What You Need to Start a Token Economy in Your School

Disruptive behavior, low engagement, and no motivation. Sound familiar? We're here to help!
By 
Justin McElwee
 | 
April 13, 2022

It’s not a selfish thing to admit. Heck, while I love doing my job, the paycheck is definitely an incentive to keep me going. 

Our students are no different in this regard. If anything, it is even more apparent that they require an incentive to do their work. Students at a younger age may not have that intrinsic value that adults take for granted when they are successful. This is what makes a concept like creating a token economy in the classroom so vitally important! 

What is a Token Economy?

Alright, picture this! Imagine you’re a teacher. The year has been going fairly well, however, you’ve noticed after a few months that the buy-in from your students is starting to become subpar. 

Are your lessons not engaging? 

Are you giving too much homework? 

Is the material not exciting? 

These are all questions teachers and educators have had to wrangle with since the beginning of time. If you’re feeling this way, do not stress out! It happens. All teachers have been there. 

However, the key aspect is being able to pick yourself up and implement a technique that will reinvigorate students into wanting to be successful.

This can be done by implementing a token economy in your classroom. 

However, before we get into the specifics of implementing it, we need to understand just what it is by having a definition. It’s actually quite simple, and by the time you're done reading this article, you’ll have the information to hit the ground running on improving your classroom. 

Token Economy Definition

A Token Economy is an economic system put in place where students can earn some sort of “token” for a behavior you want to improve upon. Those tokens can then be redeemed for virtual prizes in a class store that you may set up. 

Just like an adult may “redeem” their paycheck for a new television, groceries, or paying bills, this token economy allows students to redeem their tokens for a prize or rewards that will be available to them in the classroom. 

Token Economy & Behavior

In order for this system to be successful, you have to figure out what behaviors you are trying to increase or improve. It’s important to start out small in this regard. 

Target three to four behaviors you'd like to see be more prevalent in your classroom. Your targets can be a combination of the three listed below: 

  1. Academic
  2. Social-Emotional (SEL) 
  3. Behavior-Focused

Academic Behaviors

For example, your students may be having an issue turning in work on time or completing it to the best of their ability.

With the incentive of a token economy at work, a teacher can suggest that once a student has turned in work successfully a few times during the week they earn a token. 

Social-Emotional Behaviors

If we’re going the SEL route, an educator can request that anytime a student sees another student showing kindness to others, they can be nominated to earn a token. 

This is a great suggestion because not only does it get students wanting to perform to a higher level, but it also has their classmates actively looking for these behaviors so they can recommend them for a token. 

General Behaviors

There’s always a chance that behaviors are an issue, as they are in just about any classroom. As a teacher, you can suggest one of two potential options. 

First, you can stipulate that if certain disruptive behavior is decreased (or replaced with positive behavior) a token can be earned. 

The other component could be that if a student is struggling with their behaviors, but is actively able to refrain from them or “come back from them” they can earn a token as well. 

Why Does a Token Economy System Work?

The key aspect that makes the Token Economy System work is the actual incentives themselves. 

As we discussed earlier, younger students do not have that same intrinsic motivation or value to succeed that adults may have when it comes to their work. It’s understandable! A token economy can nudge them in the right direction, especially when a reward or perk is on the line. 

This is why the Token Economy System is so powerful. It’s a versatile system that can be implemented quickly and with little effort because if there is buy-in from the students then they will help carry the system. 

Token Economy Ideas

You might be asking yourself, “what can a teacher offer as an incentive?” You’d be surprised just how much you have available at your disposal. Let’s look at two different approaches to classroom rewards and incentives.

  1. Physical/Tangible Rewards

Physical rewards are often immediate and satisfy students who want to work towards something they can see and hold. For example, maybe students can redeem their token for school supplies they need, fidgets, small toys, affordable gift cards, and anything else tangible

These particular rewards work because it is something students can point to and make the connection that their behavior is what allowed them to earn them. It’s a powerful concept that really shows just how valuable the token economy can be.

  1. Special Perks/Opportunities

The other aspect of rewards that you may choose to offer students in your classroom fall more into the “perks” or opportunities category. 

As a teacher, we see how often students aim to please and help their educators. This is where we can honor that mentality. 

Perks in the classroom can include five minutes of free time, teacher/student assistant (where they help classmates who are struggling), runner (where they can deliver messages to other staff when needed), and so on. 

The potential is really endless because these perks are really just basic small tasks or opportunities that a student may be excited to earn because it will set them apart from others.

A One-Stop-Shop for Better Behavior

A token economy is an invaluable behavior management tool to not only re-engage students who may be struggling but also incentivize both their learning and behaviors through PBIS best practices

One of the strongest aspects of this particular system is that it can be both implemented in all grade levels and tweaked to support a variety of needs and issues. 

Regardless if you’re having academic, behavioral, or social-emotional issues in the classroom, a token economy or a PBIS Store can act as a literal one-stop-shop to help improve those potential issues and make your classroom a more exciting place to be.

Why do you go to work? Think about that for a second. I’m sure there are a variety of reasons you may mention or list out. However, eventually we ALL will get to one in common: we’re paid for our services! 

It’s not a selfish thing to admit. Heck, while I love doing my job, the paycheck is definitely an incentive to keep me going. 

Our students are no different in this regard. If anything, it is even more apparent that they require an incentive to do their work. Students at a younger age may not have that intrinsic value that adults take for granted when they are successful. This is what makes a concept like creating a token economy in the classroom so vitally important! 

What is a Token Economy?

Alright, picture this! Imagine you’re a teacher. The year has been going fairly well, however, you’ve noticed after a few months that the buy-in from your students is starting to become subpar. 

Are your lessons not engaging? 

Are you giving too much homework? 

Is the material not exciting? 

These are all questions teachers and educators have had to wrangle with since the beginning of time. If you’re feeling this way, do not stress out! It happens. All teachers have been there. 

However, the key aspect is being able to pick yourself up and implement a technique that will reinvigorate students into wanting to be successful.

This can be done by implementing a token economy in your classroom. 

However, before we get into the specifics of implementing it, we need to understand just what it is by having a definition. It’s actually quite simple, and by the time you're done reading this article, you’ll have the information to hit the ground running on improving your classroom. 

Token Economy Definition

A Token Economy is an economic system put in place where students can earn some sort of “token” for a behavior you want to improve upon. Those tokens can then be redeemed for virtual prizes in a class store that you may set up. 

