive Ideas

1. Student Assistant

Depending on the grade level, some students love the opportunity to help their teachers by being their assistants for the day. 

Use your newfound helper to assist with tasks in the room to demonstrate just how important they are. Other students will be eager to fill in this role as well and make sure they’re present each day in class.

2. Free Purchases at the Classroom Store

Many teachers utilize a token economy in their classroom where students are able to earn “classroom currency” to make purchases at the classroom store. 

Allow students with strong attendance to earn free purchases or “discounted” prices. 

This is a simple solution that will have students eager to show up each day to school.

Student Attendance Incentive Example

3. Announcement Recognition

As educators, we know that every day begins with the morning announcements. Many students crave positive attention. 

Honor your students with strong attendance by reading their names during the morning announcements to the entire class. 

What better way to motivate students to attend school regularly than by giving them the positive attention they seek during the school-wide morning announcements?

4. Lunch with a Teacher

The teacher’s lounge during lunch is one of those “off-limits” places in the school building that students are never privy to. 

However, why not allow the teacher to eat with a student who has demonstrated good attendance at a location of their choosing. 

Pick a classroom or unique location and celebrate strong attendance by eating lunch together with those students.

5. Extra Tech Time

21st-century students enjoy time with their technology devices. Teachers can reward this by giving students the opportunity to earn additional tech time dependent upon their attendance. 

Show up to class, stay on task, and be rewarded with some time to surf the web or play an appropriate game on their own device.

6. Gift Cards

A simple solution to incentivize improving attendance is to offer gift cards for students who make it to class on time and as frequently as possible. 

It’s also possible to reach out to local businesses to help make this a reality. Not only does it assist the student but you’re also doing your part to help support local stores and restaurants by picking up gift cards for your students from them.

7. Attendance Certificates

Many students love being able to bring home examples of their hard work to show their parents. A simple way to include attendance within this is to create and distribute Attendance Certificates demonstrating their hard work to being in class consistently. 

Not only will they be rewarded with the certificate, but students will be eager to bring them home and show them off to their parents and guardians.

8. Free/Discounted Lunch

Similar to our idea for discounted school store purchases, this can also be done in the cafeteria as well! 

Consistently making it to school for a determined period of time can potentially earn students a free slice of pizza to a discount on the special of the day. 

Student Attendance Incentive Example

9. Chart It Contest

If you have a group of students who want to be known for their attendance then make it a contest! 

Attendance can be charted in the halls or media center/library where the students with the best attendance can be shown off. 

For extra incentive, create a way to track it in real-time throughout the school week where students can check in to see who has the best attendance.

10. Better Parking

For those high school teachers out there who are struggling with poor attendance in their classrooms, why not prioritize parking? 

If a student is demonstrating their ability to get to class on time and frequently, provide them with a better parking spot in the student lot. 

11. Pick Their Seat

If you have a large group of students who are being successful when it comes to their attendance in class, then reward them by choosing their seats. 

This is an easy solution to incentivize attendance because it allows students to potentially sit next to a friend (if they can stay on task).

12. Classroom Party

The higher the attendance rate of your class the better. If you’d like to target a larger population instead of individual students, throw in the potential reward of a classroom party. 

Allow students to suggest different types of parties as a reward. If the attendance goal is reached then it’s time to celebrate!

Student Attendance Incentive Example

13. Be the School Mascot

One of the best memories for students can be the large school-wide assemblies. Ultimately, there was always someone dressed up in the school mascot costume during these particular get-togethers. 

Allow students the opportunity to earn the ability to be the one behind the mascot for the next assembly if their attendance is strong. Not only does this improve attendance, but it also builds school spirit!

Student Attendance Incentive Example

14. DJ for the Day

Oftentimes when classes are working on independent projects, educators may choose to stream music for their classes. 

This can range from Mozart to today’s hits (and everything in between!) If you have a student whose attendance has improved, let them play DJ for the period and pick the songs that are played during independent work time.

Attendance in the school setting is vital to providing an environment for students to learn in a successful manner. There are times when our students may need an additional push or incentive to be successful. 

The methods and ideas described above offer tangible positive rewards for attending school and class on a regular basis. This concept of incentivizing attendance allows for increased student engagement because they will be eager to see what positive reactions and rewards are awarded for their presence! 

Utilizing any of these particular methods will see an increase in attendance to your class and could work well as elementary school incentives or as incentives for high school students.

One way we can build up attendance in the classroom is to incentivize it! The goal behind incentivizing attendance is to provide students with reasons that will make them want to attend school or your individual class. 

One of the best ways to do this is to include a variety of rewards that will incentivize their attendance. This method works well because it allows students to see specific positive effects of the action of attending school. 

Let’s discuss some potential incentives when it comes to attendance in order to make your students eager to attend school each day. Use these ideas and you’ll have students eager to get to your classroom each and every day!

Attendance Incentive Ideas

1. Student Assistant

Depending on the grade level, some students love the opportunity to help their teachers by being their assistants for the day. 

Use your newfound helper to assist with tasks in the room to demonstrate just how important they are. Other students will be eager to fill in this role as well and make sure they’re present each day in class.

2. Free Purchases at the Classroom Store

Many teachers utilize a token economy in their classroom where students are able to earn “classroom currency” to make purchases at the classroom store. 

Allow students with strong attendance to earn free purchases or “discounted” prices. 

This is a simple solution that will have students eager to show up each day to school.

Student Attendance Incentive Example

3. Announcement Recognition

As educators, we know that every day begins with the morning announcements. Many students crave positive attention. 

