Arrow left
Back

Everything You Need to Know About Classroom Rewards

A classroom reward system keeps students interested and engaged throughout their time in your classroom.
By 
Jordan Pruitt
 | 
March 30, 2022

What's the secret to keeping students engaged and on task? How do you create an environment where your students are well-mannered and efficiently working on the task at hand? What can you do to help you turn around a culture of apathy? 

Student motivation is the missing ingredient, and this article is here to show you how a teacher can establish a rewards system for students that keeps them interested and engaged throughout their time in your classroom. 

What Are Classroom Rewards?

Classroom rewards can be very simple. You have behaviors, actions, and achievements you value in your classroom. 

Your students should know what they are and how to meet them. They also know that when they do, they will receive a reward that can take many forms based on their grade level and classroom culture. It could be tangible or intangible. 

They may have a monetary value, they may not. The only thing that matters is that your students value the reward. Not necessarily that the reward has a value. 

You can do this with little to no budget if you're creative and do a great job selling your system to your students as something they need and want.

Why Have Classroom Rewards?

Most educators agree that a major factor in student achievement is morale and motivation. If the student isn’t motivated to participate, it is very unlikely they will be successful. 

Some of us are intrinsically motivated. No matter what the task, we will try to do our very best. Experienced educators know that the self-motivated do exist, but they are often the exception, not the rule. So how do we reach everyone else? Consistent use of small rewards can help with morale and motivation. 

Students like to see their accomplishments recognized. If they meet or exceed expectations, they want to be rewarded for it.

Adults aren’t all that different, a trait of a quality staff meeting normally has some highlights or recognition of your fellow teacher's hard work and accomplishments.  

Humans like to be recognized and rewarded, and when you do so, they are more likely to do so again. We all like to know that our effort is appreciated. Keep reading for some ideas on how to reward students in your class.

15 Classroom Reward Ideas

Reward Idea: Take a homework pass.

Grade Level: All

Description: Allow the student to earn a ticket that can be used to opt-out of a homework assignment

Reward Idea: Receive a positive phone call home.

Grade Level: All

Description: When earned, call home to a parent and let them know about their child’s accomplishments

Reward Idea: Take a treat from the snack drawer.

Grade Level: All

Description: Keep a drawer of snacks that can be used as incentives during class

Reward Idea: Take an item from the class treasure box.

Grade Level: Elementary

Description: Fill a basket with small treats and virtual prizes. These can be donated by parents or staff. When a student has accomplished a task, let them choose something from the “treasure box”

Reward Idea: Serve as the line leader.

Grade Level: Elementary

Description: Elect a line leader based on behavior goals

Reward Idea: Choose any class job for the week.

Grade Level: Elementary

Description: Keep a set list of jobs that students complete each week. Allow those who meet expectations to pick the jobs they want

Reward Idea: Lead a class game.

Grade Level: Middle

Description: During reward time, allow a student to pick, teach, and lead a game that you have previously approved appropriate. This is also great during review games.

Reward Idea: Assist the custodian.

Grade Level: Middle

Description: Allow a student to earn some out of class time making rounds with the school custodian

Reward Idea: Make a bulletin board.

Grade Level: Middle

Description: Allow multiple students to design and create your class bulletin board

Reward Idea: Choose the music.

Grade Level: Middle-High

Description: I always liked playing music during individual work periods in class, if a student has met expectations allow them to choose the genre or playlist.

Reward Idea: Be a comedian.

Grade Level: Middle-High

Description: Allow student some floor time to tell a joke

Reward Idea: Serve as a peer tutor.

Grade Level: Middle-High

Description: Tutor younger students

Reward Idea: Operate equipment.

Grade Level: High

Description: If a lesson requires a camera or some special lab supplies, allow students to earn the right to operate the device

Reward Idea: Teach the class.

Grade Level: High

Description: Allocate a short period of time for students to teach their peers about a topic of their choice.

Reward Idea: Have preferential seating.

Grade Level: High

Description: Allow them to earn a ticket that when used will allow them to sit anywhere in the room, regardless of seating assignments

How to Run a Classroom Reward System

Step 1: Set the Goal. 

Is this a group goal or an individual goal? Why is this important? Communicate the why. Sell it to your students. 

Put on your marketer hat here. This is something that should be communicated to parents as well. 

Step 2: Set the time frame. 

How long are we monitoring this behavior? When does it start? When does it end? Does your reward have a date? Is it a one-time thing, or recurring? 

Your goal is for students to have an attainable goal that isn’t too far out. In a classroom setting, it is best to have long and short-term goals. Things that can be accomplished and redeemed every day or once a week as well as larger monthly or semester goals. 

For example, you may have a new line leader every day, everyone gets a chance at the treasure box on Friday and you're working towards a pizza party at the end of the month.

Step 3: Monitor.

What is necessary to keep track of this information? Use the tools your school already has to monitor behavior and attendance. 

I would suggest checking out Live School for some very helpful tools to accomplish this task. This works well as a tool to monitor as well for students and parents to see progress in behavioral goals.

Step 4: Reward your students! 

Carry out the reward as you promised. Be very intentional to only reward those who have earned the reward. 

This may require some logistics to achieve but the efficacy of the reward is important to your future efforts. 

By using long and short-term goals you should have a system set up where every student always feels like they have a reward to be gained by meeting your classroom expectations. This is the end goal for all of us: reach all students!

Step 5: Write an after-action report. 

Did your reward system achieve the desired results? Was the reward meaningful towards student behavior? Did your monitoring system work as intended? Did the logistics of the school event or system enhance or limit your success? 

Take time to think about your process and use that information to improve future efforts.

Classroom Rewards in a Token Economy

Lastly, I would like to suggest considering using a token economy in your classroom. This is a system where students can earn “credits” to be used to “buy” things in your room. This could be tangible things like snacks, supplies, or small toys. 

Think about the game room at your favorite pizza place growing up, where the better you played the games, the more tickets you could spend at the counter later. But in this case, the games are school, and you score more by meeting classroom expectations! 

This is fun for students and can be accomplished without sacrificing precious instructional time. In fact, you should be gaining time as you won’t be addressing disruptive behavior at the rate you were before. 

Token economies can use a physical ticket system using carnival-style tickets, or you can do this electronically through a program like LiveSchool. With LiveSchool’s points tracking system you can customize your class points system with a rubric that matches your school-wide behavior expectations. Using a program like this allows us to follow PBIS best practices by adding, subtracting, and managing behavior data instantly from anywhere in the building. You can even set up your own PBIS Store.

This also has the added benefit of allowing parents to actively monitor students' behavior so they can reinforce at home and celebrate with their children as they earn rewards through your system!

If you're working on a tight budget you should check out our list of free rewards for students. Want to improve the rewards experience for your younger students? Check out our rewards menu for elementary students. Need more help constructing your incentive program? It can be a bit overwhelming, so we created a complete guide to rewarding students so everything you need is in one convenient place.

Subscribe via Email

Receive the best school culture resources monthly to inspire your planning.

Everything You Need to Know About Classroom Rewards

A classroom reward system keeps students interested and engaged throughout their time in your classroom.
By 
Jordan Pruitt
 | 
March 30, 2022
We have all been there. The lesson is ready to go, but student morale is low. Apathy can derail even the best-laid plans in the classroom.

What's the secret to keeping students engaged and on task? How do you create an environment where your students are well-mannered and efficiently working on the task at hand? What can you do to help you turn around a culture of apathy? 

Student motivation is the missing ingredient, and this article is here to show you how a teacher can establish a rewards system for students that keeps them interested and engaged throughout their time in your classroom. 

What Are Classroom Rewards?

Classroom rewards can be very simple. You have behaviors, actions, and achievements you value in your classroom. 

Your students should know what they are and how to meet them. They also know that when they do, they will receive a reward that can take many forms based on their grade level and classroom culture. It could be tangible or intangible. 

They may have a monetary value, they may not. The only thing that matters is that your students value the reward. Not necessarily that the reward has a value. 

You can do this with little to no budget if you're creative and do a great job selling your system to your students as something they need and want.

Why Have Classroom Rewards?

Most educators agree that a major factor in student achievement is morale and motivation. If the student isn’t motivated to participate, it is very unlikely they will be successful. 

Some of us are intrinsically motivated. No matter what the task, we will try to do our very best. Experienced educators know that the self-motivated do exist, but they are often the exception, not the rule. So how do we reach everyone else? Consistent use of small rewards can help with morale and motivation. 

Students like to see their accomplishments recognized. If they meet or exceed expectations, they want to be rewarded for it.

Adults aren’t all that different, a trait of a quality staff meeting normally has some highlights or recognition of your fellow teacher's hard work and accomplishments.  

Humans like to be recognized and rewarded, and when you do so, they are more likely to do so again. We all like to know that our effort is appreciated. Keep reading for some ideas on how to reward students in your class.

15 Classroom Reward Ideas

Reward Idea: Take a homework pass.

Grade Level: All

Description: Allow the student to earn a ticket that can be used to opt-out of a homework assignment

Reward Idea: Receive a positive phone call home.

Grade Level: All

Description: When earned, call home to a parent and let them know about their child’s accomplishments

Reward Idea: Take a treat from the snack drawer.

Grade Level: All

Description: Keep a drawer of snacks that can be used as incentives during class

Reward Idea: Take an item from the class treasure box.

Grade Level: Elementary

Description: Fill a basket with small treats and virtual prizes. These can be donated by parents or staff. When a student has accomplished a task, let them choose something from the “treasure box”

Reward Idea: Serve as the line leader.

Grade Level: Elementary

Description: Elect a line leader based on behavior goals

Reward Idea: Choose any class job for the week.

Grade Level: Elementary

Description: Keep a set list of jobs that students complete each week. Allow those who meet expectations to pick the jobs they want

Reward Idea: Lead a class game.

Grade Level: Middle

Description: During reward time, allow a student to pick, teach, and lead a game that you have previously approved appropriate. This is also great during review games.

Reward Idea: Assist the custodian.

Grade Level: Middle

Description: Allow a student to earn some out of class time making rounds with the school custodian

Reward Idea: Make a bulletin board.

Grade Level: Middle

Description: Allow multiple students to design and create your class bulletin board

Reward Idea: Choose the music.

Grade Level: Middle-High

Description: I always liked playing music during individual work periods in class, if a student has met expectations allow them to choose the genre or playlist.

Reward Idea: Be a comedian.

