Motivating Students with No-Cost Rewards

Rather than motivating students with stickers and plastic toys, it's more important to emphasize to them that learning and good behavior are rewards unto themselves. When necessary, supplement your behavior management program with these free ways you can give your students a meaningful "thumbs up" when they do something right.

FREE WAYS TO SAY "GREAT JOB!"

• Lunch Bunch
  
• Longer Recess
  
• Special Seats
  
• Whole-Group Rewards
  
• Read-In Party
  
• Afternoon of Art and Music
  
• Good Phone Call Home
  
• Help in Another Class
  
• Hand Stamp
  

It may sound too good to be true, but if you don't introduce material rewards in the first place, your students will never miss them. I promise!

In elementary school, children are so eager to please and so pleased to receive any little special recognition. They really will bend over backwards for these types of rewards that don't cost you a penny!