Honor your students with strong attendance by reading their names during the morning announcements to the entire class. 

What better way to motivate students to attend school regularly than by giving them the positive attention they seek during the school-wide morning announcements?

4. Lunch with a Teacher

The teacher’s lounge during lunch is one of those “off-limits” places in the school building that students are never privy to. 

However, why not allow the teacher to eat with a student who has demonstrated good attendance at a location of their choosing. 

Pick a classroom or unique location and celebrate strong attendance by eating lunch together with those students.

5. Extra Tech Time

21st-century students enjoy time with their technology devices. Teachers can reward this by giving students the opportunity to earn additional tech time dependent upon their attendance. 

Show up to class, stay on task, and be rewarded with some time to surf the web or play an appropriate game on their own device.

6. Gift Cards

A simple solution to incentivize improving attendance is to offer gift cards for students who make it to class on time and as frequently as possible. 

It’s also possible to reach out to local businesses to help make this a reality. Not only does it assist the student but you’re also doing your part to help support local stores and restaurants by picking up gift cards for your students from them.

7. Attendance Certificates

Many students love being able to bring home examples of their hard work to show their parents. A simple way to include attendance within this is to create and distribute Attendance Certificates demonstrating their hard work to being in class consistently. 

Not only will they be rewarded with the certificate, but students will be eager to bring them home and show them off to their parents and guardians.

8. Free/Discounted Lunch

Similar to our idea for discounted school store purchases, this can also be done in the cafeteria as well! 

Consistently making it to school for a determined period of time can potentially earn students a free slice of pizza to a discount on the special of the day. 

Student Attendance Incentive Example

9. Chart It Contest

If you have a group of students who want to be known for their attendance then make it a contest! 

Attendance can be charted in the halls or media center/library where the students with the best attendance can be shown off. 

For extra incentive, create a way to track it in real-time throughout the school week where students can check in to see who has the best attendance.

10. Better Parking

For those high school teachers out there who are struggling with poor attendance in their classrooms, why not prioritize parking? 

If a student is demonstrating their ability to get to class on time and frequently, provide them with a better parking spot in the student lot. 

11. Pick Their Seat

If you have a large group of students who are being successful when it comes to their attendance in class, then reward them by choosing their seats. 

This is an easy solution to incentivize attendance because it allows students to potentially sit next to a friend (if they can stay on task).

12. Classroom Party

The higher the attendance rate of your class the better. If you’d like to target a larger population instead of individual students, throw in the potential reward of a classroom party. 

Allow students to suggest different types of parties as a reward. If the attendance goal is reached then it’s time to celebrate!

Student Attendance Incentive Example

13. Be the School Mascot

One of the best memories for students can be the large school-wide assemblies. Ultimately, there was always someone dressed up in the school mascot costume during these particular get-togethers. 

Allow students the opportunity to earn the ability to be the one behind the mascot for the next assembly if their attendance is strong. Not only does this improve attendance, but it also builds school spirit!

Student Attendance Incentive Example

14. DJ for the Day

Oftentimes when classes are working on independent projects, educators may choose to stream music for their classes. 

This can range from Mozart to today’s hits (and everything in between!) If you have a student whose attendance has improved, let them play DJ for the period and pick the songs that are played during independent work time.

Attendance in the school setting is vital to providing an environment for students to learn in a successful manner. There are times when our students may need an additional push or incentive to be successful. 

The methods and ideas described above offer tangible positive rewards for attending school and class on a regular basis. This concept of incentivizing attendance allows for increased student engagement because they will be eager to see what positive reactions and rewards are awarded for their presence! 

Utilizing any of these particular methods will see an increase in attendance to your class and could work well as elementary school incentives or as incentives for high school students.

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Let’s take this to your inbox
We’ll send you our monthly newsletter which is fully stocked with free resources like articles, videos, podcasts, reward ideas, and anything else we can think of to help you make your school awesome.

One way we can build up attendance in the classroom is to incentivize it! The goal behind incentivizing attendance is to provide students with reasons that will make them want to attend school or your individual class. 

One of the best ways to do this is to include a variety of rewards that will incentivize their attendance. This method works well because it allows students to see specific positive effects of the action of attending school. 

Let’s discuss some potential incentives when it comes to attendance in order to make your students eager to attend school each day. Use these ideas and you’ll have students eager to get to your classroom each and every day!

Attendance Incentive Ideas

1. Student Assistant

Depending on the grade level, some students love the opportunity to help their teachers by being their assistants for the day. 

Use your newfound helper to assist with tasks in the room to demonstrate just how important they are. Other students will be eager to fill in this role as well and make sure they’re present each day in class.

2. Free Purchases at the Classroom Store

Many teachers utilize a token economy in their classroom where students are able to earn “classroom currency” to make purchases at the classroom store. 

Allow students with strong attendance to earn free purchases or “discounted” prices. 

This is a simple solution that will have students eager to show up each day to school.

Student Attendance Incentive Example

3. Announcement Recognition

As educators, we know that every day begins with the morning announcements. Many students crave positive attention. 

Honor your students with strong attendance by reading their names during the morning announcements to the entire class. 

What better way to motivate students to attend school regularly than by giving them the positive attention they seek during the school-wide morning announcements?

4. Lunch with a Teacher

The teacher’s lounge during lunch is one of those “off-limits” places in the school building that students are never privy to. 

However, why not allow the teacher to eat with a student who has demonstrated good attendance at a location of their choosing. 