Just like an adult may “redeem” their paycheck for a new television, groceries, or paying bills, this token economy allows students to redeem their tokens for a prize or rewards that will be available to them in the classroom. 

Token Economy & Behavior

In order for this system to be successful, you have to figure out what behaviors you are trying to increase or improve. It’s important to start out small in this regard. 

Target three to four behaviors you'd like to see be more prevalent in your classroom. Your targets can be a combination of the three listed below: 

  1. Academic
  2. Social-Emotional (SEL) 
  3. Behavior-Focused

Academic Behaviors

For example, your students may be having an issue turning in work on time or completing it to the best of their ability.

With the incentive of a token economy at work, a teacher can suggest that once a student has turned in work successfully a few times during the week they earn a token. 

Social-Emotional Behaviors

If we’re going the SEL route, an educator can request that anytime a student sees another student showing kindness to others, they can be nominated to earn a token. 

This is a great suggestion because not only does it get students wanting to perform to a higher level, but it also has their classmates actively looking for these behaviors so they can recommend them for a token. 

General Behaviors

There’s always a chance that behaviors are an issue, as they are in just about any classroom. As a teacher, you can suggest one of two potential options. 

First, you can stipulate that if certain disruptive behavior is decreased (or replaced with positive behavior) a token can be earned. 

The other component could be that if a student is struggling with their behaviors, but is actively able to refrain from them or “come back from them” they can earn a token as well. 

Why Does a Token Economy System Work?

The key aspect that makes the Token Economy System work is the actual incentives themselves. 

As we discussed earlier, younger students do not have that same intrinsic motivation or value to succeed that adults may have when it comes to their work. It’s understandable! A token economy can nudge them in the right direction, especially when a reward or perk is on the line. 

This is why the Token Economy System is so powerful. It’s a versatile system that can be implemented quickly and with little effort because if there is buy-in from the students then they will help carry the system. 

Token Economy Ideas

You might be asking yourself, “what can a teacher offer as an incentive?” You’d be surprised just how much you have available at your disposal. Let’s look at two different approaches to classroom rewards and incentives.

  1. Physical/Tangible Rewards

Physical rewards are often immediate and satisfy students who want to work towards something they can see and hold. For example, maybe students can redeem their token for school supplies they need, fidgets, small toys, affordable gift cards, and anything else tangible

These particular rewards work because it is something students can point to and make the connection that their behavior is what allowed them to earn them. It’s a powerful concept that really shows just how valuable the token economy can be.

  1. Special Perks/Opportunities

The other aspect of rewards that you may choose to offer students in your classroom fall more into the “perks” or opportunities category. 

As a teacher, we see how often students aim to please and help their educators. This is where we can honor that mentality. 

Perks in the classroom can include five minutes of free time, teacher/student assistant (where they help classmates who are struggling), runner (where they can deliver messages to other staff when needed), and so on. 

The potential is really endless because these perks are really just basic small tasks or opportunities that a student may be excited to earn because it will set them apart from others.

A One-Stop-Shop for Better Behavior

A token economy is an invaluable behavior management tool to not only re-engage students who may be struggling but also incentivize both their learning and behaviors through PBIS best practices

One of the strongest aspects of this particular system is that it can be both implemented in all grade levels and tweaked to support a variety of needs and issues. 

Regardless if you’re having academic, behavioral, or social-emotional issues in the classroom, a token economy or a PBIS Store can act as a literal one-stop-shop to help improve those potential issues and make your classroom a more exciting place to be.

It’s not a selfish thing to admit. Heck, while I love doing my job, the paycheck is definitely an incentive to keep me going. 

Our students are no different in this regard. If anything, it is even more apparent that they require an incentive to do their work. Students at a younger age may not have that intrinsic value that adults take for granted when they are successful. This is what makes a concept like creating a token economy in the classroom so vitally important! 

What is a Token Economy?

Alright, picture this! Imagine you’re a teacher. The year has been going fairly well, however, you’ve noticed after a few months that the buy-in from your students is starting to become subpar. 

Are your lessons not engaging? 

Are you giving too much homework? 

Is the material not exciting? 

These are all questions teachers and educators have had to wrangle with since the beginning of time. If you’re feeling this way, do not stress out! It happens. All teachers have been there. 

However, the key aspect is being able to pick yourself up and implement a technique that will reinvigorate students into wanting to be successful.

This can be done by implementing a token economy in your classroom. 

However, before we get into the specifics of implementing it, we need to understand just what it is by having a definition. It’s actually quite simple, and by the time you're done reading this article, you’ll have the information to hit the ground running on improving your classroom. 

Token Economy Definition

A Token Economy is an economic system put in place where students can earn some sort of “token” for a behavior you want to improve upon. Those tokens can then be redeemed for virtual prizes in a class store that you may set up. 

Just like an adult may “redeem” their paycheck for a new television, groceries, or paying bills, this token economy allows students to redeem their tokens for a prize or rewards that will be available to them in the classroom. 

Token Economy & Behavior

In order for this system to be successful, you have to figure out what behaviors you are trying to increase or improve. It’s important to start out small in this regard. 

Target three to four behaviors you'd like to see be more prevalent in your classroom. Your targets can be a combination of the three listed below: 

  1. Academic
  2. Social-Emotional (SEL) 
  3. Behavior-Focused

Academic Behaviors

For example, your students may be having an issue turning in work on time or completing it to the best of their ability.

With the incentive of a token economy at work, a teacher can suggest that once a student has turned in work successfully a few times during the week they earn a token. 

Social-Emotional Behaviors

If we’re going the SEL route, an educator can request that anytime a student sees another student showing kindness to others, they can be nominated to earn a token. 

This is a great suggestion because not only does it get students wanting to perform to a higher level, but it also has their classmates actively looking for these behaviors so they can recommend them for a token. 

General Behaviors

There’s always a chance that behaviors are an issue, as they are in just about any classroom. As a teacher, you can suggest one of two potential options. 

First, you can stipulate that if certain disruptive behavior is decreased (or replaced with positive behavior) a token can be earned. 

The other component could be that if a student is struggling with their behaviors, but is actively able to refrain from them or “come back from them” they can earn a token as well. 

Why Does a Token Economy System Work?

The key aspect that makes the Token Economy System work is the actual incentives themselves. 