Grade Level: Middle-High

Description: Allow student some floor time to tell a joke

Reward Idea: Serve as a peer tutor.

Grade Level: Middle-High

Description: Tutor younger students

Reward Idea: Operate equipment.

Grade Level: High

Description: If a lesson requires a camera or some special lab supplies, allow students to earn the right to operate the device

Reward Idea: Teach the class.

Grade Level: High

Description: Allocate a short period of time for students to teach their peers about a topic of their choice.

Reward Idea: Have preferential seating.

Grade Level: High

Description: Allow them to earn a ticket that when used will allow them to sit anywhere in the room, regardless of seating assignments

How to Run a Classroom Reward System

Step 1: Set the Goal. 

Is this a group goal or an individual goal? Why is this important? Communicate the why. Sell it to your students. 

Put on your marketer hat here. This is something that should be communicated to parents as well. 

Step 2: Set the time frame. 

How long are we monitoring this behavior? When does it start? When does it end? Does your reward have a date? Is it a one-time thing, or recurring? 

Your goal is for students to have an attainable goal that isn’t too far out. In a classroom setting, it is best to have long and short-term goals. Things that can be accomplished and redeemed every day or once a week as well as larger monthly or semester goals. 

For example, you may have a new line leader every day, everyone gets a chance at the treasure box on Friday and you're working towards a pizza party at the end of the month.

Step 3: Monitor.

What is necessary to keep track of this information? Use the tools your school already has to monitor behavior and attendance. 

I would suggest checking out Live School for some very helpful tools to accomplish this task. This works well as a tool to monitor as well for students and parents to see progress in behavioral goals.

Step 4: Reward your students! 

Carry out the reward as you promised. Be very intentional to only reward those who have earned the reward. 

This may require some logistics to achieve but the efficacy of the reward is important to your future efforts. 

By using long and short-term goals you should have a system set up where every student always feels like they have a reward to be gained by meeting your classroom expectations. This is the end goal for all of us: reach all students!

Step 5: Write an after-action report. 

Did your reward system achieve the desired results? Was the reward meaningful towards student behavior? Did your monitoring system work as intended? Did the logistics of the school event or system enhance or limit your success? 

Take time to think about your process and use that information to improve future efforts.

Classroom Rewards in a Token Economy

Lastly, I would like to suggest considering using a token economy in your classroom. This is a system where students can earn “credits” to be used to “buy” things in your room. This could be tangible things like snacks, supplies, or small toys. 

Think about the game room at your favorite pizza place growing up, where the better you played the games, the more tickets you could spend at the counter later. But in this case, the games are school, and you score more by meeting classroom expectations! 

This is fun for students and can be accomplished without sacrificing precious instructional time. In fact, you should be gaining time as you won’t be addressing disruptive behavior at the rate you were before. 

Token economies can use a physical ticket system using carnival-style tickets, or you can do this electronically through a program like LiveSchool. With LiveSchool’s points tracking system you can customize your class points system with a rubric that matches your school-wide behavior expectations. Using a program like this allows us to follow PBIS best practices by adding, subtracting, and managing behavior data instantly from anywhere in the building. You can even set up your own PBIS Store.

This also has the added benefit of allowing parents to actively monitor students' behavior so they can reinforce at home and celebrate with their children as they earn rewards through your system!

If you're working on a tight budget you should check out our list of free rewards for students. Want to improve the rewards experience for your younger students? Check out our rewards menu for elementary students. Need more help constructing your incentive program? It can be a bit overwhelming, so we created a complete guide to rewarding students so everything you need is in one convenient place.

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.
We have all been there. The lesson is ready to go, but student morale is low. Apathy can derail even the best-laid plans in the classroom.

What's the secret to keeping students engaged and on task? How do you create an environment where your students are well-mannered and efficiently working on the task at hand? What can you do to help you turn around a culture of apathy? 

Student motivation is the missing ingredient, and this article is here to show you how a teacher can establish a rewards system for students that keeps them interested and engaged throughout their time in your classroom. 

What Are Classroom Rewards?

Classroom rewards can be very simple. You have behaviors, actions, and achievements you value in your classroom. 

Your students should know what they are and how to meet them. They also know that when they do, they will receive a reward that can take many forms based on their grade level and classroom culture. It could be tangible or intangible. 

They may have a monetary value, they may not. The only thing that matters is that your students value the reward. Not necessarily that the reward has a value. 

You can do this with little to no budget if you're creative and do a great job selling your system to your students as something they need and want.

Why Have Classroom Rewards?

Most educators agree that a major factor in student achievement is morale and motivation. If the student isn’t motivated to participate, it is very unlikely they will be successful. 

Some of us are intrinsically motivated. No matter what the task, we will try to do our very best. Experienced educators know that the self-motivated do exist, but they are often the exception, not the rule. So how do we reach everyone else? Consistent use of small rewards can help with morale and motivation. 

Students like to see their accomplishments recognized. If they meet or exceed expectations, they want to be rewarded for it.

Adults aren’t all that different, a trait of a quality staff meeting normally has some highlights or recognition of your fellow teacher's hard work and accomplishments.  

Humans like to be recognized and rewarded, and when you do so, they are more likely to do so again. We all like to know that our effort is appreciated. Keep reading for some ideas on how to reward students in your class.

15 Classroom Reward Ideas

Reward Idea: Take a homework pass.

Grade Level: All

Description: Allow the student to earn a ticket that can be used to opt-out of a homework assignment

Reward Idea: Receive a positive phone call home.

Grade Level: All

Description: When earned, call home to a parent and let them know about their child’s accomplishments

Reward Idea: Take a treat from the snack drawer.

Grade Level: All

Description: Keep a drawer of snacks that can be used as incentives during class

Reward Idea: Take an item from the class treasure box.

Grade Level: Elementary

Description: Fill a basket with small treats and virtual prizes. These can be donated by parents or staff. When a student has accomplished a task, let them choose something from the “treasure box”

Reward Idea: Serve as the line leader.

Grade Level: Elementary

Description: Elect a line leader based on behavior goals

Reward Idea: Choose any class job for the week.

Grade Level: Elementary

Description: Keep a set list of jobs that students complete each week. Allow those who meet expectations to pick the jobs they want

Reward Idea: Lead a class game.

Grade Level: Middle

Description: During reward time, allow a student to pick, teach, and lead a game that you have previously approved appropriate. This is also great during review games.

Reward Idea: Assist the custodian.

Grade Level: Middle

Description: Allow a student to earn some out of class time making rounds with the school custodian

Reward Idea: Make a bulletin board.

Grade Level: Middle

Description: Allow multiple students to design and create your class bulletin board

Reward Idea: Choose the music.

Grade Level: Middle-High

Description: I always liked playing music during individual work periods in class, if a student has met expectations allow them to choose the genre or playlist.

Reward Idea: Be a comedian.

Grade Level: Middle-High

Description: Allow student some floor time to tell a joke

Reward Idea: Serve as a peer tutor.

Grade Level: Middle-High

Description: Tutor younger students

Reward Idea: Operate equipment.

Grade Level: High

Description: If a lesson requires a camera or some special lab supplies, allow students to earn the right to operate the device

Reward Idea: Teach the class.

Grade Level: High

Description: Allocate a short period of time for students to teach their peers about a topic of their choice.

Reward Idea: Have preferential seating.

Grade Level: High

Description: Allow them to earn a ticket that when used will allow them to sit anywhere in the room, regardless of seating assignments

How to Run a Classroom Reward System

Step 1: Set the Goal. 

Is this a group goal or an individual goal? Why is this important? Communicate the why. Sell it to your students. 

Put on your marketer hat here. This is something that should be communicated to parents as well. 

Step 2: Set the time frame. 

How long are we monitoring this behavior? When does it start? When does it end? Does your reward have a date? Is it a one-time thing, or recurring? 

Your goal is for students to have an attainable goal that isn’t too far out. In a classroom setting, it is best to have long and short-term goals. Things that can be accomplished and redeemed every day or once a week as well as larger monthly or semester goals. 

For example, you may have a new line leader every day, everyone gets a chance at the treasure box on Friday and you're working towards a pizza party at the end of the month.

Step 3: Monitor.

What is necessary to keep track of this information? Use the tools your school already has to monitor behavior and attendance. 

I would suggest checking out Live School for some very helpful tools to accomplish this task. This works well as a tool to monitor as well for students and parents to see progress in behavioral goals.

Step 4: Reward your students! 

Carry out the reward as you promised. Be very intentional to only reward those who have earned the reward. 

This may require some logistics to achieve but the efficacy of the reward is important to your future efforts. 

By using long and short-term goals you should have a system set up where every student always feels like they have a reward to be gained by meeting your classroom expectations. This is the end goal for all of us: reach all students!

Step 5: Write an after-action report. 

Did your reward system achieve the desired results? Was the reward meaningful towards student behavior? Did your monitoring system work as intended? Did the logistics of the school event or system enhance or limit your success? 

Take time to think about your process and use that information to improve future efforts.

Classroom Rewards in a Token Economy

Lastly, I would like to suggest considering using a token economy in your classroom. This is a system where students can earn “credits” to be used to “buy” things in your room. This could be tangible things like snacks, supplies, or small toys. 

Think about the game room at your favorite pizza place growing up, where the better you played the games, the more tickets you could spend at the counter later. But in this case, the games are school, and you score more by meeting classroom expectations! 

This is fun for students and can be accomplished without sacrificing precious instructional time. In fact, you should be gaining time as you won’t be addressing disruptive behavior at the rate you were before. 

Token economies can use a physical ticket system using carnival-style tickets, or you can do this electronically through a program like LiveSchool. With LiveSchool’s points tracking system you can customize your class points system with a rubric that matches your school-wide behavior expectations. Using a program like this allows us to follow PBIS best practices by adding, subtracting, and managing behavior data instantly from anywhere in the building. You can even set up your own PBIS Store.

This also has the added benefit of allowing parents to actively monitor students' behavior so they can reinforce at home and celebrate with their children as they earn rewards through your system!

If you're working on a tight budget you should check out our list of free rewards for students. Want to improve the rewards experience for your younger students? Check out our rewards menu for elementary students. Need more help constructing your incentive program? It can be a bit overwhelming, so we created a complete guide to rewarding students so everything you need is in one convenient place.

What's the secret to keeping students engaged and on task? How do you create an environment where your students are well-mannered and efficiently working on the task at hand? What can you do to help you turn around a culture of apathy? 

