How to Use a Whole Class Reward System for Better Classroom Management 

Teaching in January and February hits different. The holiday magic has worn off, the days are still dark and cold, and your classroom energy? Let’s just say it’s not quite what it was back in September.

If your routines are starting to slip and behaviors feel more unpredictable, you’re definitely not alone. Mid-year is when even the strongest classroom management systems need a little refresh.

That’s why now is the perfect time to introduce a whole-class reward system that brings back the teamwork and positive vibes you had at the start of the year.

And the best part? It’s super easy and quick to set up, and students will love it!

Whole Class Reward System – How it Works ✅

A great way to bring your students together is to work towards a common goal. 

And who doesn’t love a common goal like extra recess, PJ day, or a movie day?!? 

Implementing a whole class reward system works really well when there are specific expectations you really want to nail down with your class. (Quick transitions, voices off in the hall, following voice level expectations, using kind words, etc.) 

The beautiful part of this whole class reward system is that it’s simple. It doesn’t require a ton of extra work on your part, and it can truly cost you almost nothing. 

Here’s how to bring this system to your classroom

In your classroom, you’ll hang up a reward that the entire class will work towards earning. 

I recommend having students vote on a reward, so it is one they are super excited about!

Underneath the reward, you’ll put an empty grid. Each time your students do something totally awesome (meet the expectation you’re working on, get a compliment from another teacher, or are just generic rockstars), you add a smiley face to the grid. 

When the grid is full, the students have earned the reward! 

How to customize it for your own class

To begin customizing, you can edit the rewards your students work towards. 

There are many options included in the whole class reward system kit to get you started, and the PowerPoint file is also editable. 

Which means you can write out any reward you want your students to work towards! 

Browse through more FREE ideas of whole class rewards here! 

Next, you can change up the wording of the heading for your display. 

You can go with “We’re working towards”, use the “Class Reward” heading, or create your own! 

Finally, you get to decide how quickly the reward is earned. 

There are a couple of different-sized grids included to require more or fewer smiley faces to earn the reward. 

There is a grid with space for 10 smileys, or an option with spaces for 20 smileys. 😊

Get this whole class reward system set up in your classroom today! 

Individual Student Rewards

You might be looking for some ways to highlight individual students as well as the whole class. 

But you want something that isn’t going to require hours of your time each day, or break the bank with small treasure chest trinkets. 

These individual student reward coupons are just what you’re looking for. 

A massive bank of coupons (all providing students with free reward ideas and activities) that you can hand out to students when you see them doing something amazing. 

This provides you with a way to recognize the personal effort individual students are making. 

You can either allow your students to choose a coupon of their choice, or hand them one you know they will love! 

The opportunities truly are endless with what students can earn coupons for, and the ones included are all free options! 

Bring these coupons to your classroom today with the individual student reward kit. 

Tips for Getting Started

Whether you choose to bring the whole class reward system for your students, the individual student coupons, or both, here are some ideas on how to get this reward system up and running in your classroom.

1. Keep it simple & consistent 

Your students need to understand what will earn them smiley faces. 

And if it earns them a smiley face one time, you better believe they will remember the next time that happens, too. 😉

2. Clearly explain how the rewards are earned

Talk with your students about how many smiley faces are needed to earn the whole class reward. 

Talk through the process of students being able to “redeem” a coupon they’ve earned. 

3. Celebrate sucessess 

The first time you implement a whole class reward goal, pick an expectation or routine your students are already decent at. 

Allow them to experience some early success as they work towards their first reward. 

4. Adjust when needed 

If something isn’t working or you need to readjust how things are done, do it! 

Explain to your students that you’re still trying to figure out how everything works & how you want this to run for your classroom. 

Regardless of which system you choose to bring into your classroom, your students will be SO excited to earn those rewards. 

Which means you will get to enjoy a classroom that runs smoothly and celebrates the growth your students are making, without spending every minute monitoring behavior. 

If classroom management is something you’re still figuring out, check out my top 3 tips for how to get started.