Successful Reward Plans for Elementary Schoolers

By the time your child enters elementary school, her bad habits may seem ingrained.  To add to your frustration, her interactions with other kids her age in a school setting might bring out some of those bad behaviors in ways that challenge her teachers, her caretakers, and you.  Not to worry, your child’s behavior challenges can be addressed with a reward plan.  A well-thought-out reward plan can help you help your child exchange good behaviors for bad and establish desirable behaviors.

Reward Plan Benefits Grade Schoolers

It’s human nature to work for a reward.   But implementing a consistent and positive reward plan and finding the right reward is the key to building great habits in children.

• Increase your child’s self esteem
• Help your child exercise independence
• Make interactions with peers, teachers, and family members more enjoyable.
• Encourage your child to monitor her progress toward a goal 
• Implementing a Successful Reward Plan

 Before you initiate a reward plan, take a look at these six steps for success.  Involve your child in every step of the process to ensure his participation.

1. Identify the problem behavior(s).  Work with your child on this one.  When kids begin school, undesirable behaviors can seem multiplied.  Talk to your child’s teacher, then sit down with her and discuss what you and her teachers expect from her.  At this age, it’s important to work on only one behavior at a time so your child can focus.  The older the child, the more behaviors you can work on at once.
2. Select a fun behavior chart and print it out to hang on the wall. Again, get your child’s input on this so that she feels in control of the process.  Use check marks or award points as she reaches each mini goal.  To avoid boredom, change charts each week. It’s also ok to “raise the bar” and make the behavior task a bit more challenging.  For example, if you’re working on listening behavior, instead of giving a point for each time she pays attention instead of interrupting you, offer 5 points if she listens each day that week at home and at school.   Set up an online system for computer-oriented kids to keep track of behavior points.
3. Select a reward.  Make sure that the reward is commensurate with the behavior you’re working on.  Save larger rewards for more challenging behaviors; use smaller rewards for small goals.  Remember, kids don’t really need anything more than your time and attention as a reward.  YOU (yep, you, the parent) are the best reward.  Make rewards include fun family time like baking cookies together or a trip to the park.  Family time really is a great incentive that both parents and kids can look forward to.
4. Follow through.  No behavior or reward plan will work unless you follow through.   A behavior chart is designed to keep you and your child on task.   For elementary-aged kids, put the chart in a conspicuous place; keep charts for older kids in a notebook. Stay on top of the plan and your child will follow suit.
5. Remember the principles.  There are a few basic rules that can help you make your plan a success.  Don’t worry, they are simple to follow:  a) Be Positive, b) Be Consistent, c) Be Realistic and d) Praise Often.
6. Recognition.  Make reward day the big deal it is.  Give your child plenty of praise and a recognize your child's accomplishments.

Free Printables for Reward Plans

Reward charts for kids help kids learn that they can have responsibilities and a bit of control over their environment. The charts communicate behaviors you want to see completed. Some parents let their child suggest rewards. This is an excellent idea as long as it is guided by the parents. Kids will be motivated to work toward rewards they really want. Start with small rewards, like a movie ticket, or extra TV time, or perhaps some extra allowance. Not all rewards have to be something that costs money. Some kids would be happy with a trip to the park or alone time with dad. Children's reward charts can be for many different activities. Here are some examples.

Behavior Charts - An easy and fun visual way to stay consistent with any behavior.
Chore Charts - List those chores and watch them get done.
Homework Charts - If your child struggles with homework, give him an incentive.
Morning and Evening Routine Charts - Eliminate those morning and evening battles with a good hygiene chart.
Points System - use our online points and reward system to coincide with whatever chart you prefer to use.

Behaviors to Improve with Reward Plans

A well planned reward program will work for just about any behavior.  Here are a few ideas to get you thinking:

• Sharing and taking turns
• Paying attention to teachers
• Eliminating morning and nighttime routine issues and disruptions
• Getting homework done
• Getting chores done
• Attending to personal hygiene
• Hand washing
• Eliminate or Cope with Bullying

Successfully implementing reward plans will have benefits beyond mere behavior modifications.  Reward charts foster a sense of working together that can enhance your relationships and bring you closer in addition to building self esteem and put your child on the path to developing great habits.