Classroom rewards

Classroom rewards

Using food as a reward for good behaviour or for participating in an activity can contribute to children thinking about food as a ‘treat’, or something that needs to be earnt to be eaten. Foods that are used as rewards might become more desirable.

If you use rewards in the classroom, we encourage you to choose non-food options.

Type of rewardExamples
Social reward
  • Attention, praise or thanks
Recognition
  • A certificate, ribbon, sticker or token
  • A phone call, letter or email sent home to parents or carers
  • Recognition in the school newsletter or assembly
  • A class 'student of the day'
Privileges
  • Choosing a class activity
  • Helping the teacher
  • Sitting by friends or in a special seat
  • Extra play time or choosing a game to play
  • Free choice activity
  • Writing or drawing on the board
  • Taking care of the class animal or mascot for the day
Rewards for the whole class
  • An outdoor lesson
  • Playing an active game as a class
  • Extra play time
  • Extra art, music, physical education or reading time
  • Games afternoon
  • Class free dress day
School Supplies
  • Bookmarks
  • Stickers
  • Highlighters
  • Coloured pencils and pens
  • Notepads or notebooks
Other ideas
  • Water bottles
  • Badges
  • Frisbees
  • Yoyos
  • A plant or seeds and a pot for growing herbs or vegetables
  • House points
  • Lucky dip of stationary items or stickers
  • Stress ball