As we discussed earlier, younger students do not have that same intrinsic motivation or value to succeed that adults may have when it comes to their work. It’s understandable! A token economy can nudge them in the right direction, especially when a reward or perk is on the line. 

This is why the Token Economy System is so powerful. It’s a versatile system that can be implemented quickly and with little effort because if there is buy-in from the students then they will help carry the system. 

Token Economy Ideas

You might be asking yourself, “what can a teacher offer as an incentive?” You’d be surprised just how much you have available at your disposal. Let’s look at two different approaches to classroom rewards and incentives.

  1. Physical/Tangible Rewards

Physical rewards are often immediate and satisfy students who want to work towards something they can see and hold. For example, maybe students can redeem their token for school supplies they need, fidgets, small toys, affordable gift cards, and anything else tangible

These particular rewards work because it is something students can point to and make the connection that their behavior is what allowed them to earn them. It’s a powerful concept that really shows just how valuable the token economy can be.

  1. Special Perks/Opportunities

The other aspect of rewards that you may choose to offer students in your classroom fall more into the “perks” or opportunities category. 

As a teacher, we see how often students aim to please and help their educators. This is where we can honor that mentality. 

Perks in the classroom can include five minutes of free time, teacher/student assistant (where they help classmates who are struggling), runner (where they can deliver messages to other staff when needed), and so on. 

The potential is really endless because these perks are really just basic small tasks or opportunities that a student may be excited to earn because it will set them apart from others.

A One-Stop-Shop for Better Behavior

A token economy is an invaluable behavior management tool to not only re-engage students who may be struggling but also incentivize both their learning and behaviors through PBIS best practices

One of the strongest aspects of this particular system is that it can be both implemented in all grade levels and tweaked to support a variety of needs and issues. 

Regardless if you’re having academic, behavioral, or social-emotional issues in the classroom, a token economy or a PBIS Store can act as a literal one-stop-shop to help improve those potential issues and make your classroom a more exciting place to be.

quote icon

It’s not a selfish thing to admit. Heck, while I love doing my job, the paycheck is definitely an incentive to keep me going. 

Our students are no different in this regard. If anything, it is even more apparent that they require an incentive to do their work. Students at a younger age may not have that intrinsic value that adults take for granted when they are successful. This is what makes a concept like creating a token economy in the classroom so vitally important! 

What is a Token Economy?

Alright, picture this! Imagine you’re a teacher. The year has been going fairly well, however, you’ve noticed after a few months that the buy-in from your students is starting to become subpar. 

Are your lessons not engaging? 

Are you giving too much homework? 

Is the material not exciting? 

These are all questions teachers and educators have had to wrangle with since the beginning of time. If you’re feeling this way, do not stress out! It happens. All teachers have been there. 

However, the key aspect is being able to pick yourself up and implement a technique that will reinvigorate students into wanting to be successful.

This can be done by implementing a token economy in your classroom. 

However, before we get into the specifics of implementing it, we need to understand just what it is by having a definition. It’s actually quite simple, and by the time you're done reading this article, you’ll have the information to hit the ground running on improving your classroom. 

Token Economy Definition

A Token Economy is an economic system put in place where students can earn some sort of “token” for a behavior you want to improve upon. Those tokens can then be redeemed for virtual prizes in a class store that you may set up. 

Just like an adult may “redeem” their paycheck for a new television, groceries, or paying bills, this token economy allows students to redeem their tokens for a prize or rewards that will be available to them in the classroom. 

Token Economy & Behavior

In order for this system to be successful, you have to figure out what behaviors you are trying to increase or improve. It’s important to start out small in this regard. 

Target three to four behaviors you'd like to see be more prevalent in your classroom. Your targets can be a combination of the three listed below: 

  1. Academic
  2. Social-Emotional (SEL) 
  3. Behavior-Focused

Academic Behaviors

For example, your students may be having an issue turning in work on time or completing it to the best of their ability.

With the incentive of a token economy at work, a teacher can suggest that once a student has turned in work successfully a few times during the week they earn a token. 

Social-Emotional Behaviors

If we’re going the SEL route, an educator can request that anytime a student sees another student showing kindness to others, they can be nominated to earn a token. 

This is a great suggestion because not only does it get students wanting to perform to a higher level, but it also has their classmates actively looking for these behaviors so they can recommend them for a token. 

General Behaviors

There’s always a chance that behaviors are an issue, as they are in just about any classroom. As a teacher, you can suggest one of two potential options. 

First, you can stipulate that if certain disruptive behavior is decreased (or replaced with positive behavior) a token can be earned. 

The other component could be that if a student is struggling with their behaviors, but is actively able to refrain from them or “come back from them” they can earn a token as well. 

Why Does a Token Economy System Work?

The key aspect that makes the Token Economy System work is the actual incentives themselves. 

As we discussed earlier, younger students do not have that same intrinsic motivation or value to succeed that adults may have when it comes to their work. It’s understandable! A token economy can nudge them in the right direction, especially when a reward or perk is on the line. 

This is why the Token Economy System is so powerful. It’s a versatile system that can be implemented quickly and with little effort because if there is buy-in from the students then they will help carry the system. 

Token Economy Ideas

You might be asking yourself, “what can a teacher offer as an incentive?” You’d be surprised just how much you have available at your disposal. Let’s look at two different approaches to classroom rewards and incentives.

  1. Physical/Tangible Rewards

Physical rewards are often immediate and satisfy students who want to work towards something they can see and hold. For example, maybe students can redeem their token for school supplies they need, fidgets, small toys, affordable gift cards, and anything else tangible

These particular rewards work because it is something students can point to and make the connection that their behavior is what allowed them to earn them. It’s a powerful concept that really shows just how valuable the token economy can be.

  1. Special Perks/Opportunities

The other aspect of rewards that you may choose to offer students in your classroom fall more into the “perks” or opportunities category. 

As a teacher, we see how often students aim to please and help their educators. This is where we can honor that mentality. 

Perks in the classroom can include five minutes of free time, teacher/student assistant (where they help classmates who are struggling), runner (where they can deliver messages to other staff when needed), and so on. 

The potential is really endless because these perks are really just basic small tasks or opportunities that a student may be excited to earn because it will set them apart from others.

A One-Stop-Shop for Better Behavior

A token economy is an invaluable behavior management tool to not only re-engage students who may be struggling but also incentivize both their learning and behaviors through PBIS best practices

One of the strongest aspects of this particular system is that it can be both implemented in all grade levels and tweaked to support a variety of needs and issues. 

