Positive Motivators for Children

Grab Bag:
This is an excellent positive motivator for one child or for the entire class. The students can earn tickets to the Grab Bag by their positive behavior. Each "grabber" may take one card out of the Grab Bag. On the card is written the reward the student has earned. Here are some examples of rewards teachers have used with their class:
*Right to be monitor
*Right to be team captain
*Right to be first in line
*Right to be teacher's aide
*Positive notes to parents
*Extra free time
*Special free time activity
*Choose next class story/subject
*Choose game
*Candy
*Arts and crafts supply

Winning Words:

Choose a positive word for the day that is not commonly used in your students' vocabulary. Have your students use this word as often as they can during the day to positively reinforce their peers' behavior. Words such as marvelous, phenomenal, and fantastic are good for elementary-aged students. For older students, use words like resplendent, sublime, exemplary. Challenge the students to find new positive words to use during the year. Make it a contest. See who can use the word appropriately the most often during the class.

Stick 'Em:

Don't forget, students love stickers and awarding them is a great positive reinforcement. During the day, reward students for good behavior by giving them a sticker. For an extra treat, allow all the students who have earned stickers to have a special time for trading with each other occasionally.

Positive Letters: 

Send special positive letters or notes addressed directly to the students at home. Everyone loves to receive mail and since most children do not receive personal letters, it can be a very special event. Make your own "positive" notepaper for this purpose. Duplicate enough sheets so that you can send one to each student in the class.

Students of the Day:

Each day, recognize at least two students either for work well done or for outstanding behavior. Bring a reward to hand out to your two winners.

Probing for Positives:

If you are having trouble determining positive consequences for your students, take a survey asking your students the following questions:

*What is your favorite activity in this class?

*What privilege would you like to earn?

*What's the best reward you can earn?

The answers to these questions should give you some good ideas for positive consequences that would work with your students.