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Daycare Center and Family Home Forum>Reward Ideas
kcnjason 06:59 AM 07-14-2011
I'm looking into making reward charts for my daycare children. I am looking for ideas for rewards. For example, I'm thinking to reward for cleaning their plates etc off of the table, being quiet during rest time, etc......ideas would be great!
familyschoolcare 07:12 AM 07-14-2011
Are you sure you want to reward children for expected behavior. I think it send the wrong message children should be expected to follow rules with out getting a reward. Do you get a reward when you remember to wash the dishes?
With that said how old are the children? stickers are always fun at any age? Another fun thing is small army type Guys the dollar tree sell them in army fire fighters and policemen etc.
With that said how old are the children? stickers are always fun at any age? Another fun thing is small army type Guys the dollar tree sell them in army fire fighters and policemen etc.
Pammie 07:14 AM 07-14-2011
I don't believe in rewarding kids for doing regular every-day responsibilities that are expected of them. I expect them to do these things and show ownership and responsibility. The good feelings that they get from doing a "good job" and the "thank you for doing a good job" praise from me and their friends - they "own" that behavior, and they learn it feels good to do a good job for the sake of doing a good job. No extra stickers, prizes, treats, etc.
Cleaning their place at the table - just an expected part of their meal-time responsibility.
Being quiet during naptime - expected.
Putting their shoes in the basket and their belongings in their bags - expected.
Now when a child goes ABOVE AND BEYOND the expected, on their own initiative (like helping another child clean up the crayon bucket that they spilled without being asked OR running to help a friend who is having trouble on the teeter totter) then I reward them with HUGE praise and a "bow-WOW" card. Just a little doggie clip art card that I make with a "WOW" and an explanation of the stupendous behavior that they showed on their own initiative. The kids just BEAM with pride when they get a bow-WOW card and are so proud to show to mom and dad - with their own version of the tale of what they did to receive it! Again - the kids are owning their own behavior.
My own kids never got allowances for doing the things that we expected them to do as a member of the family. They could *earn* money by doing jobs that were above-and-beyond the expected. I think that it's not teaching kids to do a good job for the sake of doing a good job - if they begin to expect to be rewarded for doing the expected.
Just my very own most humble opinion.
Cleaning their place at the table - just an expected part of their meal-time responsibility.
Being quiet during naptime - expected.
Putting their shoes in the basket and their belongings in their bags - expected.
Now when a child goes ABOVE AND BEYOND the expected, on their own initiative (like helping another child clean up the crayon bucket that they spilled without being asked OR running to help a friend who is having trouble on the teeter totter) then I reward them with HUGE praise and a "bow-WOW" card. Just a little doggie clip art card that I make with a "WOW" and an explanation of the stupendous behavior that they showed on their own initiative. The kids just BEAM with pride when they get a bow-WOW card and are so proud to show to mom and dad - with their own version of the tale of what they did to receive it! Again - the kids are owning their own behavior.
My own kids never got allowances for doing the things that we expected them to do as a member of the family. They could *earn* money by doing jobs that were above-and-beyond the expected. I think that it's not teaching kids to do a good job for the sake of doing a good job - if they begin to expect to be rewarded for doing the expected.
Just my very own most humble opinion.
Auntie 07:15 AM 07-14-2011
We have caught being good coins. And we don't give them out eveyday. We will remind the kids about them. But we surprise them with it. We only give one out a day. Eg. If I see a child picks up a paper towel off the floor and throw it away I will gather the kids to a small group and say I saw so and so pick up a paper towel on the floor that someone else didn't get into the garbage. They were caught being a good helper. And I will give them a caught being good coin. (since then all the kids are making sure to keep the paper towels off the floor)
We can not reward for cleaning their plate. We were discouraged from encouraging them to do so by our director. We can ask that they try something on their plate. But we cannot reward with food or use food as a tool for reward.
We can not reward for cleaning their plate. We were discouraged from encouraging them to do so by our director. We can ask that they try something on their plate. But we cannot reward with food or use food as a tool for reward.
Auntie 07:19 AM 07-14-2011
Originally Posted by Pammie:
I don't believe in rewarding kids for doing regular every-day responsibilities that are expected of them. I expect them to do these things and show ownership and responsibility. The good feelings that they get from doing a "good job" and the "thank you for doing a good job" praise from me and their friends - they "own" that behavior, and they learn it feels good to do a good job for the sake of doing a good job. No extra stickers, prizes, treats, etc.
Cleaning their place at the table - just an expected part of their meal-time responsibility.
Being quiet during naptime - expected.
Putting their shoes in the basket and their belongings in their bags - expected.
