Rewards for School

Fairy Pebbles - I made this up. I remember doing marbles in a jar for my public school classroom and wanted something similar, but girly. So I called it fairy pebbles instead. They earn pebbles for the group for different reasons - completing assignments without complaint, helping others, being considerate, asking for help (vs. doing it wrong just to finish). After the jar is empty and they have all been earned, then we will do something special- like go play at a park, or get an ice cream.
    I want them to be rewarded for good behavior, but know too that, you aren't rewarded every single time you do something. You also aren't rewarded if you only do it to be rewarded, that's doing something to get personal gain or recognition. If that makes sense. You don't do something and then be expected to get something for it. I explain it as, you can do something nice for someone else with not having to "get" something for doing it. Even if the person doesn't say thank you, you do it because it makes you feel good inside and that you helped others and God sees everything you do. The Bible says - store up treasures in Heaven. Matthew 6:19-22 Sometimes I'll reward you for something and sometimes I won't. I'll change it up to keep them on their toes and so they won't expect to be given something each time they are nice.

Stickers for Calendar Time - I have a stash of cute stickers that aren't too big. After they complete calendar time pages to the best of their abilities they earn a sticker. This is a big motivator for my Pre-K daughter to engage with us during this time and participate. She loves the stickers I have. What's funny is she chooses the teenie tiniest ones of all of them.

Earn ABC Mouse Time - My girls love to play the computer, but I want them to be learning too. So I set the timer for 20-30 minutes and they each have a place to play and earn tickets. After their time is up, I let them play for 10 more minutes on Disney Junior or Nick Jr if they have earned tickets while they were on ABC Mouse. It is possible to just shop and feed hamsters on this site, which a certain red head loves to do! I had to turn off the shopping feature and require her to have a password, so she would save up tickets instead of spending them everytime she earned them.

These aren't the only rewards that they earn, but these are the main ones. My girls love doing school and these are more perks than they are bribes to get them to work. I taught public school for 9 years and I know that there were many a student in my classes who honestly wouldn't work unless you gave them something for doing it. I don't want my kids to be that way. So I think a balance of both is good and helps them understand that you have to be self motivated at times too. 

I'd love to hear about some of your rewards that you do for your children or students!