Using a reward store can be an effective strategy for encouraging positive behavior in your classroom. A reward store behavior management system in which students earn ”bucks” for positive behaviors to “buy” rewards. This blog post outlines how I set up and use a reward store for behavior management.
Step 1: Identify target behaviors
The first step to setting up a reward store for behavior management is to identify your target behaviors. These can be individual-specific or class-wide. Ensure that these behaviors are specific and measurable. Preteach replacement behaviors if necessary. Share the target behaviors with your students or class.
Step 2: Identify motivating rewards
Next, you will decide what rewards will be available at the reward store. These could range from tangible items like toys, fidgets, or snacks to intangible ones such as extra recess or special privileges like pajama day. Ensure that these rewards are motivating for your target audience. I like to create a visual menu of reward choices and post it in my classroom. Not only does this keep students enticed but it also supports students in decision-making when it comes time to cash in for their reward.
Step 3: Establish the economy system
It is time to establish your economy system. Determine how students will be rewarded for displaying target behaviors – for instance, each student gets two “bucks” for returning library books. Additionally, figure out how much each reward costs. It may be helpful to organize rewards into different levels or tiers. Smaller rewards could be bought with fewer “bucks,” while more desirable rewards might require saving more “bucks.” I find that explicitly posting these rules and expectations in the classroom helps students stay anchored through the behavior management process.
Step 4: Run the reward store with consistency
Consistency is vital for reinforcing the behaviors you want to promote. Be sure to reward the target behaviors you observe consistently. Additionally, maintain consistency with your rules and expectations. This approach helps students develop the habit of exhibiting positive behaviors.
Step 5: Review and adjust
Regularly evaluate how well the reward store is working. Are behaviors improving? Are students motivated? If the system is not producing the desired results, it may be time to adjust the economy system. You may also occasionally update the rewards to keep things fresh and exciting. If you find that students start to lose interest in certain rewards, refresh the options.
Final tip: Offer choices and autonomy
Every behavior management system requires student buy-in. You can accomplish this by offering choices. I like to provide a visual menu with various options to encourage students to decide how they want to use their earned “bucks.” This empowers them to take ownership of their behavior.
Using a reward store makes behavior management fun and fair. This system can be an effective way to manage student behavior and encourage positive behaviors.
Want to learn about how you can set up your self-contained classroom to support behavior management? Join our 101 Simple Self-Contained Setup 101® course!
Need more behavior management ideas? Read about de-escalation here and learn more about calming strategies here!
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