Pick a classroom or unique location and celebrate strong attendance by eating lunch together with those students.

5. Extra Tech Time

21st-century students enjoy time with their technology devices. Teachers can reward this by giving students the opportunity to earn additional tech time dependent upon their attendance. 

Show up to class, stay on task, and be rewarded with some time to surf the web or play an appropriate game on their own device.

6. Gift Cards

A simple solution to incentivize improving attendance is to offer gift cards for students who make it to class on time and as frequently as possible. 

It’s also possible to reach out to local businesses to help make this a reality. Not only does it assist the student but you’re also doing your part to help support local stores and restaurants by picking up gift cards for your students from them.

7. Attendance Certificates

Many students love being able to bring home examples of their hard work to show their parents. A simple way to include attendance within this is to create and distribute Attendance Certificates demonstrating their hard work to being in class consistently. 

Not only will they be rewarded with the certificate, but students will be eager to bring them home and show them off to their parents and guardians.

8. Free/Discounted Lunch

Similar to our idea for discounted school store purchases, this can also be done in the cafeteria as well! 

Consistently making it to school for a determined period of time can potentially earn students a free slice of pizza to a discount on the special of the day. 

Student Attendance Incentive Example

9. Chart It Contest

If you have a group of students who want to be known for their attendance then make it a contest! 

Attendance can be charted in the halls or media center/library where the students with the best attendance can be shown off. 

For extra incentive, create a way to track it in real-time throughout the school week where students can check in to see who has the best attendance.

10. Better Parking

For those high school teachers out there who are struggling with poor attendance in their classrooms, why not prioritize parking? 

If a student is demonstrating their ability to get to class on time and frequently, provide them with a better parking spot in the student lot. 

11. Pick Their Seat

If you have a large group of students who are being successful when it comes to their attendance in class, then reward them by choosing their seats. 

This is an easy solution to incentivize attendance because it allows students to potentially sit next to a friend (if they can stay on task).

12. Classroom Party

The higher the attendance rate of your class the better. If you’d like to target a larger population instead of individual students, throw in the potential reward of a classroom party. 

Allow students to suggest different types of parties as a reward. If the attendance goal is reached then it’s time to celebrate!

Student Attendance Incentive Example

13. Be the School Mascot

One of the best memories for students can be the large school-wide assemblies. Ultimately, there was always someone dressed up in the school mascot costume during these particular get-togethers. 

Allow students the opportunity to earn the ability to be the one behind the mascot for the next assembly if their attendance is strong. Not only does this improve attendance, but it also builds school spirit!

Student Attendance Incentive Example

14. DJ for the Day

Oftentimes when classes are working on independent projects, educators may choose to stream music for their classes. 

This can range from Mozart to today’s hits (and everything in between!) If you have a student whose attendance has improved, let them play DJ for the period and pick the songs that are played during independent work time.

Attendance in the school setting is vital to providing an environment for students to learn in a successful manner. There are times when our students may need an additional push or incentive to be successful. 

The methods and ideas described above offer tangible positive rewards for attending school and class on a regular basis. This concept of incentivizing attendance allows for increased student engagement because they will be eager to see what positive reactions and rewards are awarded for their presence! 

Utilizing any of these particular methods will see an increase in attendance to your class and could work well as elementary school incentives or as incentives for high school students.

14 Fun Incentives for Increasing Student Attendance

Get creative & reward your students for coming to class! We've got 14 fun incentives to help increase attendance.
By 
Justin McElwee
 | 
September 22, 2022

One way we can build up attendance in the classroom is to incentivize it! The goal behind incentivizing attendance is to provide students with reasons that will make them want to attend school or your individual class. 

One of the best ways to do this is to include a variety of rewards that will incentivize their attendance. This method works well because it allows students to see specific positive effects of the action of attending school. 

Let’s discuss some potential incentives when it comes to attendance in order to make your students eager to attend school each day. Use these ideas and you’ll have students eager to get to your classroom each and every day!

Attendance Incentive Ideas

1. Student Assistant

Depending on the grade level, some students love the opportunity to help their teachers by being their assistants for the day. 

Use your newfound helper to assist with tasks in the room to demonstrate just how important they are. Other students will be eager to fill in this role as well and make sure they’re present each day in class.

2. Free Purchases at the Classroom Store

Many teachers utilize a token economy in their classroom where students are able to earn “classroom currency” to make purchases at the classroom store. 

Allow students with strong attendance to earn free purchases or “discounted” prices. 

This is a simple solution that will have students eager to show up each day to school.

Student Attendance Incentive Example

3. Announcement Recognition

As educators, we know that every day begins with the morning announcements. Many students crave positive attention. 

Honor your students with strong attendance by reading their names during the morning announcements to the entire class. 

What better way to motivate students to attend school regularly than by giving them the positive attention they seek during the school-wide morning announcements?

4. Lunch with a Teacher

The teacher’s lounge during lunch is one of those “off-limits” places in the school building that students are never privy to. 

However, why not allow the teacher to eat with a student who has demonstrated good attendance at a location of their choosing. 

Pick a classroom or unique location and celebrate strong attendance by eating lunch together with those students.

5. Extra Tech Time

21st-century students enjoy time with their technology devices. Teachers can reward this by giving students the opportunity to earn additional tech time dependent upon their attendance. 

Show up to class, stay on task, and be rewarded with some time to surf the web or play an appropriate game on their own device.

6. Gift Cards

A simple solution to incentivize improving attendance is to offer gift cards for students who make it to class on time and as frequently as possible. 