Now when a child goes ABOVE AND BEYOND the expected, on their own initiative (like helping another child clean up the crayon bucket that they spilled without being asked OR running to help a friend who is having trouble on the teeter totter) then I reward them with HUGE praise and a "bow-WOW" card. Just a little doggie clip art card that I make with a "WOW" and an explanation of the stupendous behavior that they showed on their own initiative. The kids just BEAM with pride when they get a bow-WOW card and are so proud to show to mom and dad - with their own version of the tale of what they did to receive it! Again - the kids are owning their own behavior.
My own kids never got allowances for doing the things that we expected them to do as a member of the family. They could *earn* money by doing jobs that were above-and-beyond the expected. I think that it's not teaching kids to do a good job for the sake of doing a good job - if they begin to expect to be rewarded for doing the expected.
Just my very own most humble opinion.
You had typed this as the same time i was doing my post. Yes above and beyond what is expected is what we do too. I don't believe in rewarding kids for doing regular every-day responsibilities that are expected of them. I expect them to do these things and show ownership and responsibility. The good feelings that they get from doing a "good job" and the "thank you for doing a good job" praise from me and their friends - they "own" that behavior, and they learn it feels good to do a good job for the sake of doing a good job. No extra stickers, prizes, treats, etc.
Cleaning their place at the table - just an expected part of their meal-time responsibility.
Being quiet during naptime - expected.
Putting their shoes in the basket and their belongings in their bags - expected.
Now when a child goes ABOVE AND BEYOND the expected, on their own initiative (like helping another child clean up the crayon bucket that they spilled without being asked OR running to help a friend who is having trouble on the teeter totter) then I reward them with HUGE praise and a "bow-WOW" card. Just a little doggie clip art card that I make with a "WOW" and an explanation of the stupendous behavior that they showed on their own initiative. The kids just BEAM with pride when they get a bow-WOW card and are so proud to show to mom and dad - with their own version of the tale of what they did to receive it! Again - the kids are owning their own behavior.
My own kids never got allowances for doing the things that we expected them to do as a member of the family. They could *earn* money by doing jobs that were above-and-beyond the expected. I think that it's not teaching kids to do a good job for the sake of doing a good job - if they begin to expect to be rewarded for doing the expected.
Just my very own most humble opinion.
If only one person is doing what is asked from the teacher eg. sit quietly at the table and only one person does it. I will say I like how so and so is sitting quietly. And the rest will follow that good behavior.
kcnjason 07:46 AM 07-14-2011
I was meaning cleaning their PLACE from the table, not cleaning their plates by eating all of their food. I was thinking more of a good behavior chart but it sounds like others don't do that. why not reward children for good behavior? stickers, small things etc......
momma4many 07:53 AM 07-14-2011
I agree with some of the previous posters. Never have, never will reward for expected behavior. Even cleaning your place off from the table is expected, not exceptional. My own kids used to say, "Do I get a reward for that?" and I would say, "Yup, you get to feel good about taking care of your responsibilities!" They stopped asking for rewards pretty quickly. I don't know where they got the idea that I might start doing this, but I'm sure it was a friend's house or a family member's where they saw the reward thing.
If you think it would work for you, then by all means give it a try. I have just never agreed with it b/c I feel like I am "barganing" for responsibility, accountability and good behavior. It's a slippery slope IMO. Doesn't mean it's right or wrong or the only way, just the way I do things.
If you think it would work for you, then by all means give it a try. I have just never agreed with it b/c I feel like I am "barganing" for responsibility, accountability and good behavior. It's a slippery slope IMO. Doesn't mean it's right or wrong or the only way, just the way I do things.
Crazy8 08:09 AM 07-14-2011
I don't do anything with my daycare kids but I do have a chore chart for my own kids and they are rewarded with money for it. I go back and forth on it because while I do feel it is expected behavior they are also at the age where they want to buy things that I do not want to pay for so there aren't many ways for them to "earn" money. I figure we all do our "jobs" to get paid (along with other reasons) so I made "jobs" for them around the house. Things like cleaning the playroom/family room, taking out the garbage, washing the dishes are things that they get paid to do.
But no, I wouldn't do a reward chart for little ones, except maybe a potty chart.
But no, I wouldn't do a reward chart for little ones, except maybe a potty chart.
Meeko 08:12 AM 07-14-2011
Any rewards we give out are for EXCEPTIONAL behavior. We never give rewards for what should be expected, regular behavior.
I have one three year old who's mother treats him for just blinking.
