Some of the Best Incentives and Motivators for Elementary StudentsGetting kids interested in class assignments can be tough. Keeping kids interested in class is even tougher. How can you get them involved in learning and keep them interested? Should you kill them with candy or whip out a ruler and demand answers? Obviously, candy works better, but here are some new ideas to keep their attention without tricking them with treats. Create a Token SystemCreating a token system can be a good way for students to earn rewards for desired behavior. In effective token systems, students know which behaviors and outcomes warrant tokens, the values assigned to the tokens, and the culmination of the incentive system. The system needs a currency, and it works best when students can earn tokens frequently, with opportunities during each class or subject. Some ideas for currency are:
A culmination of the token-earned period needs a due date, rewards, and a basic cost structure. Keep it all simple! Due Date or Ending Period
Try using a balloon boardMake the balloon board color coded. At the top of the board, add larger balloons as a key.
Give each student a pocket with the student’s name on it. At the end of each week, if the student still has a green balloon, they get to visit the treasure box (use stickers, candy, or other incentives). Prepare the balloons before school starts. Get green balloons for the whole class, yellow balloons for about half of the class, and possibly 5 blue and 5 red. Put them in a small mini pocket chart and velcro it to the bottom of Balloon Board for easy access. Implement class drawings on FridaysThe rewards can be things like:
There are other free things you can use as rewards. You can really tailor these rewards to fun things your class enjoys. Perhaps pick 2 or 3 winners and then for fun, pick one more and that person is the “Cool Person of the Day”. In the end, it’s about getting students motivated and keeping them motivated in the classroom!! You can check our Motivators and Incentives section for other ideas! |