Regardless if you’re having academic, behavioral, or social-emotional issues in the classroom, a token economy or a PBIS Store can act as a literal one-stop-shop to help improve those potential issues and make your classroom a more exciting place to be.

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About the Event

It’s not a selfish thing to admit. Heck, while I love doing my job, the paycheck is definitely an incentive to keep me going. 

Our students are no different in this regard. If anything, it is even more apparent that they require an incentive to do their work. Students at a younger age may not have that intrinsic value that adults take for granted when they are successful. This is what makes a concept like creating a token economy in the classroom so vitally important! 

What is a Token Economy?

Alright, picture this! Imagine you’re a teacher. The year has been going fairly well, however, you’ve noticed after a few months that the buy-in from your students is starting to become subpar. 

Are your lessons not engaging? 

Are you giving too much homework? 

Is the material not exciting? 

These are all questions teachers and educators have had to wrangle with since the beginning of time. If you’re feeling this way, do not stress out! It happens. All teachers have been there. 

However, the key aspect is being able to pick yourself up and implement a technique that will reinvigorate students into wanting to be successful.

This can be done by implementing a token economy in your classroom. 

However, before we get into the specifics of implementing it, we need to understand just what it is by having a definition. It’s actually quite simple, and by the time you're done reading this article, you’ll have the information to hit the ground running on improving your classroom. 

Token Economy Definition

A Token Economy is an economic system put in place where students can earn some sort of “token” for a behavior you want to improve upon. Those tokens can then be redeemed for virtual prizes in a class store that you may set up. 

Just like an adult may “redeem” their paycheck for a new television, groceries, or paying bills, this token economy allows students to redeem their tokens for a prize or rewards that will be available to them in the classroom. 

Token Economy & Behavior

In order for this system to be successful, you have to figure out what behaviors you are trying to increase or improve. It’s important to start out small in this regard. 

Target three to four behaviors you'd like to see be more prevalent in your classroom. Your targets can be a combination of the three listed below: 

  1. Academic
  2. Social-Emotional (SEL) 
  3. Behavior-Focused

Academic Behaviors

For example, your students may be having an issue turning in work on time or completing it to the best of their ability.

With the incentive of a token economy at work, a teacher can suggest that once a student has turned in work successfully a few times during the week they earn a token. 

Social-Emotional Behaviors

If we’re going the SEL route, an educator can request that anytime a student sees another student showing kindness to others, they can be nominated to earn a token. 

This is a great suggestion because not only does it get students wanting to perform to a higher level, but it also has their classmates actively looking for these behaviors so they can recommend them for a token. 

General Behaviors

There’s always a chance that behaviors are an issue, as they are in just about any classroom. As a teacher, you can suggest one of two potential options. 

First, you can stipulate that if certain disruptive behavior is decreased (or replaced with positive behavior) a token can be earned. 

The other component could be that if a student is struggling with their behaviors, but is actively able to refrain from them or “come back from them” they can earn a token as well. 

Why Does a Token Economy System Work?

The key aspect that makes the Token Economy System work is the actual incentives themselves. 

As we discussed earlier, younger students do not have that same intrinsic motivation or value to succeed that adults may have when it comes to their work. It’s understandable! A token economy can nudge them in the right direction, especially when a reward or perk is on the line. 

This is why the Token Economy System is so powerful. It’s a versatile system that can be implemented quickly and with little effort because if there is buy-in from the students then they will help carry the system. 

Token Economy Ideas

You might be asking yourself, “what can a teacher offer as an incentive?” You’d be surprised just how much you have available at your disposal. Let’s look at two different approaches to classroom rewards and incentives.

  1. Physical/Tangible Rewards

Physical rewards are often immediate and satisfy students who want to work towards something they can see and hold. For example, maybe students can redeem their token for school supplies they need, fidgets, small toys, affordable gift cards, and anything else tangible

These particular rewards work because it is something students can point to and make the connection that their behavior is what allowed them to earn them. It’s a powerful concept that really shows just how valuable the token economy can be.

  1. Special Perks/Opportunities

The other aspect of rewards that you may choose to offer students in your classroom fall more into the “perks” or opportunities category. 

As a teacher, we see how often students aim to please and help their educators. This is where we can honor that mentality. 

Perks in the classroom can include five minutes of free time, teacher/student assistant (where they help classmates who are struggling), runner (where they can deliver messages to other staff when needed), and so on. 

The potential is really endless because these perks are really just basic small tasks or opportunities that a student may be excited to earn because it will set them apart from others.

A One-Stop-Shop for Better Behavior

A token economy is an invaluable behavior management tool to not only re-engage students who may be struggling but also incentivize both their learning and behaviors through PBIS best practices

One of the strongest aspects of this particular system is that it can be both implemented in all grade levels and tweaked to support a variety of needs and issues. 

Regardless if you’re having academic, behavioral, or social-emotional issues in the classroom, a token economy or a PBIS Store can act as a literal one-stop-shop to help improve those potential issues and make your classroom a more exciting place to be.

Register Now

About the Event

It’s not a selfish thing to admit. Heck, while I love doing my job, the paycheck is definitely an incentive to keep me going. 

Our students are no different in this regard. If anything, it is even more apparent that they require an incentive to do their work. Students at a younger age may not have that intrinsic value that adults take for granted when they are successful. This is what makes a concept like creating a token economy in the classroom so vitally important! 

What is a Token Economy?

Alright, picture this! Imagine you’re a teacher. The year has been going fairly well, however, you’ve noticed after a few months that the buy-in from your students is starting to become subpar. 

Are your lessons not engaging? 

Are you giving too much homework? 

Is the material not exciting? 

These are all questions teachers and educators have had to wrangle with since the beginning of time. If you’re feeling this way, do not stress out! It happens. All teachers have been there. 

However, the key aspect is being able to pick yourself up and implement a technique that will reinvigorate students into wanting to be successful.

This can be done by implementing a token economy in your classroom. 

However, before we get into the specifics of implementing it, we need to understand just what it is by having a definition. It’s actually quite simple, and by the time you're done reading this article, you’ll have the information to hit the ground running on improving your classroom. 

Token Economy Definition

A Token Economy is an economic system put in place where students can earn some sort of “token” for a behavior you want to improve upon. Those tokens can then be redeemed for virtual prizes in a class store that you may set up. 

