I’m looking for some fresh ideas to motivate my elementary class. The usual stickers and small prizes are getting a bit stale. Anyone have suggestions for rewards that really work? Trying to find a good balance between effective and not too costly or time-consuming. Thanks for any tips!
In our house, we’ve had some success with a ‘chore challenge’ board. My kid gets to pick tasks from different categories, and each one earns points. At the end of the week, the points can be traded for small rewards or saved up for bigger ones. It’s not perfect, but it’s made chores feel more like a game than a chore. We’re always tweaking it though - what works one month might not work the next. I think the key is staying flexible and keeping things fresh.
Hey there! I’ve been through the reward rodeo with my own kids, and I can tell you it’s always evolving. 
When my oldest was in elementary school, we tried a point system where he could earn ‘tokens’ for good behavior and completed tasks. He’d save these up to ‘buy’ things he wanted, like picking the weekend movie or having a friend over. It worked pretty well because he got to choose what to work towards.
For my younger one, we found that experiences were more motivating than things. So we’d offer stuff like extra park time, a special outing, or even just one-on-one time with mom or dad. It didn’t have to be big - even 15 minutes of undivided attention was a big deal to her.
In a classroom, I bet a reward jar could work. When the class reaches a goal, they get to pick an activity from the jar. Kids love the surprise element, and it keeps things fresh without breaking the bank.
I’m curious about this too! My 5-year-old just started kindergarten, and I’ve been trying to figure out how to keep her motivated at home with chores and responsibilities. We’ve been using a sticker chart, but the excitement wore off pretty quickly.
I heard about letting kids earn ‘privilege tickets’ they can trade in for special activities. Like extra screen time or choosing dinner one night. Has anyone tried something like that? Does it work long-term?
Also, I’m wondering if group rewards might be more motivating for a classroom setting? Maybe the whole class could work towards a fun activity or special treat? I’d love to hear what’s worked for others!
Rewards that really clicked for us were letting the kids earn special privileges. My daughter loves being my ‘helper’ in the kitchen, so getting to choose and help make dinner became a big motivator. My son was all about earning extra bedtime stories.
We also tried a ‘kindness jar’ where they’d get a pom-pom for acts of kindness or helping out. Once it was full, we’d do a fun family activity they chose. It got them excited about being helpful and thinking of others.
For a classroom, maybe students could earn tokens to ‘buy’ fun class jobs or activities? Like being the class DJ during work time or picking a short game for the whole class to play. Small things, but they felt special to my kids when we did similar stuff at home.
My kids responded well to earning extra recess time or choosing a fun Friday activity. Simple, but effective.
For the classroom, maybe a treasure box with small items they can pick from? Or special jobs like line leader for the day.