When he first started here, he asked for treats every single day, for absolutely everything. Then when leaving he would always say "I been good. Can I have a treat?" His mother seemed as eager for him to get one as he was. I had to explain to her that I don't give treats to kids to ask for one and and that it has to be earned by going above and beyond what is expected. He doesn't get a treat for just being awake! His mom seemed shocked...as if it's impossible to function without bribing a child!
In his house he gets a sticker for not fussing about brushing his teeth. He gets a candy treat for not fussing about getting dressed. He gets a toy for getting in the car.....etc....etc......etc..... He's figured out that he can threaten to act like a hellion and mom caves and supplies treats. He's a bright little thing!
It was a bit of a wake up call when he started here and found out that good behavior is just expected.
However, he's still in charge at his house and makes sure his mother still tows the line and does what he wants........
I have one three year old who's mother treats him for just blinking.
When he first started here, he asked for treats every single day, for absolutely everything. Then when leaving he would always say "I been good. Can I have a treat?" His mother seemed as eager for him to get one as he was. I had to explain to her that I don't give treats to kids to ask for one and and that it has to be earned by going above and beyond what is expected. He doesn't get a treat for just being awake! His mom seemed shocked...as if it's impossible to function without bribing a child!
In his house he gets a sticker for not fussing about brushing his teeth. He gets a candy treat for not fussing about getting dressed. He gets a toy for getting in the car.....etc....etc......etc..... He's figured out that he can threaten to act like a hellion and mom caves and supplies treats. He's a bright little thing!
It was a bit of a wake up call when he started here and found out that good behavior is just expected.
However, he's still in charge at his house and makes sure his mother still tows the line and does what he wants........
nannyde 08:24 AM 07-14-2011
Originally Posted by Meeko60:
Any rewards we give out are for EXCEPTIONAL behavior. We never give rewards for what should be expected, regular behavior.
I have one three year old who's mother treats him for just blinking.
When he first started here, he asked for treats every single day, for absolutely everything. Then when leaving he would always say "I been good. Can I have a treat?" His mother seemed as eager for him to get one as he was. I had to explain to her that I don't give treats to kids to ask for one and and that it has to be earned by going above and beyond what is expected. He doesn't get a treat for just being awake! His mom seemed shocked...as if it's impossible to function without bribing a child!
In his house he gets a sticker for not fussing about brushing his teeth. He gets a candy treat for not fussing about getting dressed. He gets a toy for getting in the car.....etc....etc......etc..... He's figured out that he can threaten to act like a hellion and mom caves and supplies treats. He's a bright little thing!
It was a bit of a wake up call when he started here and found out that good behavior is just expected.
However, he's still in charge at his house and makes sure his mother still tows the line and does what he wants........
Any rewards we give out are for EXCEPTIONAL behavior. We never give rewards for what should be expected, regular behavior.
I have one three year old who's mother treats him for just blinking.
When he first started here, he asked for treats every single day, for absolutely everything. Then when leaving he would always say "I been good. Can I have a treat?" His mother seemed as eager for him to get one as he was. I had to explain to her that I don't give treats to kids to ask for one and and that it has to be earned by going above and beyond what is expected. He doesn't get a treat for just being awake! His mom seemed shocked...as if it's impossible to function without bribing a child!
In his house he gets a sticker for not fussing about brushing his teeth. He gets a candy treat for not fussing about getting dressed. He gets a toy for getting in the car.....etc....etc......etc..... He's figured out that he can threaten to act like a hellion and mom caves and supplies treats. He's a bright little thing!
It was a bit of a wake up call when he started here and found out that good behavior is just expected.
However, he's still in charge at his house and makes sure his mother still tows the line and does what he wants........
I had this battle with my sons school when he was in fourth grade. The class was getting pretty froggy by years end so they came up with this brilliant idea to have all the parents send treats for the kids to earn.
Ahhh NO
If they were solving world peace or finding a cure for cancer I would have been willing to pony up with some skittles and goldfishes but for just being good in class and learning??????????
I don't think so.
Meeko 08:25 AM 07-14-2011
Originally Posted by kcnjason:
I'm looking into making reward charts for my daycare children. I am looking for ideas for rewards. For example, I'm thinking to reward for cleaning their plates etc off of the table, being quiet during rest time, etc......ideas would be great!
If you want to make a chart...make it an "above and beyond" chart. Stickers for going the extra mile. They do not ask for them, or get them regularly. Children need to learn that certain behavior is expected and does not get rewarded.I'm looking into making reward charts for my daycare children. I am looking for ideas for rewards. For example, I'm thinking to reward for cleaning their plates etc off of the table, being quiet during rest time, etc......ideas would be great!