Student motivation is the missing ingredient, and this article is here to show you how a teacher can establish a rewards system for students that keeps them interested and engaged throughout their time in your classroom. 

What Are Classroom Rewards?

Classroom rewards can be very simple. You have behaviors, actions, and achievements you value in your classroom. 

Your students should know what they are and how to meet them. They also know that when they do, they will receive a reward that can take many forms based on their grade level and classroom culture. It could be tangible or intangible. 

They may have a monetary value, they may not. The only thing that matters is that your students value the reward. Not necessarily that the reward has a value. 

You can do this with little to no budget if you're creative and do a great job selling your system to your students as something they need and want.

Why Have Classroom Rewards?

Most educators agree that a major factor in student achievement is morale and motivation. If the student isn’t motivated to participate, it is very unlikely they will be successful. 

Some of us are intrinsically motivated. No matter what the task, we will try to do our very best. Experienced educators know that the self-motivated do exist, but they are often the exception, not the rule. So how do we reach everyone else? Consistent use of small rewards can help with morale and motivation. 

Students like to see their accomplishments recognized. If they meet or exceed expectations, they want to be rewarded for it.

Adults aren’t all that different, a trait of a quality staff meeting normally has some highlights or recognition of your fellow teacher's hard work and accomplishments.  

Humans like to be recognized and rewarded, and when you do so, they are more likely to do so again. We all like to know that our effort is appreciated. Keep reading for some ideas on how to reward students in your class.

15 Classroom Reward Ideas

Reward Idea: Take a homework pass.

Grade Level: All

Description: Allow the student to earn a ticket that can be used to opt-out of a homework assignment

Reward Idea: Receive a positive phone call home.

Grade Level: All

Description: When earned, call home to a parent and let them know about their child’s accomplishments

Reward Idea: Take a treat from the snack drawer.

Grade Level: All

Description: Keep a drawer of snacks that can be used as incentives during class

Reward Idea: Take an item from the class treasure box.

Grade Level: Elementary

Description: Fill a basket with small treats and virtual prizes. These can be donated by parents or staff. When a student has accomplished a task, let them choose something from the “treasure box”

Reward Idea: Serve as the line leader.

Grade Level: Elementary

Description: Elect a line leader based on behavior goals

Reward Idea: Choose any class job for the week.

Grade Level: Elementary

Description: Keep a set list of jobs that students complete each week. Allow those who meet expectations to pick the jobs they want

Reward Idea: Lead a class game.

Grade Level: Middle

Description: During reward time, allow a student to pick, teach, and lead a game that you have previously approved appropriate. This is also great during review games.

Reward Idea: Assist the custodian.

Grade Level: Middle

Description: Allow a student to earn some out of class time making rounds with the school custodian

Reward Idea: Make a bulletin board.

Grade Level: Middle

Description: Allow multiple students to design and create your class bulletin board

Reward Idea: Choose the music.

Grade Level: Middle-High

Description: I always liked playing music during individual work periods in class, if a student has met expectations allow them to choose the genre or playlist.

Reward Idea: Be a comedian.

Grade Level: Middle-High

Description: Allow student some floor time to tell a joke

Reward Idea: Serve as a peer tutor.

Grade Level: Middle-High

Description: Tutor younger students

Reward Idea: Operate equipment.

Grade Level: High

Description: If a lesson requires a camera or some special lab supplies, allow students to earn the right to operate the device

Reward Idea: Teach the class.

Grade Level: High

Description: Allocate a short period of time for students to teach their peers about a topic of their choice.

Reward Idea: Have preferential seating.

Grade Level: High

Description: Allow them to earn a ticket that when used will allow them to sit anywhere in the room, regardless of seating assignments

How to Run a Classroom Reward System

Step 1: Set the Goal. 

Is this a group goal or an individual goal? Why is this important? Communicate the why. Sell it to your students. 

Put on your marketer hat here. This is something that should be communicated to parents as well. 

Step 2: Set the time frame. 

How long are we monitoring this behavior? When does it start? When does it end? Does your reward have a date? Is it a one-time thing, or recurring? 

Your goal is for students to have an attainable goal that isn’t too far out. In a classroom setting, it is best to have long and short-term goals. Things that can be accomplished and redeemed every day or once a week as well as larger monthly or semester goals. 

For example, you may have a new line leader every day, everyone gets a chance at the treasure box on Friday and you're working towards a pizza party at the end of the month.

Step 3: Monitor.

What is necessary to keep track of this information? Use the tools your school already has to monitor behavior and attendance. 

I would suggest checking out Live School for some very helpful tools to accomplish this task. This works well as a tool to monitor as well for students and parents to see progress in behavioral goals.

Step 4: Reward your students! 

Carry out the reward as you promised. Be very intentional to only reward those who have earned the reward. 

This may require some logistics to achieve but the efficacy of the reward is important to your future efforts. 

By using long and short-term goals you should have a system set up where every student always feels like they have a reward to be gained by meeting your classroom expectations. This is the end goal for all of us: reach all students!

Step 5: Write an after-action report. 

Did your reward system achieve the desired results? Was the reward meaningful towards student behavior? Did your monitoring system work as intended? Did the logistics of the school event or system enhance or limit your success? 

Take time to think about your process and use that information to improve future efforts.

Classroom Rewards in a Token Economy

Lastly, I would like to suggest considering using a token economy in your classroom. This is a system where students can earn “credits” to be used to “buy” things in your room. This could be tangible things like snacks, supplies, or small toys. 

Think about the game room at your favorite pizza place growing up, where the better you played the games, the more tickets you could spend at the counter later. But in this case, the games are school, and you score more by meeting classroom expectations! 

This is fun for students and can be accomplished without sacrificing precious instructional time. In fact, you should be gaining time as you won’t be addressing disruptive behavior at the rate you were before. 

Token economies can use a physical ticket system using carnival-style tickets, or you can do this electronically through a program like LiveSchool. With LiveSchool’s points tracking system you can customize your class points system with a rubric that matches your school-wide behavior expectations. Using a program like this allows us to follow PBIS best practices by adding, subtracting, and managing behavior data instantly from anywhere in the building. You can even set up your own PBIS Store.

This also has the added benefit of allowing parents to actively monitor students' behavior so they can reinforce at home and celebrate with their children as they earn rewards through your system!

If you're working on a tight budget you should check out our list of free rewards for students. Want to improve the rewards experience for your younger students? Check out our rewards menu for elementary students. Need more help constructing your incentive program? It can be a bit overwhelming, so we created a complete guide to rewarding students so everything you need is in one convenient place.

quote icon
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.

What's the secret to keeping students engaged and on task? How do you create an environment where your students are well-mannered and efficiently working on the task at hand? What can you do to help you turn around a culture of apathy? 

Student motivation is the missing ingredient, and this article is here to show you how a teacher can establish a rewards system for students that keeps them interested and engaged throughout their time in your classroom. 

What Are Classroom Rewards?

Classroom rewards can be very simple. You have behaviors, actions, and achievements you value in your classroom. 

Your students should know what they are and how to meet them. They also know that when they do, they will receive a reward that can take many forms based on their grade level and classroom culture. It could be tangible or intangible. 

They may have a monetary value, they may not. The only thing that matters is that your students value the reward. Not necessarily that the reward has a value. 

You can do this with little to no budget if you're creative and do a great job selling your system to your students as something they need and want.

Why Have Classroom Rewards?

Most educators agree that a major factor in student achievement is morale and motivation. If the student isn’t motivated to participate, it is very unlikely they will be successful. 

Some of us are intrinsically motivated. No matter what the task, we will try to do our very best. Experienced educators know that the self-motivated do exist, but they are often the exception, not the rule. So how do we reach everyone else? Consistent use of small rewards can help with morale and motivation. 

Students like to see their accomplishments recognized. If they meet or exceed expectations, they want to be rewarded for it.

Adults aren’t all that different, a trait of a quality staff meeting normally has some highlights or recognition of your fellow teacher's hard work and accomplishments.  

Humans like to be recognized and rewarded, and when you do so, they are more likely to do so again. We all like to know that our effort is appreciated. Keep reading for some ideas on how to reward students in your class.

15 Classroom Reward Ideas

Reward Idea: Take a homework pass.

Grade Level: All

Description: Allow the student to earn a ticket that can be used to opt-out of a homework assignment

Reward Idea: Receive a positive phone call home.

Grade Level: All

Description: When earned, call home to a parent and let them know about their child’s accomplishments

Reward Idea: Take a treat from the snack drawer.

Grade Level: All

Description: Keep a drawer of snacks that can be used as incentives during class

Reward Idea: Take an item from the class treasure box.

Grade Level: Elementary

Description: Fill a basket with small treats and virtual prizes. These can be donated by parents or staff. When a student has accomplished a task, let them choose something from the “treasure box”

Reward Idea: Serve as the line leader.

Grade Level: Elementary

Description: Elect a line leader based on behavior goals

Reward Idea: Choose any class job for the week.

Grade Level: Elementary

Description: Keep a set list of jobs that students complete each week. Allow those who meet expectations to pick the jobs they want

Reward Idea: Lead a class game.

Grade Level: Middle

Description: During reward time, allow a student to pick, teach, and lead a game that you have previously approved appropriate. This is also great during review games.

Reward Idea: Assist the custodian.

Grade Level: Middle

Description: Allow a student to earn some out of class time making rounds with the school custodian

Reward Idea: Make a bulletin board.

Grade Level: Middle

Description: Allow multiple students to design and create your class bulletin board

Reward Idea: Choose the music.

Grade Level: Middle-High

Description: I always liked playing music during individual work periods in class, if a student has met expectations allow them to choose the genre or playlist.

Reward Idea: Be a comedian.

Grade Level: Middle-High

Description: Allow student some floor time to tell a joke

Reward Idea: Serve as a peer tutor.

Grade Level: Middle-High

Description: Tutor younger students

Reward Idea: Operate equipment.

Grade Level: High

Description: If a lesson requires a camera or some special lab supplies, allow students to earn the right to operate the device

Reward Idea: Teach the class.

Grade Level: High

Description: Allocate a short period of time for students to teach their peers about a topic of their choice.

Reward Idea: Have preferential seating.

Grade Level: High

Description: Allow them to earn a ticket that when used will allow them to sit anywhere in the room, regardless of seating assignments

How to Run a Classroom Reward System

Step 1: Set the Goal. 