It’s also possible to reach out to local businesses to help make this a reality. Not only does it assist the student but you’re also doing your part to help support local stores and restaurants by picking up gift cards for your students from them.

7. Attendance Certificates

Many students love being able to bring home examples of their hard work to show their parents. A simple way to include attendance within this is to create and distribute Attendance Certificates demonstrating their hard work to being in class consistently. 

Not only will they be rewarded with the certificate, but students will be eager to bring them home and show them off to their parents and guardians.

8. Free/Discounted Lunch

Similar to our idea for discounted school store purchases, this can also be done in the cafeteria as well! 

Consistently making it to school for a determined period of time can potentially earn students a free slice of pizza to a discount on the special of the day. 

Student Attendance Incentive Example

9. Chart It Contest

If you have a group of students who want to be known for their attendance then make it a contest! 

Attendance can be charted in the halls or media center/library where the students with the best attendance can be shown off. 

For extra incentive, create a way to track it in real-time throughout the school week where students can check in to see who has the best attendance.

10. Better Parking

For those high school teachers out there who are struggling with poor attendance in their classrooms, why not prioritize parking? 

If a student is demonstrating their ability to get to class on time and frequently, provide them with a better parking spot in the student lot. 

11. Pick Their Seat

If you have a large group of students who are being successful when it comes to their attendance in class, then reward them by choosing their seats. 

This is an easy solution to incentivize attendance because it allows students to potentially sit next to a friend (if they can stay on task).

12. Classroom Party

The higher the attendance rate of your class the better. If you’d like to target a larger population instead of individual students, throw in the potential reward of a classroom party. 

Allow students to suggest different types of parties as a reward. If the attendance goal is reached then it’s time to celebrate!

Student Attendance Incentive Example

13. Be the School Mascot

One of the best memories for students can be the large school-wide assemblies. Ultimately, there was always someone dressed up in the school mascot costume during these particular get-togethers. 

Allow students the opportunity to earn the ability to be the one behind the mascot for the next assembly if their attendance is strong. Not only does this improve attendance, but it also builds school spirit!

Student Attendance Incentive Example

14. DJ for the Day

Oftentimes when classes are working on independent projects, educators may choose to stream music for their classes. 

This can range from Mozart to today’s hits (and everything in between!) If you have a student whose attendance has improved, let them play DJ for the period and pick the songs that are played during independent work time.

Attendance in the school setting is vital to providing an environment for students to learn in a successful manner. There are times when our students may need an additional push or incentive to be successful. 

The methods and ideas described above offer tangible positive rewards for attending school and class on a regular basis. This concept of incentivizing attendance allows for increased student engagement because they will be eager to see what positive reactions and rewards are awarded for their presence! 

Utilizing any of these particular methods will see an increase in attendance to your class and could work well as elementary school incentives or as incentives for high school students.

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About the Presenter

Justin has been an educator for over a decade including various teaching roles ranging from Special Education, ELA, and Social Studies! When he's not busy, he enjoys spending time with his family including his daughter, his wife, and his half labrador/half dachshund, "Mac."

In addition to this you can find him working on his podcast production skills for his goofy sports and pop culture podcast, Baseball and Whatever, playing ice hockey, water skiing, or playing video games. He's probably playing video games.

About the Event

One way we can build up attendance in the classroom is to incentivize it! The goal behind incentivizing attendance is to provide students with reasons that will make them want to attend school or your individual class. 

One of the best ways to do this is to include a variety of rewards that will incentivize their attendance. This method works well because it allows students to see specific positive effects of the action of attending school. 

Let’s discuss some potential incentives when it comes to attendance in order to make your students eager to attend school each day. Use these ideas and you’ll have students eager to get to your classroom each and every day!

Attendance Incentive Ideas

1. Student Assistant

Depending on the grade level, some students love the opportunity to help their teachers by being their assistants for the day. 

Use your newfound helper to assist with tasks in the room to demonstrate just how important they are. Other students will be eager to fill in this role as well and make sure they’re present each day in class.

2. Free Purchases at the Classroom Store

Many teachers utilize a token economy in their classroom where students are able to earn “classroom currency” to make purchases at the classroom store. 

Allow students with strong attendance to earn free purchases or “discounted” prices. 

This is a simple solution that will have students eager to show up each day to school.

Student Attendance Incentive Example

3. Announcement Recognition

As educators, we know that every day begins with the morning announcements. Many students crave positive attention. 

Honor your students with strong attendance by reading their names during the morning announcements to the entire class. 

What better way to motivate students to attend school regularly than by giving them the positive attention they seek during the school-wide morning announcements?

4. Lunch with a Teacher

The teacher’s lounge during lunch is one of those “off-limits” places in the school building that students are never privy to. 

However, why not allow the teacher to eat with a student who has demonstrated good attendance at a location of their choosing. 

Pick a classroom or unique location and celebrate strong attendance by eating lunch together with those students.

5. Extra Tech Time

21st-century students enjoy time with their technology devices. Teachers can reward this by giving students the opportunity to earn additional tech time dependent upon their attendance. 

Show up to class, stay on task, and be rewarded with some time to surf the web or play an appropriate game on their own device.

6. Gift Cards

A simple solution to incentivize improving attendance is to offer gift cards for students who make it to class on time and as frequently as possible. 

It’s also possible to reach out to local businesses to help make this a reality. Not only does it assist the student but you’re also doing your part to help support local stores and restaurants by picking up gift cards for your students from them.