When you dcp's pay their bill, you don't have to thank them profusely and give them some kind of reward. They are doing what's expected of them and taking responsibility. Children must grow up learning the same kind of thing. Cleaning up after themselves should be expected behavior.
Would you give a child a sticker at the end of the day and tell him it was because he didn't bite you? NO...because it's expected behavior.
I reward kids who are, for example, extra kind to a new child. I reward for all kinds of things, but they are a complete surprise to the child who receives them. They are a fun bonus. That way they are not doing the "good" deed ONLY because they want something. That's not a lesson I want them to learn.
familyschoolcare 09:03 AM 07-14-2011
Originally Posted by nannyde:
I had this battle with my sons school when he was in fourth grade. The class was getting pretty froggy by years end so they came up with this brilliant idea to have all the parents send treats for the kids to earn.
Ahhh NO
If they were solving world peace or finding a cure for cancer I would have been willing to pony up with some skittles and goldfishes but for just being good in class and learning??????????
I don't think so.
when I do give rewards for behavior great and above and beyond the excepted it is never food. Food is not a reward or something you earn it is something we put into our bodies in order to remain healthy. Americans (children including) have enough issues with eating health to have a role model show/teach them that food is a reward good for you for saying no!I had this battle with my sons school when he was in fourth grade. The class was getting pretty froggy by years end so they came up with this brilliant idea to have all the parents send treats for the kids to earn.
Ahhh NO
If they were solving world peace or finding a cure for cancer I would have been willing to pony up with some skittles and goldfishes but for just being good in class and learning??????????
I don't think so.
Blackcat31 09:09 AM 07-14-2011
When is the last time you received a reward? That's what I thought. I don't want to teach children that rewards are for things we are expected to do. Pretty soon the expectation of the reward becomes the ONLY reason someone complies and I don't want to even go into that forest....... 
jojosmommy 10:16 AM 07-14-2011
I was told by a behavior modification specialist the rewards only work when they are varied in rate and reward. Meaning, you get something- that changes (could be sticker, could be wink, could be a prize) when you do something expected or exceptional at varied intervals (not everytime or everyday). That way kids learn to be intrinsically motivated to do good things even when there is no reward. Rewards in this case are meant to be a reminder or a thank you for a constant good effort not for doing a daily task and waiting with your hand out for the prize.
I have never used them in my daycare and personally agree with the other posters that doing something expected are not things to be rewarded but rather a function of the group.
I guess they might work with a really difficult case/child which is what the behavior modification specialist was talking about in the training I attended. Anyone had success in this type of instance?
I have never used them in my daycare and personally agree with the other posters that doing something expected are not things to be rewarded but rather a function of the group.
I guess they might work with a really difficult case/child which is what the behavior modification specialist was talking about in the training I attended. Anyone had success in this type of instance?
cheerfuldom 12:58 PM 07-14-2011
I think they have a time and place but if you have to supply an unending amount of praise, stickers, treats and whatnot to motivate for everything, thats a problem, especially when it continues way to long. Like getting a sticker for putting their shoes on......maybe a 2 year old who is learning and needing extra encouragement but a 6 year old should not be continually rewarded for something they have already mastered.
nannyde 01:01 PM 07-14-2011
Originally Posted by Blackcat31:
When is the last time you received a reward? That's what I thought. I don't want to teach children that rewards are for things we are expected to do. Pretty soon the expectation of the reward becomes the ONLY reason someone complies and I don't want to even go into that forest.......
Well I want a reward. When is the last time you received a reward? That's what I thought. I don't want to teach children that rewards are for things we are expected to do. Pretty soon the expectation of the reward becomes the ONLY reason someone complies and I don't want to even go into that forest.......
Can you reward me Black?
I could use a cooler full of moose. That would be a reward that would modify my behavior and make me compliant.
spud912 01:23 PM 07-14-2011
I am curious ... do any of you reward a child for going potty while potty training? If so, what do you reward with? I'm trying to figure out the best way to motivate my dd to use the potty.....
Meeko 01:37 PM 07-14-2011
Originally Posted by spud912:
I am curious ... do any of you reward a child for going potty while potty training? If so, what do you reward with? I'm trying to figure out the best way to motivate my dd to use the potty.....
We stop just short of throwing a party........I am curious ... do any of you reward a child for going potty while potty training? If so, what do you reward with? I'm trying to figure out the best way to motivate my dd to use the potty.....
actually just OODLES of praise and smiles and encouragement. Then when Mom comes, we get all excited again and tell mom what a BIG boy/girl they have been. I encourage the other, potty-trained kids to give lots of praise too. I don't give physical rewards as they can backfire and the child gets upset when they have to end. I just act completely thrilled when they use the potty. To an adult I must look barmy (my son will attest to this) but kids LOVE to think they are making you super happy.