Is this a group goal or an individual goal? Why is this important? Communicate the why. Sell it to your students. 

Put on your marketer hat here. This is something that should be communicated to parents as well. 

Step 2: Set the time frame. 

How long are we monitoring this behavior? When does it start? When does it end? Does your reward have a date? Is it a one-time thing, or recurring? 

Your goal is for students to have an attainable goal that isn’t too far out. In a classroom setting, it is best to have long and short-term goals. Things that can be accomplished and redeemed every day or once a week as well as larger monthly or semester goals. 

For example, you may have a new line leader every day, everyone gets a chance at the treasure box on Friday and you're working towards a pizza party at the end of the month.

Step 3: Monitor.

What is necessary to keep track of this information? Use the tools your school already has to monitor behavior and attendance. 

I would suggest checking out Live School for some very helpful tools to accomplish this task. This works well as a tool to monitor as well for students and parents to see progress in behavioral goals.

Step 4: Reward your students! 

Carry out the reward as you promised. Be very intentional to only reward those who have earned the reward. 

This may require some logistics to achieve but the efficacy of the reward is important to your future efforts. 

By using long and short-term goals you should have a system set up where every student always feels like they have a reward to be gained by meeting your classroom expectations. This is the end goal for all of us: reach all students!

Step 5: Write an after-action report. 

Did your reward system achieve the desired results? Was the reward meaningful towards student behavior? Did your monitoring system work as intended? Did the logistics of the school event or system enhance or limit your success? 

Take time to think about your process and use that information to improve future efforts.

Classroom Rewards in a Token Economy

Lastly, I would like to suggest considering using a token economy in your classroom. This is a system where students can earn “credits” to be used to “buy” things in your room. This could be tangible things like snacks, supplies, or small toys. 

Think about the game room at your favorite pizza place growing up, where the better you played the games, the more tickets you could spend at the counter later. But in this case, the games are school, and you score more by meeting classroom expectations! 

This is fun for students and can be accomplished without sacrificing precious instructional time. In fact, you should be gaining time as you won’t be addressing disruptive behavior at the rate you were before. 

Token economies can use a physical ticket system using carnival-style tickets, or you can do this electronically through a program like LiveSchool. With LiveSchool’s points tracking system you can customize your class points system with a rubric that matches your school-wide behavior expectations. Using a program like this allows us to follow PBIS best practices by adding, subtracting, and managing behavior data instantly from anywhere in the building. You can even set up your own PBIS Store.

This also has the added benefit of allowing parents to actively monitor students' behavior so they can reinforce at home and celebrate with their children as they earn rewards through your system!

If you're working on a tight budget you should check out our list of free rewards for students. Want to improve the rewards experience for your younger students? Check out our rewards menu for elementary students. Need more help constructing your incentive program? It can be a bit overwhelming, so we created a complete guide to rewarding students so everything you need is in one convenient place.

Everything You Need to Know About Classroom Rewards

A classroom reward system keeps students interested and engaged throughout their time in your classroom.
By 
Jordan Pruitt
 | 
March 30, 2022

What's the secret to keeping students engaged and on task? How do you create an environment where your students are well-mannered and efficiently working on the task at hand? What can you do to help you turn around a culture of apathy? 

Student motivation is the missing ingredient, and this article is here to show you how a teacher can establish a rewards system for students that keeps them interested and engaged throughout their time in your classroom. 

What Are Classroom Rewards?

Classroom rewards can be very simple. You have behaviors, actions, and achievements you value in your classroom. 

Your students should know what they are and how to meet them. They also know that when they do, they will receive a reward that can take many forms based on their grade level and classroom culture. It could be tangible or intangible. 

They may have a monetary value, they may not. The only thing that matters is that your students value the reward. Not necessarily that the reward has a value. 

You can do this with little to no budget if you're creative and do a great job selling your system to your students as something they need and want.

Why Have Classroom Rewards?

Most educators agree that a major factor in student achievement is morale and motivation. If the student isn’t motivated to participate, it is very unlikely they will be successful. 

Some of us are intrinsically motivated. No matter what the task, we will try to do our very best. Experienced educators know that the self-motivated do exist, but they are often the exception, not the rule. So how do we reach everyone else? Consistent use of small rewards can help with morale and motivation. 

Students like to see their accomplishments recognized. If they meet or exceed expectations, they want to be rewarded for it.

Adults aren’t all that different, a trait of a quality staff meeting normally has some highlights or recognition of your fellow teacher's hard work and accomplishments.  

Humans like to be recognized and rewarded, and when you do so, they are more likely to do so again. We all like to know that our effort is appreciated. Keep reading for some ideas on how to reward students in your class.

15 Classroom Reward Ideas

Reward Idea: Take a homework pass.

Grade Level: All

Description: Allow the student to earn a ticket that can be used to opt-out of a homework assignment

Reward Idea: Receive a positive phone call home.

Grade Level: All

Description: When earned, call home to a parent and let them know about their child’s accomplishments

Reward Idea: Take a treat from the snack drawer.

Grade Level: All

Description: Keep a drawer of snacks that can be used as incentives during class

Reward Idea: Take an item from the class treasure box.

Grade Level: Elementary

Description: Fill a basket with small treats and virtual prizes. These can be donated by parents or staff. When a student has accomplished a task, let them choose something from the “treasure box”

Reward Idea: Serve as the line leader.

Grade Level: Elementary

Description: Elect a line leader based on behavior goals

Reward Idea: Choose any class job for the week.

Grade Level: Elementary

Description: Keep a set list of jobs that students complete each week. Allow those who meet expectations to pick the jobs they want

Reward Idea: Lead a class game.

Grade Level: Middle

Description: During reward time, allow a student to pick, teach, and lead a game that you have previously approved appropriate. This is also great during review games.

Reward Idea: Assist the custodian.

Grade Level: Middle

Description: Allow a student to earn some out of class time making rounds with the school custodian

Reward Idea: Make a bulletin board.

Grade Level: Middle

Description: Allow multiple students to design and create your class bulletin board

Reward Idea: Choose the music.

Grade Level: Middle-High

Description: I always liked playing music during individual work periods in class, if a student has met expectations allow them to choose the genre or playlist.

Reward Idea: Be a comedian.

Grade Level: Middle-High

Description: Allow student some floor time to tell a joke

Reward Idea: Serve as a peer tutor.

Grade Level: Middle-High

Description: Tutor younger students

Reward Idea: Operate equipment.

Grade Level: High

Description: If a lesson requires a camera or some special lab supplies, allow students to earn the right to operate the device

Reward Idea: Teach the class.

Grade Level: High

Description: Allocate a short period of time for students to teach their peers about a topic of their choice.

Reward Idea: Have preferential seating.

Grade Level: High

Description: Allow them to earn a ticket that when used will allow them to sit anywhere in the room, regardless of seating assignments

How to Run a Classroom Reward System

Step 1: Set the Goal. 

Is this a group goal or an individual goal? Why is this important? Communicate the why. Sell it to your students. 

Put on your marketer hat here. This is something that should be communicated to parents as well. 

Step 2: Set the time frame. 

How long are we monitoring this behavior? When does it start? When does it end? Does your reward have a date? Is it a one-time thing, or recurring? 

Your goal is for students to have an attainable goal that isn’t too far out. In a classroom setting, it is best to have long and short-term goals. Things that can be accomplished and redeemed every day or once a week as well as larger monthly or semester goals. 

For example, you may have a new line leader every day, everyone gets a chance at the treasure box on Friday and you're working towards a pizza party at the end of the month.

Step 3: Monitor.

What is necessary to keep track of this information? Use the tools your school already has to monitor behavior and attendance. 

I would suggest checking out Live School for some very helpful tools to accomplish this task. This works well as a tool to monitor as well for students and parents to see progress in behavioral goals.

Step 4: Reward your students! 

Carry out the reward as you promised. Be very intentional to only reward those who have earned the reward. 

This may require some logistics to achieve but the efficacy of the reward is important to your future efforts. 

By using long and short-term goals you should have a system set up where every student always feels like they have a reward to be gained by meeting your classroom expectations. This is the end goal for all of us: reach all students!

Step 5: Write an after-action report. 

Did your reward system achieve the desired results? Was the reward meaningful towards student behavior? Did your monitoring system work as intended? Did the logistics of the school event or system enhance or limit your success? 

Take time to think about your process and use that information to improve future efforts.

Classroom Rewards in a Token Economy

Lastly, I would like to suggest considering using a token economy in your classroom. This is a system where students can earn “credits” to be used to “buy” things in your room. This could be tangible things like snacks, supplies, or small toys. 

Think about the game room at your favorite pizza place growing up, where the better you played the games, the more tickets you could spend at the counter later. But in this case, the games are school, and you score more by meeting classroom expectations! 

This is fun for students and can be accomplished without sacrificing precious instructional time. In fact, you should be gaining time as you won’t be addressing disruptive behavior at the rate you were before. 

Token economies can use a physical ticket system using carnival-style tickets, or you can do this electronically through a program like LiveSchool. With LiveSchool’s points tracking system you can customize your class points system with a rubric that matches your school-wide behavior expectations. Using a program like this allows us to follow PBIS best practices by adding, subtracting, and managing behavior data instantly from anywhere in the building. You can even set up your own PBIS Store.

This also has the added benefit of allowing parents to actively monitor students' behavior so they can reinforce at home and celebrate with their children as they earn rewards through your system!

If you're working on a tight budget you should check out our list of free rewards for students. Want to improve the rewards experience for your younger students? Check out our rewards menu for elementary students. Need more help constructing your incentive program? It can be a bit overwhelming, so we created a complete guide to rewarding students so everything you need is in one convenient place.

No items found.

Subscribe via Email

Receive the best school culture resources monthly to inspire your planning.
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.

About the Presenter

Jordan resides in Lexington, Kentucky. He has experience in Public Education as an Administrator, Science Teacher, and as a Coach. He has extensive experience with School Discipline, PBIS, SEL, Restorative Practices, MTSS, and Trauma-Informed Care.

About the Event

What's the secret to keeping students engaged and on task? How do you create an environment where your students are well-mannered and efficiently working on the task at hand? What can you do to help you turn around a culture of apathy? 

Student motivation is the missing ingredient, and this article is here to show you how a teacher can establish a rewards system for students that keeps them interested and engaged throughout their time in your classroom. 

What Are Classroom Rewards?

Classroom rewards can be very simple. You have behaviors, actions, and achievements you value in your classroom. 