7. Attendance Certificates

Many students love being able to bring home examples of their hard work to show their parents. A simple way to include attendance within this is to create and distribute Attendance Certificates demonstrating their hard work to being in class consistently. 

Not only will they be rewarded with the certificate, but students will be eager to bring them home and show them off to their parents and guardians.

8. Free/Discounted Lunch

Similar to our idea for discounted school store purchases, this can also be done in the cafeteria as well! 

Consistently making it to school for a determined period of time can potentially earn students a free slice of pizza to a discount on the special of the day. 

Student Attendance Incentive Example

9. Chart It Contest

If you have a group of students who want to be known for their attendance then make it a contest! 

Attendance can be charted in the halls or media center/library where the students with the best attendance can be shown off. 

For extra incentive, create a way to track it in real-time throughout the school week where students can check in to see who has the best attendance.

10. Better Parking

For those high school teachers out there who are struggling with poor attendance in their classrooms, why not prioritize parking? 

If a student is demonstrating their ability to get to class on time and frequently, provide them with a better parking spot in the student lot. 

11. Pick Their Seat

If you have a large group of students who are being successful when it comes to their attendance in class, then reward them by choosing their seats. 

This is an easy solution to incentivize attendance because it allows students to potentially sit next to a friend (if they can stay on task).

12. Classroom Party

The higher the attendance rate of your class the better. If you’d like to target a larger population instead of individual students, throw in the potential reward of a classroom party. 

Allow students to suggest different types of parties as a reward. If the attendance goal is reached then it’s time to celebrate!

Student Attendance Incentive Example

13. Be the School Mascot

One of the best memories for students can be the large school-wide assemblies. Ultimately, there was always someone dressed up in the school mascot costume during these particular get-togethers. 

Allow students the opportunity to earn the ability to be the one behind the mascot for the next assembly if their attendance is strong. Not only does this improve attendance, but it also builds school spirit!

Student Attendance Incentive Example

14. DJ for the Day

Oftentimes when classes are working on independent projects, educators may choose to stream music for their classes. 

This can range from Mozart to today’s hits (and everything in between!) If you have a student whose attendance has improved, let them play DJ for the period and pick the songs that are played during independent work time.

Attendance in the school setting is vital to providing an environment for students to learn in a successful manner. There are times when our students may need an additional push or incentive to be successful. 

The methods and ideas described above offer tangible positive rewards for attending school and class on a regular basis. This concept of incentivizing attendance allows for increased student engagement because they will be eager to see what positive reactions and rewards are awarded for their presence! 

Utilizing any of these particular methods will see an increase in attendance to your class and could work well as elementary school incentives or as incentives for high school students.

Register Now

About the Event

One way we can build up attendance in the classroom is to incentivize it! The goal behind incentivizing attendance is to provide students with reasons that will make them want to attend school or your individual class. 

One of the best ways to do this is to include a variety of rewards that will incentivize their attendance. This method works well because it allows students to see specific positive effects of the action of attending school. 

Let’s discuss some potential incentives when it comes to attendance in order to make your students eager to attend school each day. Use these ideas and you’ll have students eager to get to your classroom each and every day!

Attendance Incentive Ideas

1. Student Assistant

Depending on the grade level, some students love the opportunity to help their teachers by being their assistants for the day. 

Use your newfound helper to assist with tasks in the room to demonstrate just how important they are. Other students will be eager to fill in this role as well and make sure they’re present each day in class.

2. Free Purchases at the Classroom Store

Many teachers utilize a token economy in their classroom where students are able to earn “classroom currency” to make purchases at the classroom store. 

Allow students with strong attendance to earn free purchases or “discounted” prices. 

This is a simple solution that will have students eager to show up each day to school.

Student Attendance Incentive Example

3. Announcement Recognition

As educators, we know that every day begins with the morning announcements. Many students crave positive attention. 

Honor your students with strong attendance by reading their names during the morning announcements to the entire class. 

What better way to motivate students to attend school regularly than by giving them the positive attention they seek during the school-wide morning announcements?

4. Lunch with a Teacher

The teacher’s lounge during lunch is one of those “off-limits” places in the school building that students are never privy to. 

However, why not allow the teacher to eat with a student who has demonstrated good attendance at a location of their choosing. 

Pick a classroom or unique location and celebrate strong attendance by eating lunch together with those students.

5. Extra Tech Time

21st-century students enjoy time with their technology devices. Teachers can reward this by giving students the opportunity to earn additional tech time dependent upon their attendance. 

Show up to class, stay on task, and be rewarded with some time to surf the web or play an appropriate game on their own device.

6. Gift Cards

A simple solution to incentivize improving attendance is to offer gift cards for students who make it to class on time and as frequently as possible. 

It’s also possible to reach out to local businesses to help make this a reality. Not only does it assist the student but you’re also doing your part to help support local stores and restaurants by picking up gift cards for your students from them.

7. Attendance Certificates

Many students love being able to bring home examples of their hard work to show their parents. A simple way to include attendance within this is to create and distribute Attendance Certificates demonstrating their hard work to being in class consistently. 

Not only will they be rewarded with the certificate, but students will be eager to bring them home and show them off to their parents and guardians.

8. Free/Discounted Lunch

Similar to our idea for discounted school store purchases, this can also be done in the cafeteria as well! 

Consistently making it to school for a determined period of time can potentially earn students a free slice of pizza to a discount on the special of the day. 

Student Attendance Incentive Example

9. Chart It Contest

If you have a group of students who want to be known for their attendance then make it a contest! 

