Helping all children become happy learners
Reward Systems At Home
Introduction
Reward systems can be highly effective in changing children's behaviour when used consistently and fairly. They tend to work best when the child is involved in agreeing a little but desirable reward and the target involves a small change to their behaviour. Often they work well at the beginning when everyone is enthusiastic about the reward chart. Unfortunately, often they become abandoned too soon. This can be because the behaviour does not change quick enough and adults give up on their usefulness. Equally when the desired behaviour change does takes place parents can be too quick to think that the reward system is no longer required.
As a simple rule of thumb always give at least two weeks for a reward chart to effect some change. Expect the occasional drawback and judge the success not on completely changing the behaviour but whether the frequency of the desired behaviour has improved. Try to keep the reward system going for at least a couple of months to reinforce and embed the positive behaviour. Eventually, all reward systems stop being useful but it can be worth introducing a different system to continue rewarding positive behaviour as behaviour expectations develop.
Below is a range of ready made reward charts suitable for the home. Many are linked to similar reward charts for use in schools. It is of course often better to make up your own reward charts and tailor the theme to a particular interest of your child.
7 Day Reward Chart - 4 Targets
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This reward chart is unusual in that there is space for up to 4 targets. This enables the child to gain their reward for any one of the 4 targets achieved each day
Alien Reward Chart 7 Days
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A simple weekly reward chart based on the Al the Alien character. Identify one specific target for your child to achieve in order to receive the agreed reward. Other alien reward charts can be found on the Alien Reward Systems page
Descriptive Behaviour Reward Chart with Photo
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This is a reward chart where you identify a behaviour you want improved and write up to four statements that describe what the child needs to do to succeed. Put a photo of your child doing the correct behaviour on the reward chart to provide a visual reminder. Rewards work best when done over short periods of time and the child is motivated by the agreed reward
Hearts Reward Chart 7 Days
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A seven day reward chart for children who like hearts. Similar heart reward charts can be found on the Hearts Reward Systems page
My Bedtime Reward Chart
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A reward chart to promote a good sleep routine. Set achievable targets with modest rewards for the best impact
My Bedtime Reward Chart 2
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Aslternative version of the bedtime reward chart using less printer ink. Set achievable targets with modest rewards for the best impact.
My Star Chart - Five Stars
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Five numbered stars arranged within a larger star to help the child see their progress towards the agreed goal.
My Star Chart - Seven Stars
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A seven star (one week) star chart with space for target and reward
My Star Chart - Ten Stars
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Ten numbered stars arranged within and around a larger star. The child can colour in a star each time the target behaviour is achieved and they can see their progress towards the agreed reward
My Checklist - blank
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This blank checklist is also a reward system. Children can earn rewards for any of the targets achieved. They should not be required to achieve everything on the list unless this is something they can readily achieve
Robot Reward Chart - 7 Days
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A simple weekly reward chart based on the Robbie the Robot character. Identify one specific target for your child to achieve in order to receive the agreed reward. Other robot reward charts can be found on the Robot Reward Systems page
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