Your students should know what they are and how to meet them. They also know that when they do, they will receive a reward that can take many forms based on their grade level and classroom culture. It could be tangible or intangible. 

They may have a monetary value, they may not. The only thing that matters is that your students value the reward. Not necessarily that the reward has a value. 

You can do this with little to no budget if you're creative and do a great job selling your system to your students as something they need and want.

Why Have Classroom Rewards?

Most educators agree that a major factor in student achievement is morale and motivation. If the student isn’t motivated to participate, it is very unlikely they will be successful. 

Some of us are intrinsically motivated. No matter what the task, we will try to do our very best. Experienced educators know that the self-motivated do exist, but they are often the exception, not the rule. So how do we reach everyone else? Consistent use of small rewards can help with morale and motivation. 

Students like to see their accomplishments recognized. If they meet or exceed expectations, they want to be rewarded for it.

Adults aren’t all that different, a trait of a quality staff meeting normally has some highlights or recognition of your fellow teacher's hard work and accomplishments.  

Humans like to be recognized and rewarded, and when you do so, they are more likely to do so again. We all like to know that our effort is appreciated. Keep reading for some ideas on how to reward students in your class.

15 Classroom Reward Ideas

Reward Idea: Take a homework pass.

Grade Level: All

Description: Allow the student to earn a ticket that can be used to opt-out of a homework assignment

Reward Idea: Receive a positive phone call home.

Grade Level: All

Description: When earned, call home to a parent and let them know about their child’s accomplishments

Reward Idea: Take a treat from the snack drawer.

Grade Level: All

Description: Keep a drawer of snacks that can be used as incentives during class

Reward Idea: Take an item from the class treasure box.

Grade Level: Elementary

Description: Fill a basket with small treats and virtual prizes. These can be donated by parents or staff. When a student has accomplished a task, let them choose something from the “treasure box”

Reward Idea: Serve as the line leader.

Grade Level: Elementary

Description: Elect a line leader based on behavior goals

Reward Idea: Choose any class job for the week.

Grade Level: Elementary

Description: Keep a set list of jobs that students complete each week. Allow those who meet expectations to pick the jobs they want

Reward Idea: Lead a class game.

Grade Level: Middle

Description: During reward time, allow a student to pick, teach, and lead a game that you have previously approved appropriate. This is also great during review games.

Reward Idea: Assist the custodian.

Grade Level: Middle

Description: Allow a student to earn some out of class time making rounds with the school custodian

Reward Idea: Make a bulletin board.

Grade Level: Middle

Description: Allow multiple students to design and create your class bulletin board

Reward Idea: Choose the music.

Grade Level: Middle-High

Description: I always liked playing music during individual work periods in class, if a student has met expectations allow them to choose the genre or playlist.

Reward Idea: Be a comedian.

Grade Level: Middle-High

Description: Allow student some floor time to tell a joke

Reward Idea: Serve as a peer tutor.

Grade Level: Middle-High

Description: Tutor younger students

Reward Idea: Operate equipment.

Grade Level: High

Description: If a lesson requires a camera or some special lab supplies, allow students to earn the right to operate the device

Reward Idea: Teach the class.

Grade Level: High

Description: Allocate a short period of time for students to teach their peers about a topic of their choice.

Reward Idea: Have preferential seating.

Grade Level: High

Description: Allow them to earn a ticket that when used will allow them to sit anywhere in the room, regardless of seating assignments

How to Run a Classroom Reward System

Step 1: Set the Goal. 

Is this a group goal or an individual goal? Why is this important? Communicate the why. Sell it to your students. 

Put on your marketer hat here. This is something that should be communicated to parents as well. 

Step 2: Set the time frame. 

How long are we monitoring this behavior? When does it start? When does it end? Does your reward have a date? Is it a one-time thing, or recurring? 

Your goal is for students to have an attainable goal that isn’t too far out. In a classroom setting, it is best to have long and short-term goals. Things that can be accomplished and redeemed every day or once a week as well as larger monthly or semester goals. 

For example, you may have a new line leader every day, everyone gets a chance at the treasure box on Friday and you're working towards a pizza party at the end of the month.

Step 3: Monitor.

What is necessary to keep track of this information? Use the tools your school already has to monitor behavior and attendance. 

I would suggest checking out Live School for some very helpful tools to accomplish this task. This works well as a tool to monitor as well for students and parents to see progress in behavioral goals.

Step 4: Reward your students! 

Carry out the reward as you promised. Be very intentional to only reward those who have earned the reward. 

This may require some logistics to achieve but the efficacy of the reward is important to your future efforts. 

By using long and short-term goals you should have a system set up where every student always feels like they have a reward to be gained by meeting your classroom expectations. This is the end goal for all of us: reach all students!

Step 5: Write an after-action report. 

Did your reward system achieve the desired results? Was the reward meaningful towards student behavior? Did your monitoring system work as intended? Did the logistics of the school event or system enhance or limit your success? 

Take time to think about your process and use that information to improve future efforts.

Classroom Rewards in a Token Economy

Lastly, I would like to suggest considering using a token economy in your classroom. This is a system where students can earn “credits” to be used to “buy” things in your room. This could be tangible things like snacks, supplies, or small toys. 

Think about the game room at your favorite pizza place growing up, where the better you played the games, the more tickets you could spend at the counter later. But in this case, the games are school, and you score more by meeting classroom expectations! 

This is fun for students and can be accomplished without sacrificing precious instructional time. In fact, you should be gaining time as you won’t be addressing disruptive behavior at the rate you were before. 

Token economies can use a physical ticket system using carnival-style tickets, or you can do this electronically through a program like LiveSchool. With LiveSchool’s points tracking system you can customize your class points system with a rubric that matches your school-wide behavior expectations. Using a program like this allows us to follow PBIS best practices by adding, subtracting, and managing behavior data instantly from anywhere in the building. You can even set up your own PBIS Store.

This also has the added benefit of allowing parents to actively monitor students' behavior so they can reinforce at home and celebrate with their children as they earn rewards through your system!

If you're working on a tight budget you should check out our list of free rewards for students. Want to improve the rewards experience for your younger students? Check out our rewards menu for elementary students. Need more help constructing your incentive program? It can be a bit overwhelming, so we created a complete guide to rewarding students so everything you need is in one convenient place.

Register Now

About the Event

What's the secret to keeping students engaged and on task? How do you create an environment where your students are well-mannered and efficiently working on the task at hand? What can you do to help you turn around a culture of apathy? 

Student motivation is the missing ingredient, and this article is here to show you how a teacher can establish a rewards system for students that keeps them interested and engaged throughout their time in your classroom. 

What Are Classroom Rewards?

Classroom rewards can be very simple. You have behaviors, actions, and achievements you value in your classroom. 

Your students should know what they are and how to meet them. They also know that when they do, they will receive a reward that can take many forms based on their grade level and classroom culture. It could be tangible or intangible. 

They may have a monetary value, they may not. The only thing that matters is that your students value the reward. Not necessarily that the reward has a value. 

You can do this with little to no budget if you're creative and do a great job selling your system to your students as something they need and want.

Why Have Classroom Rewards?

Most educators agree that a major factor in student achievement is morale and motivation. If the student isn’t motivated to participate, it is very unlikely they will be successful. 

Some of us are intrinsically motivated. No matter what the task, we will try to do our very best. Experienced educators know that the self-motivated do exist, but they are often the exception, not the rule. So how do we reach everyone else? Consistent use of small rewards can help with morale and motivation. 

Students like to see their accomplishments recognized. If they meet or exceed expectations, they want to be rewarded for it.

Adults aren’t all that different, a trait of a quality staff meeting normally has some highlights or recognition of your fellow teacher's hard work and accomplishments.  

Humans like to be recognized and rewarded, and when you do so, they are more likely to do so again. We all like to know that our effort is appreciated. Keep reading for some ideas on how to reward students in your class.

15 Classroom Reward Ideas

Reward Idea: Take a homework pass.

Grade Level: All

Description: Allow the student to earn a ticket that can be used to opt-out of a homework assignment

Reward Idea: Receive a positive phone call home.

Grade Level: All

Description: When earned, call home to a parent and let them know about their child’s accomplishments

Reward Idea: Take a treat from the snack drawer.

Grade Level: All

Description: Keep a drawer of snacks that can be used as incentives during class

Reward Idea: Take an item from the class treasure box.

Grade Level: Elementary

Description: Fill a basket with small treats and virtual prizes. These can be donated by parents or staff. When a student has accomplished a task, let them choose something from the “treasure box”

Reward Idea: Serve as the line leader.

Grade Level: Elementary

Description: Elect a line leader based on behavior goals

Reward Idea: Choose any class job for the week.

Grade Level: Elementary

Description: Keep a set list of jobs that students complete each week. Allow those who meet expectations to pick the jobs they want

Reward Idea: Lead a class game.

Grade Level: Middle

Description: During reward time, allow a student to pick, teach, and lead a game that you have previously approved appropriate. This is also great during review games.

Reward Idea: Assist the custodian.

Grade Level: Middle

Description: Allow a student to earn some out of class time making rounds with the school custodian

Reward Idea: Make a bulletin board.

Grade Level: Middle

Description: Allow multiple students to design and create your class bulletin board

Reward Idea: Choose the music.

Grade Level: Middle-High

Description: I always liked playing music during individual work periods in class, if a student has met expectations allow them to choose the genre or playlist.

Reward Idea: Be a comedian.

Grade Level: Middle-High

Description: Allow student some floor time to tell a joke

Reward Idea: Serve as a peer tutor.

Grade Level: Middle-High

Description: Tutor younger students

Reward Idea: Operate equipment.

Grade Level: High

Description: If a lesson requires a camera or some special lab supplies, allow students to earn the right to operate the device

Reward Idea: Teach the class.

Grade Level: High

Description: Allocate a short period of time for students to teach their peers about a topic of their choice.

Reward Idea: Have preferential seating.

Grade Level: High

Description: Allow them to earn a ticket that when used will allow them to sit anywhere in the room, regardless of seating assignments

How to Run a Classroom Reward System

Step 1: Set the Goal. 

Is this a group goal or an individual goal? Why is this important? Communicate the why. Sell it to your students. 

Put on your marketer hat here. This is something that should be communicated to parents as well. 

Step 2: Set the time frame. 

How long are we monitoring this behavior? When does it start? When does it end? Does your reward have a date? Is it a one-time thing, or recurring? 

