How to Use Coupons as a Positive Classroom Reward System

Positive reinforcement is the perfect way to motivate students to participate in class and contribute to a positive classroom environment. Learn ways to incorporate an effective coupon reward system in the classroom.

Classroom Coupons as a Positive Reward System

I remember a time during student teaching when my coordinating teacher was teaching a lesson, and a student kept calling out and disrupting the class. Each time he called out, she would take a sticker off his reward chart. This frustrated him, and he continued to call out.

Eventually, we sat down and devised a plan to solve the problem. We decided that instead of reacting to negative behavior, we would be vigilant about responding to his positive behavior (and the behavior of others).

In the next weeks, we went out of our way to reward positive behavior. We praised students with tidy areas, cheered on students working hard, and passed out tokens to kids who sat quietly during a lesson. Students quickly learned that positive behavior got them the attention they desired.

Teachers have used positive reward systems in the classroom with success. Learn how classroom reward coupons might be the perfect classroom management system for you.

Using Reward Coupons in the Classroom

Reward coupons are a simple positive reinforcement tool to use with your students. Kids love receiving compliments and being helpers, so use that to your advantage as you plan your reward system each year and give coupons a try.

I recommend setting up a classroom reward area with a bulletin board and posters reminding students about positive behavior. This area is an easy place to house your coupons as well.

Why Use Coupons as a Positive Reward System

Positive reward systems are beneficial for many reasons. Students thrive off positive reinforcement and recognition. They much prefer praise and rewards over punishment and having things taken away.

Here are a few reasons you’ll want to use a reward system.

• Positivity – Kids react better to positive words than negative ones. Some kids do fine with both, but most are motivated more by praise.
• Fun – Reward coupons are like money! This makes collecting and redeeming coupons for fun rewards enjoyable.
• No-cost – There’s no cost to you to pass out coupons. You’ll need some paper for printing, but you won’t have to purchase prize box items, popsicles for a party, or other things to give out.
• Use with Class Dojo – If you use Class Dojo or any similar app, you can also record the coupons within the app for parents to see. This is a great way to keep the lines of communication open with parents.

Coupons are Easy to Set Up & Manage

If you wish to use reward coupons, there are a few simple ways to organize and manage them for easy access.

Use a Teacher Toolbox – Place colorful coupons in the drawers of a plastic desk organizer for easy access. Place the organizer at the front of your desk or somewhere in your classroom that you can keep an eye on.

Use a Plastic Box – This small tackle box can be tucked away on your desk or up on a shelf. It’s just as easy to access, and you can even take it with you to recess or within the building.

Remember: Decide when kids have access and set expectations for them ahead of time. Determine whether students keep or return their coupons after use. I recommend laminating coupons to make them last all year!

Fun Coupons Choices

Giving students many coupon options helps keep them engaged with this classroom management strategy all year.

If you are wondering what types of coupons to use in the classroom, here are a few great ideas to get you started.

Group Coupons

Group coupons are things that the class works together on to earn.

• Pajama Party – Invite students to wear their pajamas to school when the class gains enough coupons!
• Popcorn Party – Bring popcorn for the class after they collect enough coupons.
• Glow Party – Delight your class with a glow party in the dark. Supply glow sticks or bring flashlights for a fun time.

Individual Coupons for Kids

Individual coupons are things that students earn on their own.

• Sit with a Friend – Allow students to sit with a friend of their choice during a lesson, at lunch, or during independent work times.
• Wear Shades – Allow students to wear sunglasses to school for the day.
• Tell a Joke – Let students tell a joke to the class.
• Share a Book – Have students bring a book to share with the class.
• Extra Tech Time – Give students extra technology time (5 or 10 minutes).
• Lunch Helper – Allow students to help with a special task at lunch.

Kids will be motivated to work hard when rewarded individually and as a group. Everyone will have fun!

Classroom Coupons: A Reward System Made Easy

All these ideas and more are included in my Class Coupons Reward System. These printable classroom coupons are the perfect reward system for your classroom.

The Classroom Coupons include 70 coupons, posters for easy set-up, and lots of fun options.

These classroom coupons will save you time as a teacher. No need to brainstorm reward ideas; they are already created for you. Just download, print, and pass them out when you notice positive behavior.

Want to Try Some Coupons for FREE?

Try 10 of the coupons in your classroom with this FREE, printable resource!

Not sure whether this resource if for you? Try out 10 of the coupons for FREE to see how much you’ll love them. Kids will LOVE receiving them as rewards for positive behavior and you will see fast results as students work hard to earn coupons.

Click the image below to grab a copy.

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