Just like an adult may “redeem” their paycheck for a new television, groceries, or paying bills, this token economy allows students to redeem their tokens for a prize or rewards that will be available to them in the classroom. 

Token Economy & Behavior

In order for this system to be successful, you have to figure out what behaviors you are trying to increase or improve. It’s important to start out small in this regard. 

Target three to four behaviors you'd like to see be more prevalent in your classroom. Your targets can be a combination of the three listed below: 

  1. Academic
  2. Social-Emotional (SEL) 
  3. Behavior-Focused

Academic Behaviors

For example, your students may be having an issue turning in work on time or completing it to the best of their ability.

With the incentive of a token economy at work, a teacher can suggest that once a student has turned in work successfully a few times during the week they earn a token. 

Social-Emotional Behaviors

If we’re going the SEL route, an educator can request that anytime a student sees another student showing kindness to others, they can be nominated to earn a token. 

This is a great suggestion because not only does it get students wanting to perform to a higher level, but it also has their classmates actively looking for these behaviors so they can recommend them for a token. 

General Behaviors

There’s always a chance that behaviors are an issue, as they are in just about any classroom. As a teacher, you can suggest one of two potential options. 

First, you can stipulate that if certain disruptive behavior is decreased (or replaced with positive behavior) a token can be earned. 

The other component could be that if a student is struggling with their behaviors, but is actively able to refrain from them or “come back from them” they can earn a token as well. 

Why Does a Token Economy System Work?

The key aspect that makes the Token Economy System work is the actual incentives themselves. 

As we discussed earlier, younger students do not have that same intrinsic motivation or value to succeed that adults may have when it comes to their work. It’s understandable! A token economy can nudge them in the right direction, especially when a reward or perk is on the line. 

This is why the Token Economy System is so powerful. It’s a versatile system that can be implemented quickly and with little effort because if there is buy-in from the students then they will help carry the system. 

Token Economy Ideas

You might be asking yourself, “what can a teacher offer as an incentive?” You’d be surprised just how much you have available at your disposal. Let’s look at two different approaches to classroom rewards and incentives.

  1. Physical/Tangible Rewards

Physical rewards are often immediate and satisfy students who want to work towards something they can see and hold. For example, maybe students can redeem their token for school supplies they need, fidgets, small toys, affordable gift cards, and anything else tangible

These particular rewards work because it is something students can point to and make the connection that their behavior is what allowed them to earn them. It’s a powerful concept that really shows just how valuable the token economy can be.

  1. Special Perks/Opportunities

The other aspect of rewards that you may choose to offer students in your classroom fall more into the “perks” or opportunities category. 

As a teacher, we see how often students aim to please and help their educators. This is where we can honor that mentality. 

Perks in the classroom can include five minutes of free time, teacher/student assistant (where they help classmates who are struggling), runner (where they can deliver messages to other staff when needed), and so on. 

The potential is really endless because these perks are really just basic small tasks or opportunities that a student may be excited to earn because it will set them apart from others.

A One-Stop-Shop for Better Behavior

A token economy is an invaluable behavior management tool to not only re-engage students who may be struggling but also incentivize both their learning and behaviors through PBIS best practices

One of the strongest aspects of this particular system is that it can be both implemented in all grade levels and tweaked to support a variety of needs and issues. 

Regardless if you’re having academic, behavioral, or social-emotional issues in the classroom, a token economy or a PBIS Store can act as a literal one-stop-shop to help improve those potential issues and make your classroom a more exciting place to be.

About the Presenter

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

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

Why do you go to work? Think about that for a second. I’m sure there are a variety of reasons you may mention or list out. However, eventually we ALL will get to one in common: we’re paid for our services! 

It’s not a selfish thing to admit. Heck, while I love doing my job, the paycheck is definitely an incentive to keep me going. 

Our students are no different in this regard. If anything, it is even more apparent that they require an incentive to do their work. Students at a younger age may not have that intrinsic value that adults take for granted when they are successful. This is what makes a concept like creating a token economy in the classroom so vitally important! 

What is a Token Economy?

Alright, picture this! Imagine you’re a teacher. The year has been going fairly well, however, you’ve noticed after a few months that the buy-in from your students is starting to become subpar. 

Are your lessons not engaging? 

Are you giving too much homework? 

Is the material not exciting? 

These are all questions teachers and educators have had to wrangle with since the beginning of time. If you’re feeling this way, do not stress out! It happens. All teachers have been there. 

However, the key aspect is being able to pick yourself up and implement a technique that will reinvigorate students into wanting to be successful.

This can be done by implementing a token economy in your classroom. 

However, before we get into the specifics of implementing it, we need to understand just what it is by having a definition. It’s actually quite simple, and by the time you're done reading this article, you’ll have the information to hit the ground running on improving your classroom. 

Token Economy Definition

A Token Economy is an economic system put in place where students can earn some sort of “token” for a behavior you want to improve upon. Those tokens can then be redeemed for virtual prizes in a class store that you may set up. 

Just like an adult may “redeem” their paycheck for a new television, groceries, or paying bills, this token economy allows students to redeem their tokens for a prize or rewards that will be available to them in the classroom. 

Token Economy & Behavior

In order for this system to be successful, you have to figure out what behaviors you are trying to increase or improve. It’s important to start out small in this regard. 

Target three to four behaviors you'd like to see be more prevalent in your classroom. Your targets can be a combination of the three listed below: 

  1. Academic
  2. Social-Emotional (SEL) 
  3. Behavior-Focused

Academic Behaviors

For example, your students may be having an issue turning in work on time or completing it to the best of their ability.

With the incentive of a token economy at work, a teacher can suggest that once a student has turned in work successfully a few times during the week they earn a token. 

Social-Emotional Behaviors

If we’re going the SEL route, an educator can request that anytime a student sees another student showing kindness to others, they can be nominated to earn a token. 

This is a great suggestion because not only does it get students wanting to perform to a higher level, but it also has their classmates actively looking for these behaviors so they can recommend them for a token. 

General Behaviors

There’s always a chance that behaviors are an issue, as they are in just about any classroom. As a teacher, you can suggest one of two potential options. 

First, you can stipulate that if certain disruptive behavior is decreased (or replaced with positive behavior) a token can be earned. 

The other component could be that if a student is struggling with their behaviors, but is actively able to refrain from them or “come back from them” they can earn a token as well. 

Why Does a Token Economy System Work?