Your goal is for students to have an attainable goal that isn’t too far out. In a classroom setting, it is best to have long and short-term goals. Things that can be accomplished and redeemed every day or once a week as well as larger monthly or semester goals. 

For example, you may have a new line leader every day, everyone gets a chance at the treasure box on Friday and you're working towards a pizza party at the end of the month.

Step 3: Monitor.

What is necessary to keep track of this information? Use the tools your school already has to monitor behavior and attendance. 

I would suggest checking out Live School for some very helpful tools to accomplish this task. This works well as a tool to monitor as well for students and parents to see progress in behavioral goals.

Step 4: Reward your students! 

Carry out the reward as you promised. Be very intentional to only reward those who have earned the reward. 

This may require some logistics to achieve but the efficacy of the reward is important to your future efforts. 

By using long and short-term goals you should have a system set up where every student always feels like they have a reward to be gained by meeting your classroom expectations. This is the end goal for all of us: reach all students!

Step 5: Write an after-action report. 

Did your reward system achieve the desired results? Was the reward meaningful towards student behavior? Did your monitoring system work as intended? Did the logistics of the school event or system enhance or limit your success? 

Take time to think about your process and use that information to improve future efforts.

Classroom Rewards in a Token Economy

Lastly, I would like to suggest considering using a token economy in your classroom. This is a system where students can earn “credits” to be used to “buy” things in your room. This could be tangible things like snacks, supplies, or small toys. 

Think about the game room at your favorite pizza place growing up, where the better you played the games, the more tickets you could spend at the counter later. But in this case, the games are school, and you score more by meeting classroom expectations! 

This is fun for students and can be accomplished without sacrificing precious instructional time. In fact, you should be gaining time as you won’t be addressing disruptive behavior at the rate you were before. 

Token economies can use a physical ticket system using carnival-style tickets, or you can do this electronically through a program like LiveSchool. With LiveSchool’s points tracking system you can customize your class points system with a rubric that matches your school-wide behavior expectations. Using a program like this allows us to follow PBIS best practices by adding, subtracting, and managing behavior data instantly from anywhere in the building. You can even set up your own PBIS Store.

This also has the added benefit of allowing parents to actively monitor students' behavior so they can reinforce at home and celebrate with their children as they earn rewards through your system!

If you're working on a tight budget you should check out our list of free rewards for students. Want to improve the rewards experience for your younger students? Check out our rewards menu for elementary students. Need more help constructing your incentive program? It can be a bit overwhelming, so we created a complete guide to rewarding students so everything you need is in one convenient place.

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.

We have all been there. The lesson is ready to go, but student morale is low. Apathy can derail even the best-laid plans in the classroom.

What's the secret to keeping students engaged and on task? How do you create an environment where your students are well-mannered and efficiently working on the task at hand? What can you do to help you turn around a culture of apathy? 

Student motivation is the missing ingredient, and this article is here to show you how a teacher can establish a rewards system for students that keeps them interested and engaged throughout their time in your classroom. 

What Are Classroom Rewards?

Classroom rewards can be very simple. You have behaviors, actions, and achievements you value in your classroom. 

Your students should know what they are and how to meet them. They also know that when they do, they will receive a reward that can take many forms based on their grade level and classroom culture. It could be tangible or intangible. 

They may have a monetary value, they may not. The only thing that matters is that your students value the reward. Not necessarily that the reward has a value. 

You can do this with little to no budget if you're creative and do a great job selling your system to your students as something they need and want.

Why Have Classroom Rewards?

Most educators agree that a major factor in student achievement is morale and motivation. If the student isn’t motivated to participate, it is very unlikely they will be successful. 

Some of us are intrinsically motivated. No matter what the task, we will try to do our very best. Experienced educators know that the self-motivated do exist, but they are often the exception, not the rule. So how do we reach everyone else? Consistent use of small rewards can help with morale and motivation. 

Students like to see their accomplishments recognized. If they meet or exceed expectations, they want to be rewarded for it.

Adults aren’t all that different, a trait of a quality staff meeting normally has some highlights or recognition of your fellow teacher's hard work and accomplishments.  

Humans like to be recognized and rewarded, and when you do so, they are more likely to do so again. We all like to know that our effort is appreciated. Keep reading for some ideas on how to reward students in your class.

15 Classroom Reward Ideas

Reward Idea: Take a homework pass.

Grade Level: All

Description: Allow the student to earn a ticket that can be used to opt-out of a homework assignment

Reward Idea: Receive a positive phone call home.

Grade Level: All

Description: When earned, call home to a parent and let them know about their child’s accomplishments

Reward Idea: Take a treat from the snack drawer.

Grade Level: All

Description: Keep a drawer of snacks that can be used as incentives during class

Reward Idea: Take an item from the class treasure box.

Grade Level: Elementary

Description: Fill a basket with small treats and virtual prizes. These can be donated by parents or staff. When a student has accomplished a task, let them choose something from the “treasure box”

Reward Idea: Serve as the line leader.

Grade Level: Elementary

Description: Elect a line leader based on behavior goals

Reward Idea: Choose any class job for the week.

Grade Level: Elementary

Description: Keep a set list of jobs that students complete each week. Allow those who meet expectations to pick the jobs they want

Reward Idea: Lead a class game.

Grade Level: Middle

Description: During reward time, allow a student to pick, teach, and lead a game that you have previously approved appropriate. This is also great during review games.

Reward Idea: Assist the custodian.

Grade Level: Middle

Description: Allow a student to earn some out of class time making rounds with the school custodian

Reward Idea: Make a bulletin board.

Grade Level: Middle

Description: Allow multiple students to design and create your class bulletin board

Reward Idea: Choose the music.

Grade Level: Middle-High

Description: I always liked playing music during individual work periods in class, if a student has met expectations allow them to choose the genre or playlist.

Reward Idea: Be a comedian.

Grade Level: Middle-High

Description: Allow student some floor time to tell a joke

Reward Idea: Serve as a peer tutor.

Grade Level: Middle-High

Description: Tutor younger students

Reward Idea: Operate equipment.

Grade Level: High

Description: If a lesson requires a camera or some special lab supplies, allow students to earn the right to operate the device

Reward Idea: Teach the class.

Grade Level: High

Description: Allocate a short period of time for students to teach their peers about a topic of their choice.

Reward Idea: Have preferential seating.

Grade Level: High

Description: Allow them to earn a ticket that when used will allow them to sit anywhere in the room, regardless of seating assignments

How to Run a Classroom Reward System

Step 1: Set the Goal. 

Is this a group goal or an individual goal? Why is this important? Communicate the why. Sell it to your students. 

Put on your marketer hat here. This is something that should be communicated to parents as well. 

Step 2: Set the time frame. 

How long are we monitoring this behavior? When does it start? When does it end? Does your reward have a date? Is it a one-time thing, or recurring? 

Your goal is for students to have an attainable goal that isn’t too far out. In a classroom setting, it is best to have long and short-term goals. Things that can be accomplished and redeemed every day or once a week as well as larger monthly or semester goals. 

For example, you may have a new line leader every day, everyone gets a chance at the treasure box on Friday and you're working towards a pizza party at the end of the month.

Step 3: Monitor.

What is necessary to keep track of this information? Use the tools your school already has to monitor behavior and attendance. 

I would suggest checking out Live School for some very helpful tools to accomplish this task. This works well as a tool to monitor as well for students and parents to see progress in behavioral goals.

Step 4: Reward your students! 

Carry out the reward as you promised. Be very intentional to only reward those who have earned the reward. 

This may require some logistics to achieve but the efficacy of the reward is important to your future efforts. 

By using long and short-term goals you should have a system set up where every student always feels like they have a reward to be gained by meeting your classroom expectations. This is the end goal for all of us: reach all students!

Step 5: Write an after-action report. 

Did your reward system achieve the desired results? Was the reward meaningful towards student behavior? Did your monitoring system work as intended? Did the logistics of the school event or system enhance or limit your success? 

Take time to think about your process and use that information to improve future efforts.

Classroom Rewards in a Token Economy

Lastly, I would like to suggest considering using a token economy in your classroom. This is a system where students can earn “credits” to be used to “buy” things in your room. This could be tangible things like snacks, supplies, or small toys. 

Think about the game room at your favorite pizza place growing up, where the better you played the games, the more tickets you could spend at the counter later. But in this case, the games are school, and you score more by meeting classroom expectations! 

This is fun for students and can be accomplished without sacrificing precious instructional time. In fact, you should be gaining time as you won’t be addressing disruptive behavior at the rate you were before. 

Token economies can use a physical ticket system using carnival-style tickets, or you can do this electronically through a program like LiveSchool. With LiveSchool’s points tracking system you can customize your class points system with a rubric that matches your school-wide behavior expectations. Using a program like this allows us to follow PBIS best practices by adding, subtracting, and managing behavior data instantly from anywhere in the building. You can even set up your own PBIS Store.

This also has the added benefit of allowing parents to actively monitor students' behavior so they can reinforce at home and celebrate with their children as they earn rewards through your system!

If you're working on a tight budget you should check out our list of free rewards for students. Want to improve the rewards experience for your younger students? Check out our rewards menu for elementary students. Need more help constructing your incentive program? It can be a bit overwhelming, so we created a complete guide to rewarding students so everything you need is in one convenient place.

