Positive Reinforcement Strategy

By Jessica Smith in Behavioralism

Posted On December 7, 2011 10:24 AM

At the beginning of the class period or school day there are a lot of things to accomplish. Implementing a starter activity, taking roll, greeting students at the door, locating or creating a seating chart, setting expectations, etc. One thing that should be a priority is setting a positive reinforcement strategy or a system for rewarding appropriate student behavior.

By focusing on the positive rewards you are increasing the likelihood of students behaving well. Some rewards include a fun game for the last few minutes of class, handing out tickets during class and using them for a drawing, or something else.

What reward system do you have in place for when you substitute teach? Share it with other substitute teachers as a comment below.

* A follow up comment. Thank you to those substitute teachers who are sharing their ideas! Please note that we do not advocate using candy as a reward system (there are several reasons behind this including the understanding that you likely will not be familiar with students to have food allergies). Many school districts that we work with have rules regarding not taking candy into the classrooms. Please take time to find out your school district policies.

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I use several strategies. One of them is to write "AWESOME STUDENTS" on the board. When a student is doing something positive I tap them on the shoulder and they put their name on the list. Our goal is to have everyone on the list for the teacher to see the next morning. Another one is FREE TIME. I fill in a letter when the entire class is doing well. They need to spell out "free time" at least 45 minutes before school ends. Then the class can choose an activity for 15 minutes. They absolutely love these ideas!

# Posted By Nan Szaj | 12/7/11 10:47 AM

My strategy is unique. When I intro myself I say I am Ms Verry, like very nic ask e or very mean. And then I ask the kiddos if they want me to be nice or mean. They say nice. I say okay lets follow your teachers rules, try to get our work done and the last five minutes of the day we will play a game I also say lets get as many people as we can to blue or purple (whatever us above green on their stop light) and chose one right away who say down and listened to my directions the while t time

# Posted By Angela Verry | 12/7/11 10:50 AM

Since I generally sub in high school and middle school classrooms, I have two items that I use in math classes quite frequently. The first is comes from a warm-up/entry task book called "What year is it?" It uses math vocabulary, covers historical events, and gives clues for filling in the four digits of a year for the historical event. When students participate and/or get the correct answer, I try to have a piece of candy or other small prize item, like an eraser or pencil or pen. The other has to do with estimation. I bring in a small jar or container filled with candies, like smarties, m+m's, skittles, OR filled with random small items such as paper clips or pop tops or noodles, etc. I hide the correct number of items inside the lids. As students complete an assignment, I allow them to guesstimate the correct number inside the container. The closest guess at the end of the period (without going over, like Price is Right, wins the contents of the container which I then pour into a ziplock baggie. With non-candy contents, I sometimes have a separate treat or prize instead of the contents. If we have time, we discuss the guesses and I give them estimation clues for future use.

# Posted By Jo Ritchey | 12/7/11 11:21 AM

The reward system that I use is the star system, if the student does everything well, I will give them a star for the day. I will select a student to erase the board at the end of class, I will select a student to be teacher helper for the day by having them to pass out writing paper or art supplies, and I will let a student be first in line by giving them a special number for lunch. They will always try their best to be good just to get these incentives.

# Posted By Brenda Osazuwa | 12/7/11 11:24 AM

Depending on the age group, I use stickers or skittles or some other little candy.

# Posted By teresa | 12/7/11 11:34 AM

As many of the teachers have the desks set up into tables, I put an index card on each table. As the students work, I go around the classroom looking for tables that are quiet and on task. If they are following directions, I will give them a tally mark on their index card. The students at tables that have earned 5 tallys will be given a starburst. If they earn 10 tallys they will receive 2 starbursts. For younger students, I will give them stickers. I have also had table contests where students at the table with the most tallys or points at the end of the day will be given a small prize such as sticker sheets or pencils. It's amazing how quickly a class quiets down when I start handing out points.

# Posted By Denise | 12/7/11 12:01 PM

My reward at the end of the day is to the best of my ability, every child feels some form of caring. Every child feels someone wants them to learn, and every child learns at least one thing. This may be about reading, writing or arithmetic. More importantly it might be about life.

# Posted By KATHLEEN SIMS | 12/7/11 1:09 PM

I like to use MadLibs as an incentive, especially in grades 4 and 5. Students are told that if we have a successful day, we will spend the last 10 minutes of class doing a funny MadLib together. Kids are eager for the opportunity to make up goofy stories, and they are also getting a mini-review of grammar. Using this game has always been a "keeper" in my sub bag.

