Praise and reward schemes have been used in schools for decades. We all understand the importance of reinforcing good behaviour and how it can be more effective than simply reprimanding bad behaviour. Positive reinforcement is a great way of getting the best from pupils. Consistent and fair reward schemes naturally affect good behaviour and students feel motivated to work harder.
At School Postcards we have found the most successful reward schemes are those that are cohesive and incorporate the school values or behavioural policies. We help schools to tie these in using a range of visually appealing items. Incorporating the school’s branding, colour, logo, motto or mascot into these items helps give the school a more bespoke system that pupils can really engage with.
Ideas for creative reward systems
Innovative, fun ideas are more likely to work because children will actually want to receive the reward.
Certificates: In the past we’ve designed all kinds of certificates for schools; certificates for achievement, attendance and for displaying specific behaviours. Certificates for attendance based around the seasons have had a particularly positive response. Each term there is a new seasonal certificate to work towards. Pupils want to collect the whole set of seasons so are more motivated to improve their attendance.
Postcards: Our postcards have proven extremely popular with students and parents alike. Parents enjoy receiving something that shows how well their child is performing and it really improves the home school connection. We’ve found having a set of postcards works best, as children are motivated to try and collect them all. Some of the feedback we’ve had includes:
“It just gives both pupils and parents a little feedback on how they’re doing and where good work can be rewarded.”
“The postcards keep motivation high and we have new ones designed every year to keep the focus on our development priorities and to keep them exciting and fresh. The home-school connection was highly praised during our recent inspection.”
“They support us in connecting with our parents by sending them something personalised about their child’s achievements.”
Badges: Badges are a great way for children to show off their achievements and we have seen first-hand how proudly students wear their badges. Some schools we have worked with have different badges for different achievements and even order new sets each year to keep them fresh and keep pupils motivated to win them.
Collecting card books: One of the most versatile reward systems we help design are our collecting cards. These cards are bespoke; created specifically for each school.
Originally we designed them as a sticker collecting card. Each month the school focussed on a specific value. The collector’s cards had a space for each pupil to write down examples of that value to show they understood it. The children were then awarded a sticker when they demonstrated that particular value. We also left a space for the pupils to record their favourite memory of each month relating to that value.
When the cards were completed the pupils could exchange them for an enamel badge. At the end of the year the cards were collated into a keepsake book so pupils could take a look back over their school year.
We have recreated this idea in many other schools we work with but tailored it to their own individual requirements. Using it in conjunction with our bespoke stickers and badges has proven very successful and popular with pupils.
Alternatively some schools have used them as yearbooks for pupils to keep a record throughout the year. The children can write down their goals for the term, record their biggest achievements and remember the clubs and teams they were part of.
We can design the cards and matching covers to your exact requirements so they fit with the development and learning objectives of your school. However you choose to use them, these make lovely mementos and something children can proudly show off to their parents.
Benefits of incorporating values
Using the school values, behaviour policies or code of conduct as a reward system creates a fair and consistent scheme.
Children understand exactly what is expected of them and exactly what to do to earn rewards.
Teachers find it easier to reward consistently because there is a clear structure so they are more incentivised to use it.
Having a clear, easy to understand reward system encourages children to display appropriate behaviour and motivates them to try their best.
Building a better home-school connection
We design attractive items which children and parents will want to keep and display.
Having physical rewards that are visually appealing helps to bridge the gap between home and school.
Children will have something to proudly show their parents to prove how well they are doing at school.
Parents will enjoy seeing their child praised and rewarded for good behaviour and will encourage their children to keep working hard.
Get started
School Postcards can work with you to create cohesive, bespoke reward systems that work. We are happy to discuss any ideas you have, or help you come up with brand new ones. We can design all kinds of fun, innovative rewards including certificates, medals, badges, postcards, stickers, pens, bookmarks, keyrings, fuzzy bugs, collector’s cards, fridge magnets, wristbands and many other items. We can work with your existing school values, logo, motto or branding or we can help you rebrand from scratch.
If you’d like to know more about what we do or get help designing your own creative solutions, then get in touch.
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