Attendance can be charted in the halls or media center/library where the students with the best attendance can be shown off. 

For extra incentive, create a way to track it in real-time throughout the school week where students can check in to see who has the best attendance.

10. Better Parking

For those high school teachers out there who are struggling with poor attendance in their classrooms, why not prioritize parking? 

If a student is demonstrating their ability to get to class on time and frequently, provide them with a better parking spot in the student lot. 

11. Pick Their Seat

If you have a large group of students who are being successful when it comes to their attendance in class, then reward them by choosing their seats. 

This is an easy solution to incentivize attendance because it allows students to potentially sit next to a friend (if they can stay on task).

12. Classroom Party

The higher the attendance rate of your class the better. If you’d like to target a larger population instead of individual students, throw in the potential reward of a classroom party. 

Allow students to suggest different types of parties as a reward. If the attendance goal is reached then it’s time to celebrate!

Student Attendance Incentive Example

13. Be the School Mascot

One of the best memories for students can be the large school-wide assemblies. Ultimately, there was always someone dressed up in the school mascot costume during these particular get-togethers. 

Allow students the opportunity to earn the ability to be the one behind the mascot for the next assembly if their attendance is strong. Not only does this improve attendance, but it also builds school spirit!

Student Attendance Incentive Example

14. DJ for the Day

Oftentimes when classes are working on independent projects, educators may choose to stream music for their classes. 

This can range from Mozart to today’s hits (and everything in between!) If you have a student whose attendance has improved, let them play DJ for the period and pick the songs that are played during independent work time.

Attendance in the school setting is vital to providing an environment for students to learn in a successful manner. There are times when our students may need an additional push or incentive to be successful. 

The methods and ideas described above offer tangible positive rewards for attending school and class on a regular basis. This concept of incentivizing attendance allows for increased student engagement because they will be eager to see what positive reactions and rewards are awarded for their presence! 

Utilizing any of these particular methods will see an increase in attendance to your class and could work well as elementary school incentives or as incentives for high school students.

Let’s take this to your inbox
We’ll send you our monthly newsletter which is fully stocked with free resources like articles, videos, podcasts, reward ideas, and anything else we can think of to help you make your school awesome.

Attendance in the classroom is the building block for which students are able to improve their academic performance. Without being present for lessons, activities, tasks, projects, and more, students are not able to progress their knowledge base as they grow.

One way we can build up attendance in the classroom is to incentivize it! The goal behind incentivizing attendance is to provide students with reasons that will make them want to attend school or your individual class. 

One of the best ways to do this is to include a variety of rewards that will incentivize their attendance. This method works well because it allows students to see specific positive effects of the action of attending school. 

Let’s discuss some potential incentives when it comes to attendance in order to make your students eager to attend school each day. Use these ideas and you’ll have students eager to get to your classroom each and every day!

Attendance Incentive Ideas

1. Student Assistant

Depending on the grade level, some students love the opportunity to help their teachers by being their assistants for the day. 

Use your newfound helper to assist with tasks in the room to demonstrate just how important they are. Other students will be eager to fill in this role as well and make sure they’re present each day in class.

2. Free Purchases at the Classroom Store

Many teachers utilize a token economy in their classroom where students are able to earn “classroom currency” to make purchases at the classroom store. 

Allow students with strong attendance to earn free purchases or “discounted” prices. 

This is a simple solution that will have students eager to show up each day to school.

Student Attendance Incentive Example

3. Announcement Recognition

As educators, we know that every day begins with the morning announcements. Many students crave positive attention. 

Honor your students with strong attendance by reading their names during the morning announcements to the entire class. 

What better way to motivate students to attend school regularly than by giving them the positive attention they seek during the school-wide morning announcements?

4. Lunch with a Teacher

The teacher’s lounge during lunch is one of those “off-limits” places in the school building that students are never privy to. 

However, why not allow the teacher to eat with a student who has demonstrated good attendance at a location of their choosing. 

Pick a classroom or unique location and celebrate strong attendance by eating lunch together with those students.

5. Extra Tech Time

21st-century students enjoy time with their technology devices. Teachers can reward this by giving students the opportunity to earn additional tech time dependent upon their attendance. 

Show up to class, stay on task, and be rewarded with some time to surf the web or play an appropriate game on their own device.

6. Gift Cards

A simple solution to incentivize improving attendance is to offer gift cards for students who make it to class on time and as frequently as possible. 

It’s also possible to reach out to local businesses to help make this a reality. Not only does it assist the student but you’re also doing your part to help support local stores and restaurants by picking up gift cards for your students from them.

7. Attendance Certificates

Many students love being able to bring home examples of their hard work to show their parents. A simple way to include attendance within this is to create and distribute Attendance Certificates demonstrating their hard work to being in class consistently. 

Not only will they be rewarded with the certificate, but students will be eager to bring them home and show them off to their parents and guardians.

8. Free/Discounted Lunch

Similar to our idea for discounted school store purchases, this can also be done in the cafeteria as well! 

Consistently making it to school for a determined period of time can potentially earn students a free slice of pizza to a discount on the special of the day. 

Student Attendance Incentive Example

9. Chart It Contest

If you have a group of students who want to be known for their attendance then make it a contest! 

Attendance can be charted in the halls or media center/library where the students with the best attendance can be shown off. 

For extra incentive, create a way to track it in real-time throughout the school week where students can check in to see who has the best attendance.

10. Better Parking

For those high school teachers out there who are struggling with poor attendance in their classrooms, why not prioritize parking? 