The key aspect that makes the Token Economy System work is the actual incentives themselves. 

As we discussed earlier, younger students do not have that same intrinsic motivation or value to succeed that adults may have when it comes to their work. It’s understandable! A token economy can nudge them in the right direction, especially when a reward or perk is on the line. 

This is why the Token Economy System is so powerful. It’s a versatile system that can be implemented quickly and with little effort because if there is buy-in from the students then they will help carry the system. 

Token Economy Ideas

You might be asking yourself, “what can a teacher offer as an incentive?” You’d be surprised just how much you have available at your disposal. Let’s look at two different approaches to classroom rewards and incentives.

  1. Physical/Tangible Rewards

Physical rewards are often immediate and satisfy students who want to work towards something they can see and hold. For example, maybe students can redeem their token for school supplies they need, fidgets, small toys, affordable gift cards, and anything else tangible

These particular rewards work because it is something students can point to and make the connection that their behavior is what allowed them to earn them. It’s a powerful concept that really shows just how valuable the token economy can be.

  1. Special Perks/Opportunities

The other aspect of rewards that you may choose to offer students in your classroom fall more into the “perks” or opportunities category. 

As a teacher, we see how often students aim to please and help their educators. This is where we can honor that mentality. 

Perks in the classroom can include five minutes of free time, teacher/student assistant (where they help classmates who are struggling), runner (where they can deliver messages to other staff when needed), and so on. 

The potential is really endless because these perks are really just basic small tasks or opportunities that a student may be excited to earn because it will set them apart from others.

A One-Stop-Shop for Better Behavior

A token economy is an invaluable behavior management tool to not only re-engage students who may be struggling but also incentivize both their learning and behaviors through PBIS best practices

One of the strongest aspects of this particular system is that it can be both implemented in all grade levels and tweaked to support a variety of needs and issues. 

Regardless if you’re having academic, behavioral, or social-emotional issues in the classroom, a token economy or a PBIS Store can act as a literal one-stop-shop to help improve those potential issues and make your classroom a more exciting place to be.

All Reward Ideas for Students

🎉
👑
🎁
Morning Meeting Leader
Grades 3-8
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Uber by a Principal
Grades 6-12
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Design the Bulletin Board
Grades K-12
Class/House
Privilege
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Snacks
Grades K-12
Student
Tangible
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Extra Recess
Grades K-5
Class/House
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Student Spotlight Board
Grades K-5
Student
Privilege
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Wristband
Grades K-12
Student
Tangible
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Lunch Fast Pass
Grades 3-8
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Snack Pack
Grades K-12
Student
Tangible
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Tech Time
Grades 3-12
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Teacher for the Day
Grades 6-12
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Game Week
Grades 9-12
School
Event
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Parking Spots
Grades 9-12
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Game-Based Simulation Learning
Grades 9-12
Class/House
Event
Deluxe
🎉
👑
🎁
Books
Grades K-12
Student
Tangible
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Stickers
Grades K-5
Student
Tangible
Low Cost/DIY

All Reward Ideas for Elementary School Students

🎉
👑
🎁
Student Messenger
Grades 3-8
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Silly Science Experiments
Grades K-5
Class/House
Privilege
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Donate $1
Grades 3-12
Student
Privilege
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Toys
Grades K-8
Student
Tangible
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Show & Tell
Grades K-8
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Tech Time
Grades 3-12
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Read Across America
Grades K-8
School
Event
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Dance Party
Grades K-12
Student
Event
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Trunk or Treat
Grades K-8
School
Event
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Passing Period Music
Grades 3-12
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Books
Grades K-12
Student
Tangible
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Art Contest
Grades 3-12
Class/House
Event
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Wristband
Grades K-12
Student
Tangible
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
STEM Field Day
Grades K-8
School
Event
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Teacher Serenade
Grades K-12
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
School Assembly
Grades K-12
Student
Privilege
Free

All Event Ideas for Schools

All Free Reward Ideas for Schools

🎉
👑
🎁
Brain Break
🎉
👑
🎁
Game of Thrones
🎉
👑
🎁
Homework Pass
🎉
👑
🎁
Camp Read Away
🎉
👑
🎁
Lunch Fast Pass
🎉
👑
🎁
Show & Tell
🎉
👑
🎁
Line Leader
🎉
👑
🎁
Virtual Field Trip
🎉
👑
🎁
Extra Reading Time
🎉
👑
🎁
Podcast

All Reward Ideas for High School Students

🎉
👑
🎁
Kickback Vibes
Grades 6-12
Class/House
Event
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Positive Note or Call Home
Grades K-12
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Sweatshirt
Grades K-12
Student
Tangible
Deluxe
🎉
👑
🎁
Dance Party
Grades K-12
Student
Event
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
School Assembly
Grades K-12
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
The A-List
Grades 6-12
School
Event
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
The Big Ticket
Grades 9-12
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Emcee the Announcements
Grades 6-12
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Snack Party
Grades 3-12
Class/House
Privilege
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Lunch Reservations
Grades K-12
Student
Privilege
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Holidays Around the World
Grades K-12
School
Event
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Digital Escape Rooms
Grades 6-12
Class/House
Privilege
Deluxe
🎉
👑
🎁
Loudspeaker Shoutout
Grades K-12
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Classroom DJ
Grades K-12
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Hat Pass
Grades 6-12
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Food-Themed Party
Grades 6-12
Class/House
Event
Low Cost/DIY

All Reward Ideas for Middle School Students

🎉
👑
🎁
Passing Period Music
Grades 3-12
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Tutor
Grades 6-8
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Special Screening
Grades K-12
School
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Backpack
Grades K-12
Student
Tangible
Deluxe
🎉
👑
🎁
Create the Seating Chart
Grades 6-12
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Get-to-Know-You Bingo
Grades 6-12
Class/House
Event
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Picnic Lunch
Grades K-12
Class/House
Privilege
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Technology
Grades 6-12
Student
Tangible
Deluxe
🎉
👑
🎁
Lunch with an Admin
Grades K-8
Student
Privilege
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Anime Themed Party
Grades 6-12
School
Event
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
The Love Soiree
Grades 6-12
School
Event
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
TikTok with the Teacher
Grades 6-12
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
♟️Chess With the Principal
Grades 6-12
Student
Privilege
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Toys
Grades K-8
Student
Tangible
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Gift Cards
Grades 6-12
Student
Privilege
Deluxe
🎉
👑
🎁
Holiday Delivery
Grades K-12
Student
Tangible
Low Cost/DIY