Blackcat31 02:10 PM 07-14-2011
Originally Posted by nannyde:
Well I want a reward.
Can you reward me Black?
I could use a cooler full of moose. That would be a reward that would modify my behavior and make me compliant.
Well I want a reward.
Can you reward me Black?
I could use a cooler full of moose. That would be a reward that would modify my behavior and make me compliant.
I'm working on that..... But rest assured it is NOT a reward, it is a token of appreciation!! 
Pammie 05:42 PM 07-14-2011
Originally Posted by spud912:
I am curious ... do any of you reward a child for going potty while potty training? If so, what do you reward with? I'm trying to figure out the best way to motivate my dd to use the potty.....
My potty training kids get lots of High-5s, hugs and praise from me and all of the other kids (potty users and non) when they use the potty! The pride on their faces when receiving such wonderful, positive acknowledgment of their accomplishment is priceless.I am curious ... do any of you reward a child for going potty while potty training? If so, what do you reward with? I'm trying to figure out the best way to motivate my dd to use the potty.....
No sticker or goodie treat ever gives a child that same feeling of reward as being the recipient of praise by everyone in the house simultaneously
WImom 06:23 PM 07-14-2011
I have a reward chart for quiet naptime. I've been using it for the past two months since I was having issues with a few kids. Now that the problem seems to be fixed and everyone has earned one prize now I'm switching it to a chart for going above and beyond or catching good behavior that a child was having problems with in the past. I may not give a sticker away everyday.
Abigail 08:40 PM 07-14-2011
I love the Bow-WOW card! Then you don't have to write on it or anything. Do you have any ideas for a cat/kitten themed card instead of dog? I have three cats and would love to incorporate a cat/kitten theme into the daycare.
All I could think of was a Me-OW card for boo boo's. LOL
All I could think of was a Me-OW card for boo boo's. LOL
erinalexmom 03:10 AM 07-15-2011
We have a "good citizen award" everyday I choose who behaved the best ALL DAY and they get the good citizen award (which is just a sticker that looks like a "ribbon" that I bought 16 for $1) I just remind them a few times throughout the day "remember whoever does the best today gets the good citizen award" My poor son who is 3 has never won it (i've only done it for a week) and he is very rowdy! (I would term him if he wasnt mine LOL) but the other day he cried "Im never going to be the good citizen!" tears streaming down his face. I felt sorry for him but I thought well maybe it'll have an impact. I CANNOT wait till that little dude wins it because it will be such a huge thing for him! Now I could feel sorry for him and GIVE it to him but it'll mean so much more when he EARNS it.
I forgot to add :that only ONE child gets it everyday so they dont all get rewarded everyday. So its more of a intermittent reward which I was always taught in nursing school that was most effective.
I forgot to add :that only ONE child gets it everyday so they dont all get rewarded everyday. So its more of a intermittent reward which I was always taught in nursing school that was most effective.
countrymom 04:57 AM 07-15-2011
I tried the reward thing once, well after a while the kids just expected it, it lost its effect. I now have a 6 yr old that when he goes home gets a freezie everyday if he's good, he will even ask it here, so wrong in my opinion. As for the cleaning up, I do have a bag of candy (I buy from the dollar store) that if they help clean up you will get a candy, but I give it out once a week, kind of like a reminder, that its something i expect because they do forget what cleaning up is, also my kids eat the candy so thats why I don't always have it. But the 6 yr old won't clean up unless he gets a candy and I have to explain to him all the time that I don't have any, its just crazy.
Mom_of_two 10:58 AM 07-15-2011
I agree with not rewarding for expected behavior. I do on occasion remove treats for inappropriate bahavior. I rarely give treats but on birthdays I do, and this DCK, 3, was jumping up and down and yelling at nap 2 days in a row, so she did not get a cookie (explained to her prior to nap, and she understood and made the choice. This happened yesterday.)
I do reward during potty training. My daughter got an m&m or a sticker. Then just for poo. Then nothing. She asked a couple times but it was quickly and easily phased out. Same wiht DCK's (sticker not m&m) for everything, then poo (seems harder) then nothing. Never had a problem with ending the potty training rewards within a couple weeks. Just became expected.
I do reward during potty training. My daughter got an m&m or a sticker. Then just for poo. Then nothing. She asked a couple times but it was quickly and easily phased out. Same wiht DCK's (sticker not m&m) for everything, then poo (seems harder) then nothing. Never had a problem with ending the potty training rewards within a couple weeks. Just became expected.