If a student is demonstrating their ability to get to class on time and frequently, provide them with a better parking spot in the student lot. 

11. Pick Their Seat

If you have a large group of students who are being successful when it comes to their attendance in class, then reward them by choosing their seats. 

This is an easy solution to incentivize attendance because it allows students to potentially sit next to a friend (if they can stay on task).

12. Classroom Party

The higher the attendance rate of your class the better. If you’d like to target a larger population instead of individual students, throw in the potential reward of a classroom party. 

Allow students to suggest different types of parties as a reward. If the attendance goal is reached then it’s time to celebrate!

Student Attendance Incentive Example

13. Be the School Mascot

One of the best memories for students can be the large school-wide assemblies. Ultimately, there was always someone dressed up in the school mascot costume during these particular get-togethers. 

Allow students the opportunity to earn the ability to be the one behind the mascot for the next assembly if their attendance is strong. Not only does this improve attendance, but it also builds school spirit!

Student Attendance Incentive Example

14. DJ for the Day

Oftentimes when classes are working on independent projects, educators may choose to stream music for their classes. 

This can range from Mozart to today’s hits (and everything in between!) If you have a student whose attendance has improved, let them play DJ for the period and pick the songs that are played during independent work time.

Attendance in the school setting is vital to providing an environment for students to learn in a successful manner. There are times when our students may need an additional push or incentive to be successful. 

The methods and ideas described above offer tangible positive rewards for attending school and class on a regular basis. This concept of incentivizing attendance allows for increased student engagement because they will be eager to see what positive reactions and rewards are awarded for their presence! 

Utilizing any of these particular methods will see an increase in attendance to your class and could work well as elementary school incentives or as incentives for high school students.

All Reward Ideas for Students

🎉
👑
🎁
Donate $1
Grades 3-12
Student
Privilege
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Movie Posters
Grades 3-12
Student
Tangible
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Kickback Vibes
Grades 6-12
Class/House
Event
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Certificate of Achievement
Grades K-12
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Virtual Talent Show. 🎤
Grades 3-12
Class/House
Event
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Stairway Messages
Grades 9-12
Class/House
Event
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
TikTok with the Teacher
Grades 6-12
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Technology
Grades 6-12
Student
Tangible
Deluxe
🎉
👑
🎁
“Let's Make A Difference Week"
Grades 9-12
Class/House
Event
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Assist the Custodian.
Grades 6-8
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Teacher for the Day
Grades 6-12
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Class Pet
Grades K-12
Student
Privilege
Deluxe
🎉
👑
🎁
Blood Drive
Grades 9-12
School
Event
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Talk Time
Grades 6-8
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Toys
Grades K-8
Student
Tangible
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Stuffed Animal in Class
Grades K-5
Student
Privilege
Free

All Reward Ideas for Elementary School Students

🎉
👑
🎁
School Assembly
Grades K-12
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Game of Thrones
Grades K-5
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Partner Work
Grades 3-12
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Drop Lowest Quiz
Grades 3-12
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Student Spotlight Board
Grades K-5
Student
Privilege
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Video Game Rewards
Grades 3-12
Student
Privilege
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Brain Break
Grades K-12
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Meet the Teacher
Grades K-8
School
Event
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
STEM Field Day
Grades K-8
School
Event
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Art Contest
Grades 3-12
Class/House
Event
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Stickers
Grades K-5
Student
Tangible
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Special Pen
Grades K-5
Student
Privilege
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Morning Meeting Leader
Grades 3-8
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Extra Recess
Grades K-5
Class/House
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Board Game Party
Grades 3-12
Class/House
Privilege
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Pen Pouch
Grades K-8
Student
Tangible
Low Cost/DIY

All Event Ideas for Schools

All Free Reward Ideas for Schools

🎉
👑
🎁
Seat Swap
🎉
👑
🎁
Class Book
🎉
👑
🎁
House Induction
🎉
👑
🎁
Special Screening
🎉
👑
🎁
Dance Party
🎉
👑
🎁
Follow a Friend
🎉
👑
🎁
Free Dress
🎉
👑
🎁
Meet the Teacher
🎉
👑
🎁
Camp Read Away
🎉
👑
🎁
Virtual Field Trip

All Reward Ideas for High School Students

🎉
👑
🎁
Passing Period Music
Grades 3-12
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
School Spirit Day
Grades K-12
School
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Holiday Delivery
Grades K-12
Student
Tangible
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Host a Virtual Party. 🎶
Grades 6-12
Class/House
Event
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Holiday Classroom Carousel
Grades 9-12
School
Event
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Pie a Teacher
Grades K-12
Student
Privilege
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Loudspeaker Shoutout
Grades K-12
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Lost & Found Fashion Show
Grades 9-12
School
Event
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Wristband
Grades K-12
Student
Tangible
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Backpack
Grades K-12
Student
Tangible
Deluxe
🎉
👑
🎁
Snack Pack
Grades K-12
Student
Tangible
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Art Contest
Grades 3-12
Class/House
Event
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Graduation Celebration
Grades 6-12
School
Event
Deluxe
🎉
👑
🎁
Brain Break
Grades K-12
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Amazing Race
Grades 9-12
Class/House
Event
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Books
Grades K-12
Student
Tangible
Low Cost/DIY

All Reward Ideas for Middle School Students

🎉
👑
🎁
Emcee the Announcements
Grades 6-12
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Follow a Friend
Grades 6-8
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Virtual Talent Show. 🎤
Grades 3-12
Class/House
Event
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Digital Escape Rooms
Grades 6-12
Class/House
Privilege
Deluxe
🎉
👑
🎁
Old School Cookout
Grades 6-12
Class/House
Event
Deluxe
🎉
👑
🎁
Meet the Teacher
Grades K-8
School
Event
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Drop Lowest Quiz
Grades 3-12
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Attendance in the classroom is the building block for which students are able to improve their academic performance. Without being present for lessons, activities, tasks, projects, and more, students are not able to progress their knowledge base as they grow.