All Student Reward & Incentive Ideas

💰
🎨
Certificate of Achievement
Grades K-12
Student
Privilege
Free
💰
🎨
Water Bottle Stickers
Grades 6-12
Student
Tangible
Low Cost/DIY
💰
🎨
Uber by a Principal
Grades 6-12
Student
Privilege
Free
💰
🎨
Free Dress
Grades K-12
Student
Privilege
Free
💰
🎨
Positive Note or Call Home
Grades K-12
Student
Privilege
Free
💰
🎨
Passing Period Music
Grades 3-12
Student
Privilege
Free
💰
🎨
Brain Break
Grades K-12
Student
Privilege
Free
💰
🎨
Morning Meeting Leader
Grades 3-8
Student
Privilege
Free
💰
🎨
Sports Tickets
Grades 3-12
Student
Tangible
Deluxe
💰
🎨
Locker Choice
Grades 9-12
Student
Privilege
Free
💰
🎨
Game of Thrones
Grades K-5
Student
Privilege
Free
💰
🎨
Virtual Field Trip
Grades K-12
Class/House
Privilege
Free
💰
🎨
Show & Tell
Grades K-8
Student
Privilege
Free
💰
🎨
Social Media Reporter
Grades 3-12
Student
Privilege
Free
💰
🎨
Hat Pass
Grades 6-12
Student
Privilege
Free
💰
🎨
Lunch with an Admin
Grades K-8
Student
Privilege
Low Cost/DIY

All Virtual Reward Ideas for Schools

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

Why do you go to work? Think about that for a second. I’m sure there are a variety of reasons you may mention or list out. However, eventually we ALL will get to one in common: we’re paid for our services! 

It’s not a selfish thing to admit. Heck, while I love doing my job, the paycheck is definitely an incentive to keep me going. 

Our students are no different in this regard. If anything, it is even more apparent that they require an incentive to do their work. Students at a younger age may not have that intrinsic value that adults take for granted when they are successful. This is what makes a concept like creating a token economy in the classroom so vitally important! 

What is a Token Economy?

Alright, picture this! Imagine you’re a teacher. The year has been going fairly well, however, you’ve noticed after a few months that the buy-in from your students is starting to become subpar. 

Are your lessons not engaging? 

Are you giving too much homework? 

Is the material not exciting? 

These are all questions teachers and educators have had to wrangle with since the beginning of time. If you’re feeling this way, do not stress out! It happens. All teachers have been there. 

However, the key aspect is being able to pick yourself up and implement a technique that will reinvigorate students into wanting to be successful.

This can be done by implementing a token economy in your classroom. 

However, before we get into the specifics of implementing it, we need to understand just what it is by having a definition. It’s actually quite simple, and by the time you're done reading this article, you’ll have the information to hit the ground running on improving your classroom. 

Token Economy Definition

A Token Economy is an economic system put in place where students can earn some sort of “token” for a behavior you want to improve upon. Those tokens can then be redeemed for virtual prizes in a class store that you may set up. 

Just like an adult may “redeem” their paycheck for a new television, groceries, or paying bills, this token economy allows students to redeem their tokens for a prize or rewards that will be available to them in the classroom. 

Token Economy & Behavior

In order for this system to be successful, you have to figure out what behaviors you are trying to increase or improve. It’s important to start out small in this regard. 

Target three to four behaviors you'd like to see be more prevalent in your classroom. Your targets can be a combination of the three listed below: 

  1. Academic
  2. Social-Emotional (SEL) 
  3. Behavior-Focused

Academic Behaviors

For example, your students may be having an issue turning in work on time or completing it to the best of their ability.

With the incentive of a token economy at work, a teacher can suggest that once a student has turned in work successfully a few times during the week they earn a token. 

Social-Emotional Behaviors

If we’re going the SEL route, an educator can request that anytime a student sees another student showing kindness to others, they can be nominated to earn a token. 

This is a great suggestion because not only does it get students wanting to perform to a higher level, but it also has their classmates actively looking for these behaviors so they can recommend them for a token. 

General Behaviors

There’s always a chance that behaviors are an issue, as they are in just about any classroom. As a teacher, you can suggest one of two potential options. 

First, you can stipulate that if certain disruptive behavior is decreased (or replaced with positive behavior) a token can be earned. 

The other component could be that if a student is struggling with their behaviors, but is actively able to refrain from them or “come back from them” they can earn a token as well. 

Why Does a Token Economy System Work?

The key aspect that makes the Token Economy System work is the actual incentives themselves. 

As we discussed earlier, younger students do not have that same intrinsic motivation or value to succeed that adults may have when it comes to their work. It’s understandable! A token economy can nudge them in the right direction, especially when a reward or perk is on the line. 

This is why the Token Economy System is so powerful. It’s a versatile system that can be implemented quickly and with little effort because if there is buy-in from the students then they will help carry the system. 

Token Economy Ideas

You might be asking yourself, “what can a teacher offer as an incentive?” You’d be surprised just how much you have available at your disposal. Let’s look at two different approaches to classroom rewards and incentives.

  1. Physical/Tangible Rewards

Physical rewards are often immediate and satisfy students who want to work towards something they can see and hold. For example, maybe students can redeem their token for school supplies they need, fidgets, small toys, affordable gift cards, and anything else tangible

These particular rewards work because it is something students can point to and make the connection that their behavior is what allowed them to earn them. It’s a powerful concept that really shows just how valuable the token economy can be.

  1. Special Perks/Opportunities

The other aspect of rewards that you may choose to offer students in your classroom fall more into the “perks” or opportunities category. 

As a teacher, we see how often students aim to please and help their educators. This is where we can honor that mentality. 

Perks in the classroom can include five minutes of free time, teacher/student assistant (where they help classmates who are struggling), runner (where they can deliver messages to other staff when needed), and so on. 

The potential is really endless because these perks are really just basic small tasks or opportunities that a student may be excited to earn because it will set them apart from others.

A One-Stop-Shop for Better Behavior

A token economy is an invaluable behavior management tool to not only re-engage students who may be struggling but also incentivize both their learning and behaviors through PBIS best practices

One of the strongest aspects of this particular system is that it can be both implemented in all grade levels and tweaked to support a variety of needs and issues. 