All Reward Ideas for Students

🎉
👑
🎁
Lunch with an Admin
Grades K-8
Student
Privilege
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Fake The Funk
Grades 9-12
School
Event
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Snack Pack
Grades K-12
Student
Tangible
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Blood Drive
Grades 9-12
School
Event
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Silly Science Experiments
Grades K-5
Class/House
Privilege
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Extra Computer Games
Grades 3-12
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Morning Meeting Leader
Grades 3-8
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Follow a Friend
Grades 6-8
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Emcee the Announcements
Grades 6-12
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Brain Break
Grades K-12
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Trip to the Treasure Box
Grades K-5
Student
Privilege
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Ice Cream Sundae Party
Grades K-12
Class/House
Event
Deluxe
🎉
👑
🎁
Food-Themed Party
Grades 6-12
Class/House
Event
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
School Spirit Day
Grades K-12
School
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Hallway High-Five
Grades K-12
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Be a Comedian.
Grades 6-12
Student
Privilege
Free

All Reward Ideas for Elementary School Students

🎉
👑
🎁
School Spirit Day
Grades K-12
School
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Game of Thrones
Grades K-5
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Podcast
Grades 3-12
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Movie Posters
Grades 3-12
Student
Tangible
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Snack Pack
Grades K-12
Student
Tangible
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Class Jobs
Grades 3-8
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Seat Swap
Grades 3-5
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Passing Period Music
Grades 3-12
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
STEM Field Day
Grades K-8
School
Event
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Donate $1
Grades 3-12
Student
Privilege
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Line Leader
Grades K-5
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Family Feast
Grades K-8
Class/House
Event
Deluxe
🎉
👑
🎁
Class Pet
Grades K-12
Student
Privilege
Deluxe
🎉
👑
🎁
Firebird of the Month
Grades K-12
Student
Event
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Silly Science Experiments
Grades K-5
Class/House
Privilege
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Snacks
Grades K-12
Student
Tangible
Low Cost/DIY

All Event Ideas for Schools

💰
🎨
Karaoke Night
💰
🎨
Music Fest
💰
🎨
Glow Party
💰
🎨
Trunk or Treat
💰
🎨
Meme Party
💰
🎨
Game Week
💰
🎨
The Love Soiree
💰
🎨
Final Fridays
💰
🎨
Dance Party
💰
🎨
Family Feast

All Free Reward Ideas for Schools

🎉
👑
🎁
Lunch Concert
🎉
👑
🎁
Homework Pass
🎉
👑
🎁
Meet the Teacher
🎉
👑
🎁
Follow a Friend
🎉
👑
🎁
Operate Equipment.
🎉
👑
🎁
Partner Work
🎉
👑
🎁
Teacher Serenade
🎉
👑
🎁
School Assembly
🎉
👑
🎁
Drop Lowest Quiz
🎉
👑
🎁
Vote
🎉
👑
🎁
Lunch Fast Pass
🎉
👑
🎁
Extra Reading Time

All Reward Ideas for High School Students

🎉
👑
🎁
Class Pet
Grades K-12
Student
Privilege
Deluxe
🎉
👑
🎁
Operate Equipment.
Grades 9-12
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
The A-List
Grades 6-12
School
Event
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Design the Bulletin Board
Grades K-12
Class/House
Privilege
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
School Supplies & Merch
Grades K-12
Student
Tangible
Deluxe
🎉
👑
🎁
House Induction
Grades 6-12
Class/House
Event
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
TikTok with the Teacher
Grades 6-12
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Passing Period Music
Grades 3-12
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Host a Virtual Party. 🎶
Grades 6-12
Class/House
Event
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Blood Drive
Grades 9-12
School
Event
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Holiday Classroom Carousel
Grades 9-12
School
Event
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Holiday Delivery
Grades K-12
Student
Tangible
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Podcast
Grades 3-12
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
School Assembly
Grades K-12
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Technology
Grades 6-12
Student
Tangible
Deluxe
🎉
👑
🎁
Art Contest
Grades 3-12
Class/House
Event
Free

All Reward Ideas for Middle School Students

🎉
👑
🎁
STEM Field Day
Grades K-8
School
Event
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Snacks
Grades K-12
Student
Tangible
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Morning Meeting Leader
Grades 3-8
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Backpack
Grades K-12
Student
Tangible
Deluxe
🎉
👑
🎁
Uber by a Principal
Grades 6-12
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Create the Seating Chart
Grades 6-12
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Glow Party
Grades 6-12
School
Event
Deluxe
🎉
👑
🎁
Host a Virtual Party. 🎶
Grades 6-12
Class/House
Event
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
House Induction
Grades 6-12
Class/House
Event
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Free Dress
Grades K-12
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Certificate of Achievement
Grades K-12
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Art Contest
Grades 3-12
Class/House
Event
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Graduation Celebration
Grades 6-12
School
Event
Deluxe
🎉
👑
🎁
Follow a Friend
Grades 6-8
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Virtual Field Trip
Grades K-12
Class/House
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Drop Lowest Quiz
Grades 3-12
Student
Privilege
Free

All Student Reward & Incentive Ideas

💰
🎨
Teacher Q&A
Grades K-12
Class/House
Privilege
Free
💰
🎨
Water Bottle Stickers
Grades 6-12
Student
Tangible
Low Cost/DIY
💰
🎨
School Supplies & Merch
Grades K-12
Student
Tangible
Deluxe
💰
🎨
Pie a Teacher
Grades K-12
Student
Privilege
Low Cost/DIY
💰
🎨
Lunch Concert
Grades 6-8
Class/House
Privilege
Free
💰
🎨
Picnic Lunch
Grades K-12
Class/House
Privilege
Low Cost/DIY
💰
🎨
Hallway High-Five
Grades K-12
Student
Privilege
Free
💰
🎨
Dress Up or Down Day
Grades 3-12
Student
Privilege
Free
💰
🎨
Social Media Reporter
Grades 3-12
Student
Privilege
Free
💰
🎨
Teacher v Student Competition
Grades 6-12
School
Privilege
Free
💰
🎨
Teacher Serenade
Grades K-12
Student
Privilege
Free
💰
🎨
Tech Time
Grades 3-12
Student
Privilege
Free
💰
🎨
Lunch with an Admin
Grades K-8
Student
Privilege
Low Cost/DIY
💰
🎨
Homework Pass
Grades 6-12
Student
Privilege
Free
💰
🎨
Talk Time
Grades 6-8
Student
Privilege
Free
💰
🎨
Trip to the Treasure Box
Grades K-5
Student
Privilege
Low Cost/DIY

All Virtual Reward Ideas for Schools

🎉
👑
🎁
Show & Tell
Grades K-8
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Classroom DJ
Grades K-12
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Virtual Field Trip
Grades K-12
Class/House
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Teacher Q&A
Grades K-12
Class/House
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Morning Meeting Leader
Grades 3-8
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Host a Virtual Party. 🎶
Grades 6-12
Class/House
Event
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Podcast
Grades 3-12
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Student Spotlight Board
Grades K-5
Student
Privilege
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Virtual Talent Show. 🎤
Grades 3-12
Class/House
Event
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Digital Escape Rooms
Grades 6-12
Class/House
Privilege
Deluxe
🎉
👑
🎁
Social Media Reporter
Grades 3-12
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Donate $1
Grades 3-12
Student
Privilege
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Positive Note or Call Home
Grades K-12
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Extra Computer Games
Grades 3-12
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Certificate of Achievement
Grades K-12
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Brain Break
Grades K-12
Student
Privilege
Free
See all Rewards

Want more ideas?

Rewards that Rock 🎸 has 100+ rewards, incentives, and event ideas to build your school culture.
Find Rewards
Learn more about the author, 
Jordan Pruitt
 
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.

We have all been there. The lesson is ready to go, but student morale is low. Apathy can derail even the best-laid plans in the classroom.

What's the secret to keeping students engaged and on task? How do you create an environment where your students are well-mannered and efficiently working on the task at hand? What can you do to help you turn around a culture of apathy? 

Student motivation is the missing ingredient, and this article is here to show you how a teacher can establish a rewards system for students that keeps them interested and engaged throughout their time in your classroom. 

What Are Classroom Rewards?

Classroom rewards can be very simple. You have behaviors, actions, and achievements you value in your classroom. 

Your students should know what they are and how to meet them. They also know that when they do, they will receive a reward that can take many forms based on their grade level and classroom culture. It could be tangible or intangible. 

They may have a monetary value, they may not. The only thing that matters is that your students value the reward. Not necessarily that the reward has a value. 

You can do this with little to no budget if you're creative and do a great job selling your system to your students as something they need and want.

Why Have Classroom Rewards?

Most educators agree that a major factor in student achievement is morale and motivation. If the student isn’t motivated to participate, it is very unlikely they will be successful. 

Some of us are intrinsically motivated. No matter what the task, we will try to do our very best. Experienced educators know that the self-motivated do exist, but they are often the exception, not the rule. So how do we reach everyone else? Consistent use of small rewards can help with morale and motivation. 

Students like to see their accomplishments recognized. If they meet or exceed expectations, they want to be rewarded for it.

Adults aren’t all that different, a trait of a quality staff meeting normally has some highlights or recognition of your fellow teacher's hard work and accomplishments.  

Humans like to be recognized and rewarded, and when you do so, they are more likely to do so again. We all like to know that our effort is appreciated. Keep reading for some ideas on how to reward students in your class.

15 Classroom Reward Ideas

Reward Idea: Take a homework pass.

Grade Level: All

Description: Allow the student to earn a ticket that can be used to opt-out of a homework assignment

Reward Idea: Receive a positive phone call home.

Grade Level: All

Description: When earned, call home to a parent and let them know about their child’s accomplishments

Reward Idea: Take a treat from the snack drawer.

Grade Level: All

Description: Keep a drawer of snacks that can be used as incentives during class

Reward Idea: Take an item from the class treasure box.

Grade Level: Elementary

Description: Fill a basket with small treats and virtual prizes. These can be donated by parents or staff. When a student has accomplished a task, let them choose something from the “treasure box”

Reward Idea: Serve as the line leader.

Grade Level: Elementary

Description: Elect a line leader based on behavior goals

Reward Idea: Choose any class job for the week.

Grade Level: Elementary

Description: Keep a set list of jobs that students complete each week. Allow those who meet expectations to pick the jobs they want

Reward Idea: Lead a class game.

Grade Level: Middle

Description: During reward time, allow a student to pick, teach, and lead a game that you have previously approved appropriate. This is also great during review games.

Reward Idea: Assist the custodian.

Grade Level: Middle

Description: Allow a student to earn some out of class time making rounds with the school custodian

Reward Idea: Make a bulletin board.

Grade Level: Middle

Description: Allow multiple students to design and create your class bulletin board

Reward Idea: Choose the music.

Grade Level: Middle-High

Description: I always liked playing music during individual work periods in class, if a student has met expectations allow them to choose the genre or playlist.

Reward Idea: Be a comedian.

Grade Level: Middle-High

Description: Allow student some floor time to tell a joke

Reward Idea: Serve as a peer tutor.

Grade Level: Middle-High

Description: Tutor younger students

Reward Idea: Operate equipment.

Grade Level: High

Description: If a lesson requires a camera or some special lab supplies, allow students to earn the right to operate the device

Reward Idea: Teach the class.

Grade Level: High

Description: Allocate a short period of time for students to teach their peers about a topic of their choice.

Reward Idea: Have preferential seating.

