Teachers Collaborative @ TeachTasticIEP
Oct 19, 20193 min
Updated: May 8
Keeping students engaged and motivated as they progress toward their IEP goals doesn’t need to be complicated or costly. The key is finding rewards that speak directly to your students, inspiring them to work a little harder.
A classroom economy system, which has been around for ages, remains one of the most effective methods for positive reinforcement. While there’s ongoing debate about whether or not to include snacks or the nature of other rewards, the bottom line is simple: find what motivates each child. For some, it might be fruit snacks, while others may favor bendy toys with googly eyes.
To help you build a rewarding classroom economy system, here are six cost-effective and popular rewards that resonate with students:
Personalized Pencils - Personalized pencils are always a hit, especially when they come with a dash of humor. Mine are labeled "Stolen from Mrs. Hicks," and my students love them! I give away at least three pencils weekly at 5 class bucks each. They consistently motivate students to stay on task and complete assignments.
Pencil Toppers - Dollar stores and back-to-school sales can offer great prices on pencil toppers, with a recent find of 144 toppers for $8.50 at Oriental Trading. Priced at 2 class bucks, these toppers not only add flair but also encourage students to be responsible by tracking their erasers.
Stickers - Silly stickers never go out of style! Opt for variety, store them in airtight bags to maintain freshness, and avoid overbuying seasonal stickers. A simple sticker sheet often keeps students focused on reaching their daily goals.
Bendable Toys - A spontaneous purchase turned classroom staple, these toys are priced at 15 class bucks and encourage students to maintain consistent effort in their work. One student who struggled with focus was able to complete five consecutive sessions on task to earn a bendy toy.
Holiday Themed Toys - Holiday toys are excellent motivators and easy on the wallet when bought during post-holiday clearance sales. By planning ahead, you can keep things festive and engaging without breaking the bank.
Lanyards - A surprisingly popular item, especially among boys. Themes like sports and school logos increase their appeal, and students enjoy showing off their rewards.
Setting Up a Reward System
The secret to maintaining interest in the classroom store is variety. With an inventory of about 20 items, priced under a dollar (most less than fifty cents), I let students choose 10 items monthly that they’d like to work toward. These are displayed on a bulletin board with prices clearly marked.
In middle school, I involve students in setting prices, giving them a sense of ownership while practicing math. For example, a googly-eyed toy priced at $.50 converts to 12 class bucks. This requires students to be on task for 12 consecutive sessions to earn it. It's also an opportunity to reinforce the growth mindset, emphasizing that consistency pays off.
Addressing Concerns
Some educators express concerns about rewarding students with toys or snacks, worried it might promote extrinsic motivation. However, I’ve found that combining rewards with positive reinforcement strategies keeps things equitable and effective. It inspires perseverance and even fosters collaboration as students sometimes pool their classroom bucks to achieve their goals together.
Closing Thoughts
A well-planned classroom economy can work wonders for motivating students to reach their IEP goals. The enthusiasm it sparks is contagious and makes learning enjoyable. What reward systems do you find effective in your classroom? Share your thoughts in the comments below and explore more resources on TeachTastic!