# Posted By Sarah Vinton | 12/7/11 1:34 PM

1. I create a competition/give a game choice (educational)/story after
lesson plan activities are done. 2. While/if they are concentrated, I
make prizes for them. Curiosity gets them to ask what I am upto and
then they strive harder to win them. 3. Otherwise I work with those
wanting attention, guiding towards completion of task. Early finishers
get free choice activity. 90% I do not need to use traditional
reinforcers and moving clips.

# Posted By Vandana | 12/7/11 1:38 PM

@Denise.... I love this idea! thanks for posting.

# Posted By KIMBERLY | 12/7/11 2:03 PM

Concerning suggestion of ancouragement in the classroom ,I can allowed for the best sutdent of the Day a bonus point for the good participation in the classroom or a good standard behevior participation, sometime even a package of candy.

# Posted By Cecile B Bukasa | 12/7/11 2:58 PM

I put a large happy face on the board or piece of large paper. As the class particpates, transitions appropriately from one activity to another and completes assignments I have students sign their name and the appro behavior under the happy face. If you don't want a lot of movement in the room, give students sticky notes to use. You can put them on the sub notes or on the happy face poster for visual reinforcement. Everyone usually wants his/her name lots of times on the poster. It also makes me focus on the positive behavior rather than the negative. I always thank them and verbalize what the appro behavior was and how much I appreciate it. It shows the kids what my appro behavior expectations for the classroom will be throughout the day.
(If I am working in upper grades and middle school I have them work for 3-5 minutes of free time at the end of class if a goal is set and reached.)
I always leave the happy face paper with the teacher to review the next day. I have been told by teachers that it is really nice to receive the happy news upon their return. They can also tell by the names that were NOT on the list who did not work or who did not behave appropriately.
If I am working with a really difficult class I have them write he rules and keep them on their desks as a reminder that I know what the rules are and what is expected of them. This procedure usually works with 98% of the kids.

# Posted By Judi Chapman | 12/7/11 4:46 PM

For grades K through 8, I have several displays I would like to show them, depending on the behhavior and co operation of the class.

# Posted By Nick Bognar | 12/7/11 5:10 PM

Calligraphy is my hobby. I'm amazed that students like name cards written in italic script. "I'll write your name in italic script if you work hard all period" works! I also have a unique Native American design stamp, and I tell students, "I will stamp your work after the last word/problem you complete, so your teacher will know how you used your time this period." If I need to reteach a student one on one, I mention that in my notes to teacher, as that student may not have gotten as much work done.

# Posted By Janet Bowersox | 12/7/11 6:05 PM

Praise, praise and more praise. First impressions are what counts.

# Posted By Fred | 12/7/11 6:35 PM

If I work as a substitute during the week; to encourage good behavior I give out encouraging stickers just before going home.
On Fridays I have special treats for the students, special games, healthy treats, and special trinkets for the treasure chest.

# Posted By Jeanette Jones | 12/7/11 6:51 PM

I usually substitute at the elementary level. Most of my teachers for whom I substitute on a regular basis have an "morning activity" that is done each day as school begins to prepare the students for study. Since different students work at different paces, I often post a riddle on the board (initially covered by the pull-down map until several students have completed the morning activity.) Sometimes, for younger students, I will post a couple of math problems or a sentence with capitalization/punctuation errors. This activity starts the students' brain "working" and prepares them for the lessons to come.

# Posted By Sharon | 12/7/11 9:06 PM

I tell the students after attendance, flag salute or lunch count I will reward them based on their behavior and following instructions. I tell them my expectations or reinforce rules already posted in the classroom. In the lower elementary K through 4th grades, I use a happy and sad face on the white board. If I see the children working quietly I'll put their names on the happy side. My reward usually includes lining up first for recess, lunch or checking out sports equipment. The best tables or rows line up first only if their areas are clean. I' ll give them a few minutes to check their areas for trash on the floor and to straighten their rows or tables. In grades 5th through 8th I will put stars by their names if they turn in the work I give them. It's amazing how well this technique gets the children to get to work and turn in the assignments for rewarding by their teacher. Usually I allow any one listed on the sad face side to redeem themselves and get on the happy side. They can do this by getting back in task and completing the assignment given. In the Highschool grades 9 through 12, I will give students privileges for doing the assignments given. Students on task get priority for bathroom or water passes or time to work on other assignments, use the computer or go to the library for books. Rather than use a happy and sad face, I will just list the names of those students following my instructions and make a separate list for those not following my instructions. Problem students in K through 12th grades can be sent to another classroom, a detention room or the office to talk with an administrator. The latter option is reserved for older students say middle of high school grade levels. You have to be flexible and adjust to the situation your dealing with that day. I believe most students like individual recognition and want to be rewarded for good behavior. Good students don't want to punished for the actions of a few.