One way we can build up attendance in the classroom is to incentivize it! The goal behind incentivizing attendance is to provide students with reasons that will make them want to attend school or your individual class. 

One of the best ways to do this is to include a variety of rewards that will incentivize their attendance. This method works well because it allows students to see specific positive effects of the action of attending school. 

Let’s discuss some potential incentives when it comes to attendance in order to make your students eager to attend school each day. Use these ideas and you’ll have students eager to get to your classroom each and every day!

Attendance Incentive Ideas

1. Student Assistant

Depending on the grade level, some students love the opportunity to help their teachers by being their assistants for the day. 

Use your newfound helper to assist with tasks in the room to demonstrate just how important they are. Other students will be eager to fill in this role as well and make sure they’re present each day in class.

2. Free Purchases at the Classroom Store

Many teachers utilize a token economy in their classroom where students are able to earn “classroom currency” to make purchases at the classroom store. 

Allow students with strong attendance to earn free purchases or “discounted” prices. 

This is a simple solution that will have students eager to show up each day to school.

Student Attendance Incentive Example

3. Announcement Recognition

As educators, we know that every day begins with the morning announcements. Many students crave positive attention. 

Honor your students with strong attendance by reading their names during the morning announcements to the entire class. 

What better way to motivate students to attend school regularly than by giving them the positive attention they seek during the school-wide morning announcements?

4. Lunch with a Teacher

The teacher’s lounge during lunch is one of those “off-limits” places in the school building that students are never privy to. 

However, why not allow the teacher to eat with a student who has demonstrated good attendance at a location of their choosing. 

Pick a classroom or unique location and celebrate strong attendance by eating lunch together with those students.

5. Extra Tech Time

21st-century students enjoy time with their technology devices. Teachers can reward this by giving students the opportunity to earn additional tech time dependent upon their attendance. 

Show up to class, stay on task, and be rewarded with some time to surf the web or play an appropriate game on their own device.

6. Gift Cards

A simple solution to incentivize improving attendance is to offer gift cards for students who make it to class on time and as frequently as possible. 

It’s also possible to reach out to local businesses to help make this a reality. Not only does it assist the student but you’re also doing your part to help support local stores and restaurants by picking up gift cards for your students from them.

7. Attendance Certificates

Many students love being able to bring home examples of their hard work to show their parents. A simple way to include attendance within this is to create and distribute Attendance Certificates demonstrating their hard work to being in class consistently. 

Not only will they be rewarded with the certificate, but students will be eager to bring them home and show them off to their parents and guardians.

8. Free/Discounted Lunch

Similar to our idea for discounted school store purchases, this can also be done in the cafeteria as well! 

Consistently making it to school for a determined period of time can potentially earn students a free slice of pizza to a discount on the special of the day. 

Student Attendance Incentive Example

9. Chart It Contest

If you have a group of students who want to be known for their attendance then make it a contest! 

Attendance can be charted in the halls or media center/library where the students with the best attendance can be shown off. 

For extra incentive, create a way to track it in real-time throughout the school week where students can check in to see who has the best attendance.

10. Better Parking

For those high school teachers out there who are struggling with poor attendance in their classrooms, why not prioritize parking? 

If a student is demonstrating their ability to get to class on time and frequently, provide them with a better parking spot in the student lot. 

11. Pick Their Seat

If you have a large group of students who are being successful when it comes to their attendance in class, then reward them by choosing their seats. 

This is an easy solution to incentivize attendance because it allows students to potentially sit next to a friend (if they can stay on task).

12. Classroom Party

The higher the attendance rate of your class the better. If you’d like to target a larger population instead of individual students, throw in the potential reward of a classroom party. 

Allow students to suggest different types of parties as a reward. If the attendance goal is reached then it’s time to celebrate!

Student Attendance Incentive Example

13. Be the School Mascot

One of the best memories for students can be the large school-wide assemblies. Ultimately, there was always someone dressed up in the school mascot costume during these particular get-togethers. 

Allow students the opportunity to earn the ability to be the one behind the mascot for the next assembly if their attendance is strong. Not only does this improve attendance, but it also builds school spirit!

Student Attendance Incentive Example

14. DJ for the Day

Oftentimes when classes are working on independent projects, educators may choose to stream music for their classes. 

This can range from Mozart to today’s hits (and everything in between!) If you have a student whose attendance has improved, let them play DJ for the period and pick the songs that are played during independent work time.

Attendance in the school setting is vital to providing an environment for students to learn in a successful manner. There are times when our students may need an additional push or incentive to be successful. 

The methods and ideas described above offer tangible positive rewards for attending school and class on a regular basis. This concept of incentivizing attendance allows for increased student engagement because they will be eager to see what positive reactions and rewards are awarded for their presence! 

Utilizing any of these particular methods will see an increase in attendance to your class and could work well as elementary school incentives or as incentives for high school students.

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Want more ideas?

Rewards that Rock 🎸 has 100+ rewards, incentives, and event ideas to build your school culture.
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