Regardless if you’re having academic, behavioral, or social-emotional issues in the classroom, a token economy or a PBIS Store can act as a literal one-stop-shop to help improve those potential issues and make your classroom a more exciting place to be.

All Reward Ideas for Students

🎉
👑
🎁
Theme Party
Grades K-8
Class/House
Event
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Toys
Grades K-8
Student
Tangible
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Dance Party
Grades K-12
Student
Event
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Early Lunch Dismissal
Grades 9-12
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Bonfire
Grades 9-12
Class/House
Event
Deluxe
🎉
👑
🎁
Holidays Around the World
Grades K-12
School
Event
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Podcast
Grades 3-12
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Tutor
Grades 6-8
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Be a Comedian.
Grades 6-12
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Free Dress
Grades K-12
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Lunch With the Teacher
Grades K-5
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
The Big Ticket
Grades 9-12
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Movie Night
Grades 9-12
Student
Event
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Blood Drive
Grades 9-12
School
Event
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
House Induction
Grades 6-12
Class/House
Event
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Wild ‘N Out High School Edition
Grades 9-12
School
Event
Low Cost/DIY

All Reward Ideas for Elementary School Students

🎉
👑
🎁
Dress Up or Down Day
Grades 3-12
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Dance Party
Grades K-12
Student
Event
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Tech Time
Grades 3-12
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Donate $1
Grades 3-12
Student
Privilege
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Loudspeaker Shoutout
Grades K-12
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
School Supplies & Merch
Grades K-12
Student
Tangible
Deluxe
🎉
👑
🎁
Passing Period Music
Grades 3-12
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Snack Party
Grades 3-12
Class/House
Privilege
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Special Pen
Grades K-5
Student
Privilege
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Board Game Party
Grades 3-12
Class/House
Privilege
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Picnic Lunch
Grades K-12
Class/House
Privilege
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Class Book
Grades K-5
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Partner Work
Grades 3-12
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Positive Note or Call Home
Grades K-12
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Career Day
Grades 3-12
School
Event
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Teacher Q&A
Grades K-12
Class/House
Privilege
Free

All Event Ideas for Schools

💰
🎨
Art Contest
💰
🎨
Karaoke Night
💰
🎨
Career Day
💰
🎨
Meet the Teacher
💰
🎨
Amazing Race
💰
🎨
Glow Party
💰
🎨
House Induction
💰
🎨
Blood Drive
💰
🎨
School Dance
💰
🎨
Camp Read Away
💰
🎨
The A-List
💰
🎨
Kickback Vibes

All Free Reward Ideas for Schools

🎉
👑
🎁
School Assembly
🎉
👑
🎁
Game of Thrones
🎉
👑
🎁
Virtual Field Trip
🎉
👑
🎁
House Induction
🎉
👑
🎁
Homework Pass
🎉
👑
🎁
Partner Work
🎉
👑
🎁
Teacher Q&A
🎉
👑
🎁
Parking Spots
🎉
👑
🎁
Meme Party

All Reward Ideas for High School Students

🎉
👑
🎁
Backpack
Grades K-12
Student
Tangible
Deluxe
🎉
👑
🎁
Passing Period Music
Grades 3-12
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Sports Tickets
Grades 3-12
Student
Tangible
Deluxe
🎉
👑
🎁
Operate Equipment.
Grades 9-12
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Teacher v Student Competition
Grades 6-12
School
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Extra Computer Games
Grades 3-12
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Be a Comedian.
Grades 6-12
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Homework Pass
Grades 6-12
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Teacher for the Day
Grades 6-12
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Decades Party
Grades 6-12
School
Event
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Career Day
Grades 3-12
School
Event
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Bonfire
Grades 9-12
Class/House
Event
Deluxe
🎉
👑
🎁
School Spirit Day
Grades K-12
School
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
School Assembly
Grades K-12
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Locker Choice
Grades 9-12
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Lunch Reservations
Grades K-12
Student
Privilege
Low Cost/DIY

All Reward Ideas for Middle School Students

🎉
👑
🎁
Teacher Serenade
Grades K-12
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Uber by a Principal
Grades 6-12
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Dance Party
Grades K-12
Student
Event
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Emcee the Announcements
Grades 6-12
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Passing Period Music
Grades 3-12
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Show & Tell
Grades K-8
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Partner Work
Grades 3-12
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Loudspeaker Shoutout
Grades K-12
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
♟️Chess With the Principal
Grades 6-12
Student
Privilege
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Dress Up or Down Day
Grades 3-12
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Be a Comedian.
Grades 6-12
Student
Privilege
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Get-to-Know-You Bingo
Grades 6-12
Class/House
Event
Free
🎉
👑
🎁
Books
Grades K-12
Student
Tangible
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Food-Themed Party
Grades 6-12
Class/House
Event
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Pie a Teacher
Grades K-12
Student
Privilege
Low Cost/DIY
🎉
👑
🎁
Morning Meeting Leader
Grades 3-8
Student
Privilege
Free

All Student Reward & Incentive Ideas

💰
🎨
♟️Chess With the Principal
Grades 6-12
Student
Privilege
Low Cost/DIY
💰
🎨
Cut the Principal’s Tie
Student
Privilege
Free
💰
🎨
Snack Pack
Grades K-12
Student
Tangible
Low Cost/DIY
💰
🎨
Homework Pass
Grades 6-12
Student
Privilege
Free
💰
🎨
Teacher for the Day
Grades 6-12
Student
Privilege
Free
💰
🎨
Donate $1
Grades 3-12
Student
Privilege
Low Cost/DIY
💰
🎨
Lunch With the Teacher
Grades K-5
Student
Privilege
Free
💰
🎨
Partner Work
Grades 3-12
Student
Privilege
Free
💰
🎨
Podcast
Grades 3-12
Student
Privilege
Free
💰
🎨
School Spirit Day
Grades K-12
School
Privilege
Free
💰
🎨
Class Pet
Grades K-12
Student
Privilege
Deluxe
💰
🎨
Dress Up or Down Day
Grades 3-12
Student
Privilege
Free
💰
🎨
Drop Lowest Quiz
Grades 3-12
Student
Privilege
Free
💰
🎨
Teacher v Student Competition
Grades 6-12
School
Privilege
Free
💰
🎨
Uber by a Principal
Grades 6-12
Student
Privilege
Free
💰
🎨
Class Book
Grades K-5
Student
Privilege
Free

All Virtual Reward Ideas for Schools

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

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

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