# Posted By Anthony Senatore | 12/7/11 9:56 PM

A small clear container of colorful errasers that are pointy on top; not seasonal, or theme based. They'll ask about them, and I'll say I hope that everyone gets one at the end of the day, since I brought one for everyone. Then I might say, "Oh, be careful, I would not want you to miss out on my end-of-the-day treat." Kids need and love errasers. Cheap!

# Posted By debbie taylor | 12/7/11 10:56 PM

I tell the students at the beginning of the hour that I will be watching for good behavior. If I catch them doing what they are supposed to do, I give them a slip of paper to write their name on. At the end of the hour, I collect all of the papers and draw one or two names. I try to catch everyone, even the troublemakers, doing something good. That way everyone has a chance. I bring school supplies: pencils with pencil top erasers, ink pens, big erasers, hi-liters, and small packs of loose-leaf paper. It sounds silly, but I have had 17 year old boys jump up and run to the front to claim their prize. I have 5 children of my own who are constantly running out of paper or losing their pencils, so I know other kids are as well. I have never had a student turn down a prize.

# Posted By Trina Smith | 12/8/11 12:10 AM

I have been a sub for 6 years for our district. Mostly at the high schools. At the beginning of class expectations are given and rewards explained.

# Posted By Patty Commander | 12/8/11 8:35 AM

For my reward system it depends on the grade level I am substitute teaching for. Typically for Elementary I will give out pencils at the end of the day to those students who have done things that were asked of them and did not recieve a color change. For middle school students I will give a "free" time card where for the last 5-10minutes of the class block they can either work on something else due for another class, read quitely, or begin their homework (if they have homework for that day). For highschoolers I usually implement the same reward system that I do for the middle school students.

# Posted By Candice Bobst | 12/8/11 10:30 AM

For my reward system it depends on the grade level I am substitute teaching for. Typically for Elementary I will give out pencils at the end of the day to those students who have done things that were asked of them and did not receive a color change. For middle school students I will give a "free" time card where for the last 5-10minutes of the class block they can either work on something else due for another class, read quietly, or begin their homework (if they have homework for that day). For highschoolers I usually implement the same reward system that I do for the middle school students.

# Posted By Candice Bobst | 12/8/11 10:31 AM

I use "Thumbs Up" as a positive reinforcement tool. I start out by introducing myself and going over the classroom rules so that they know I am aware of how things are supposed to go in their classroom. Then I introduce the "Thumbs Up" board. I tell the students that when I see them making great choices, working hard and following directions that I will ask them to write their name on the thumbs up board. I use part of one of the classroom boards and then leave the names for the teacher to see how well the class did during the day. If they get their name on the board three or more times, then I bring pencils, erasers, bookmarkers (from the dollar store) and give them a special reward. Teachers usually only hear about students that were a challenge during the day and students usually only get their name down when they havn't made the best of choices so it turns a negative into a positive. Students work hard to get their name on the Thumbs Up Board and keep it there.

# Posted By Dana Beck | 12/8/11 10:43 AM

I have what I call a "prize bucket." It's a container I got somewhere and it's filled with prizes. I don't use it for every class, but I try to. I hand out "tickets," which is just scrap paper cut up into small rectangles, and when they do any number of things (from completing an assignment, to helping me with something, etc) they get a ticket to write their name on and it goes into a drawing. Depending on the class's overall behavior, I decide how many tickets to pull. For prizes I get things like pencils, erasers, silly straws, plastic bracelets, stickers, bookmarks, etc. It helps to keep them motivated during class. and FYI, if you have the same kids again, they remember and ask if you will do it again!

# Posted By Kristina | 12/8/11 12:28 PM

Hi, I personally carry a small prize box. Children usually like to see things that are different from those they see in their classrooms. I start by saying that instead of keeping my eyes on those "not too good behavior" I will be looking and keeping track of shinning stars thruout the day. Those students need to really shine with their behavior. By the end of the day, I end by having 4 or 5 out of 29 or 30 students. Those prizes are given once they are ready to go home.