Grade Level: High

Description: Allow them to earn a ticket that when used will allow them to sit anywhere in the room, regardless of seating assignments

How to Run a Classroom Reward System

Step 1: Set the Goal. 

Is this a group goal or an individual goal? Why is this important? Communicate the why. Sell it to your students. 

Put on your marketer hat here. This is something that should be communicated to parents as well. 

Step 2: Set the time frame. 

How long are we monitoring this behavior? When does it start? When does it end? Does your reward have a date? Is it a one-time thing, or recurring? 

Your goal is for students to have an attainable goal that isn’t too far out. In a classroom setting, it is best to have long and short-term goals. Things that can be accomplished and redeemed every day or once a week as well as larger monthly or semester goals. 

For example, you may have a new line leader every day, everyone gets a chance at the treasure box on Friday and you're working towards a pizza party at the end of the month.

Step 3: Monitor.

What is necessary to keep track of this information? Use the tools your school already has to monitor behavior and attendance. 

I would suggest checking out Live School for some very helpful tools to accomplish this task. This works well as a tool to monitor as well for students and parents to see progress in behavioral goals.

Step 4: Reward your students! 

Carry out the reward as you promised. Be very intentional to only reward those who have earned the reward. 

This may require some logistics to achieve but the efficacy of the reward is important to your future efforts. 

By using long and short-term goals you should have a system set up where every student always feels like they have a reward to be gained by meeting your classroom expectations. This is the end goal for all of us: reach all students!

Step 5: Write an after-action report. 

Did your reward system achieve the desired results? Was the reward meaningful towards student behavior? Did your monitoring system work as intended? Did the logistics of the school event or system enhance or limit your success? 

Take time to think about your process and use that information to improve future efforts.

Classroom Rewards in a Token Economy

Lastly, I would like to suggest considering using a token economy in your classroom. This is a system where students can earn “credits” to be used to “buy” things in your room. This could be tangible things like snacks, supplies, or small toys. 

Think about the game room at your favorite pizza place growing up, where the better you played the games, the more tickets you could spend at the counter later. But in this case, the games are school, and you score more by meeting classroom expectations! 

This is fun for students and can be accomplished without sacrificing precious instructional time. In fact, you should be gaining time as you won’t be addressing disruptive behavior at the rate you were before. 

Token economies can use a physical ticket system using carnival-style tickets, or you can do this electronically through a program like LiveSchool. With LiveSchool’s points tracking system you can customize your class points system with a rubric that matches your school-wide behavior expectations. Using a program like this allows us to follow PBIS best practices by adding, subtracting, and managing behavior data instantly from anywhere in the building. You can even set up your own PBIS Store.

This also has the added benefit of allowing parents to actively monitor students' behavior so they can reinforce at home and celebrate with their children as they earn rewards through your system!

If you're working on a tight budget you should check out our list of free rewards for students. Want to improve the rewards experience for your younger students? Check out our rewards menu for elementary students. Need more help constructing your incentive program? It can be a bit overwhelming, so we created a complete guide to rewarding students so everything you need is in one convenient place.

All Reward Ideas for Students

🎉
👑
🎁
Operate Equipment.
Grades 9-12
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Water Bottle Stickers
Grades 6-12
Student
Tangible
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Color a Teacher’s Hair
Grades 9-12
Student
Privilege
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Dance Party
Grades K-12
Student
Event
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Fake The Funk
Grades 9-12
School
Event
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Gift Cards
Grades 6-12
Student
Privilege
Deluxe
🎉
👑
🎁
Career Day
Grades 3-12
School
Event
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Partner Work
Grades 3-12
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Snack Party
Grades 3-12
Class/House
Privilege
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Silly Science Experiments
Grades K-5
Class/House
Privilege
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Sweatshirt
Grades K-12
Student
Tangible
Deluxe
🎉
👑
🎁
Certificate of Achievement
Grades K-12
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Karaoke Night
Grades 9-12
Class/House
Event
Deluxe
🎉
👑
🎁
STEM Field Day
Grades K-8
School
Event
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Special Screening
Grades K-12
School
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Blood Drive
Grades 9-12
School
Event
Free

All Reward Ideas for Elementary School Students

🎉
👑
🎁
Picnic Lunch
Grades K-12
Class/House
Privilege
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Morning Meeting Leader
Grades 3-8
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Video Game Rewards
Grades 3-12
Student
Privilege
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Line Leader
Grades K-5
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Sports Tickets
Grades 3-12
Student
Tangible
Deluxe
🎉
👑
🎁
Principal for a Day
Grades K-8
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Career Day
Grades 3-12
School
Event
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Snack Party
Grades 3-12
Class/House
Privilege
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Toys
Grades K-8
Student
Tangible
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Lunch Reservations
Grades K-12
Student
Privilege
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Camp Read Away
Grades K-8
Class/House
Event
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Donate $1
Grades 3-12
Student
Privilege
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Teacher Q&A
Grades K-12
Class/House
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Brain Break
Grades K-12
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Game of Thrones
Grades K-5
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Attendance Popcorn Party
Grades K-12
Student
Event
Low Cost/DIY

All Event Ideas for Schools

💰
🎨
Amazing Race
💰
🎨
Meet the Teacher
💰
🎨
Decades Party
💰
🎨
Bonfire
💰
🎨
Final Fridays
💰
🎨
Silent Disco
💰
🎨
Meme Party
💰
🎨
Art Contest
💰
🎨
Blood Drive
💰
🎨
Game Week

All Free Reward Ideas for Schools

🎉
👑
🎁
Brain Break
🎉
👑
🎁
Meme Party
🎉
👑
🎁
Hat Pass
🎉
👑
🎁
Lunch Concert
🎉
👑
🎁
School Spirit Day
🎉
👑
🎁
Locker Choice
🎉
👑
🎁
Class Book
🎉
👑
🎁
Hallway High-Five
🎉
👑
🎁
Homework Pass

All Reward Ideas for High School Students

🎉
👑
🎁
Parking Spots
Grades 9-12
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Brain Break
Grades K-12
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Extra Computer Games
Grades 3-12
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Teacher Q&A
Grades K-12
Class/House
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Pie a Teacher
Grades K-12
Student
Privilege
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Design the Bulletin Board
Grades K-12
Class/House
Privilege
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Dance Party
Grades K-12
Student
Event
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Classroom DJ
Grades K-12
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Lunch Reservations
Grades K-12
Student
Privilege
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Emcee the Announcements
Grades 6-12
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Lost & Found Fashion Show
Grades 9-12
School
Event
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
School Dance
Grades 9-12
School
Event
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Backpack
Grades K-12
Student
Tangible
Deluxe
🎉
👑
🎁
Game-Based Simulation Learning
Grades 9-12
Class/House
Event
Deluxe
🎉
👑
🎁
Be a Comedian.
Grades 6-12
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Special Screening
Grades K-12
School
Privilege
Free

All Reward Ideas for Middle School Students

🎉
👑
🎁
Class Jobs
Grades 3-8
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Lunch Fast Pass
Grades 3-8
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
STEM Field Day
Grades K-8
School
Event
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Snack Pack
Grades K-12
Student
Tangible
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
TikTok with the Teacher
Grades 6-12
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Partner Work
Grades 3-12
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
School Assembly
Grades K-12
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Theme Party
Grades K-8
Class/House
Event
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Movie Posters
Grades 3-12
Student
Tangible
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Assist the Custodian.
Grades 6-8
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Social Media Reporter
Grades 3-12
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Art Contest
Grades 3-12
Class/House
Event
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
House Induction
Grades 6-12
Class/House
Event
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Holiday Delivery
Grades K-12
Student
Tangible
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Snack Party
Grades 3-12
Class/House
Privilege
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Backpack
Grades K-12
Student
Tangible
Deluxe

All Student Reward & Incentive Ideas

💰
🎨
Backpack
Grades K-12
Student
Tangible
Deluxe
💰
🎨
Special Pen
Grades K-5
Student
Privilege
Low Cost/DIY
💰
🎨
Passing Period Music
Grades 3-12
Student
Privilege
Free
💰
🎨
Digital Escape Rooms
Grades 6-12
Class/House
Privilege
Deluxe
💰
🎨
Uber by a Principal
Grades 6-12
Student
Privilege
Free
💰
🎨
Classroom DJ
Grades K-12
Student
Privilege
Free
💰
🎨
Emcee the Announcements
Grades 6-12
Student
Privilege
Free
💰
🎨
Loudspeaker Shoutout
Grades K-12
Student
Privilege
Free
💰
🎨
Movie Posters
Grades 3-12
Student
Tangible
Low Cost/DIY
💰
🎨
Pie a Teacher
Grades K-12
Student
Privilege
Low Cost/DIY
💰
🎨
Rolling Chair Rental
Grades 6-12
Student
Privilege
Low Cost/DIY
💰
🎨
Sweatshirt
Grades K-12
Student
Tangible
Deluxe
💰
🎨
Dress Up or Down Day
Grades 3-12
Student
Privilege
Free
💰
🎨
Teacher Q&A
Grades K-12
Class/House
Privilege
Free
💰
🎨
Books
Grades K-12
Student
Tangible
Low Cost/DIY
💰
🎨
Be a Comedian.
Grades 6-12
Student
Privilege
Free

All Virtual Reward Ideas for Schools

🎉
👑
🎁
Show & Tell
Grades K-8
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Social Media Reporter
Grades 3-12
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Student Spotlight Board
Grades K-5
Student
Privilege
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Classroom DJ
Grades K-12
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Brain Break
Grades K-12
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Morning Meeting Leader
Grades 3-8
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Host a Virtual Party. 🎶
Grades 6-12
Class/House
Event
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Certificate of Achievement
Grades K-12
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Digital Escape Rooms
Grades 6-12
Class/House
Privilege
Deluxe
🎉
👑
🎁
Stickers
Grades K-5
Student
Tangible
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Virtual Field Trip
Grades K-12
Class/House
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Extra Computer Games
Grades 3-12
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Virtual Talent Show. 🎤
Grades 3-12
Class/House
Event
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Donate $1
Grades 3-12
Student
Privilege
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Teacher Q&A
Grades K-12
Class/House
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Podcast
Grades 3-12
Student
Privilege
Free
See all Rewards

Want more ideas?

Rewards that Rock 🎸 has 100+ rewards, incentives, and event ideas to build your school culture.
Find Rewards
Learn more about the author, 
Jordan Pruitt
 

Bring a positive culture to life with school-wide points

Schedule a Demo