# Posted By Iraida Lahee | 12/8/11 6:09 PM

I substitute in grades 1-4. At the beginning of the day I pass out 3x5 cards (called stamp cards) . I stamp a child's card with my smily face stamp if they follow directions, cooperate, work quietly, complete their assignments, show good behavior. I give rewards if they have earned a certain amount of smiley faces ( 4 stamps = a page from a coloring book that I bring with me, puzzles, drawing, etc.)

# Posted By barbara | 12/8/11 6:49 PM

I like to create a superstar list on the board throughout the day. When I catch a student with good behavior, I quietly ask them to write their name on the list. Another thing I like doing is handing out small cards or pieces of paper to each student in the morning. I ask them to put their name on it and during the day...usually during transitions...I give them a punch or checkmark if they are quiet and listening. At the end of the day, I roll a die and if the students have the same number or higher of punches on their card as the number I rolled, then they get a treat.

# Posted By Stephanie Bradbeer | 12/9/11 1:20 PM

I always use this positive reinforcement strategy, and it works very well! First, I talk about my expectations & we review all of the classroom rules (calling on 1 student at a time to share a rule). Next, I put blanks or empty circles on the board... which will be filled in with letters to spell out the reward (and I share what the reward is so they know what they're working toward). The reward "size" depends on how long I'm there. Last week, I was in a class for only 1/2 day, and the teacher said I could give them Starbursts at the end of the day if they were good. So I put 4 blanks on the board to spell out the word STAR. They did not earn the "R" by the end of the day, so I left it for the teacher to finish... once they earned that letter, they could get their Starbursts. They can earn... and lose... letters throughout the day... and they all have to work together (this is a class reward). Sometimes, just by erasing 1/2 letter, the class works together to get quiet, focus, and continue their work! One class that I subbed in for 3 consecutive days had to earn DORITOS. I went & bought them and gave them to the class on the last day. Of course, you can use "free" rewards like extra RECESS or FREE time or GAME time or another "treat" that the kids are motivated by. It really works & is worth a try!! There are a lot of great ideas out there!!

# Posted By D. Guest | 12/11/11 11:01 AM

Whenever I am in an elementary classroom I put masking tape on all of the desks. When students come in, I explain that the masking tape is for me to draw stars. Every time they are really behaving - take their book out the first time, sitting up straight with their feet under the desk, walk silently in the hall, etc. I give them a star! Depending on the age, I have a 'star goal' that if they reach it, they may select a prize out of my prize bag at the end of the day! Kids love it!

For middle school students, I create an ‘awesome list.’ It’s the same idea, only if kids are behaving - instead of earning a star they get to sign the awesome list. It sounds corny, but students get really into it!

# Posted By Liz Reynolds | 12/12/11 3:42 PM

This is tough to do when you have six periods of middle or high school students. Also, there is often so much that the teacher expects to get accomplished in a short period of time, and I would be remiss in taking 5 minutes at the end of class for playing a game. Should it be a reward? You can't withhold a reward and punish the well-behaved students, so sometimes I have a short activity for those who finish their work early.

# Posted By tom | 12/14/11 7:30 PM

Interesting comments posted by several teachers! It appears many teachers work with elementary students. Many of you bring your own rewards such as stickers or pages from coloring books. I too bring worksheets like word searches, crossword puzzles or math worksheets. I only use mine in emergencies like if there are no lesson plans or emergency lesson plans. I'll keep the students occupied long enought to put a lesson plan together for the day. I usually get familiar with the procedures established by the regular teacher. I start by looking at the classroom rules, discipline charts, duty roster for students and then the reward systems set up. I'll use what has been already established by the teacher since the children are familiar with it. However, not all teachers have good routines established in the classroom. BE AWARE! Some teachers give candy as a form of reward. I have seen it used, misused and abused! I don't give out any candies or the regular teachers candies. I don't do prize box drawings. This isn't a game show! I have read that a typical student in K-12 grades will spend a full school year during their education with a Substitute Teacher! I feel we have a responsibility to complete the lesson plans given and to enforce discipline and classroom rules. I too have worked with the younger students including preschool. I have given out many stickers or tickets as a reward for good behavior. I do put a limit on it. Happy Holidays!

# Posted By Anthony Senatore | 12/15/11 10:55 AM

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