Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports, or PBIS, is a tiered framework that falls under the MTSS umbrella that focuses on behaviors. It is designed to identify students who may need additional support with their behavior and to help them get back on track using positive reinforcement.
AASA, the School Superintendent Association, describes PBIS as a “framework rooted in a positive discipline philosophy that celebrates students for appropriate behaviors . . . PBIS uses a proactive approach to teach and model appropriate behaviors, and reinforce positive expectations for behavior through affirmations and rewards.”
Rewarding positive behavior is an important aspect of PBIS, but what are some school appropriate rewards? Let's take a look at some ideas to reward your students, class, and school to encourage positive behavior.
PBIS reward examples that can motivate your students
To help make PBIS a success, schools reward students for their efforts and growth. This may include PBIS reward ideas for individual students, classrooms, or even entire student bodies. Below are 26 PBIS reward examples to help get your school and students motivated.
PBIS ideas and rewards for students
These individual prizes can be given to students who demonstrate positive behaviors.
1. Breakfast or lunch with the principal: What better way to reward a student for their good behavior than to give them the privilege of hanging out with the school principal? Students will get to have a nice meal and spend time with a key member of the school community. You may also consider reading the nomination letter in front of the student or class.
2. Name on the announcements or wall of fame: Students can listen to their name be announced over the school intercom in the morning or have their photo and name added to a special display in the building. This can even be tied into a “Student(s) of the Month” award.
3. Raffle tickets for fun prizes: Many schools offer raffle tickets that teachers hand out to students who are demonstrating their school’s core PBIS values. These tickets are then placed in a box as entries in a raffle, and later drawn for a chance to win donated prizes. These can include movie tickets, gift cards, and tickets to events like a sports game or the theater.
4. Special field trips: Round up all the PBIS winners for the week (or month) and take them on a special field trip. Some potential activities include bowling, arcade games, mini golf, roller skating or ice staking. You could also take your students on one of these free virtual field trips or create your own field trip.
5. Show-and-tell or talent spotlights: Give students the opportunity to share something about themselves with the class. They might bring in a favorite book or toy, showcase a hobby or skill, or share a story of when something exciting or funny happened to them.
6. VIP privileges: Students get excited to earn special privileges such as premium seating at school events. Students might get to be line leaders, be the first to leave for lunch, or get the first choice when choosing classroom jobs. Another option is to have a fancy chair in class that only one person can sit in each day.
7. Classroom freebies: Students who behave well in accordance with their school’s PBIS rules can earn a classroom freebie, like a free homework pass or the chance to drop their lowest quiz score.
8. Positive note: Teachers or administrators can send a handwritten note, email, or phone call to a family member highlighting the specific behaviors or actions that earned recognition. A personal message to parents and caregivers recognizing a student's accomplishments can be very meaningful.
9. Student’s choice: Choice is a powerful element in the classroom. Students can decide what music to listen to during independent work or which story will be heard at story time.
Classroom PBIS celebration ideas and rewards
These classroom reward ideas can be given to classes that show exceptionally positive behaviors. A teacher, principal, or any staff member can reward an entire class for making good choices. Here are some PBIS ideas to get you started!
10. Games: Students enjoy rewards that allow them to interact and have some friendly competition. Some classes earn a water balloon fight or a tug-of-war competition entry. Educational games are classic options as well.
11. Chill time: Well-behaved classrooms can relax and enjoy some time off. For this reward, teachers can give students time to watch a movie, draw or color, or work on a puzzle.
12. Classroom of the month: Principals can choose to celebrate one class that’s showing great strides in PBIS accomplishments. This classroom can have a photo on a special display in the school building, including a little bit of information about the teacher and students.
13. Extra recess: Students love recess, and they’ll always appreciate even more time to move around, hang out with friends, and catch a break from class.
14. Opposite day: This is a day where students do the opposite of what they normally do. They can wear their clothes backwards or flip language so that “goodbye” means “hello.” Teachers can rearrange the class schedule so that their morning subjects are switched with the afternoon ones.
15. Pajama day: Students can wear their favorite PJs to school. Younger students can bring their favorite stuffed animal as well. This is a great way to lighten up the mood and make students feel more comfortable.
16. Themed dress-up days: Students can pick a theme day of their choice for a fun celebration, whether it’s a hat day, superhero day, or decades day. There are many other options aside from these. Teachers and students will have a great time coming up with creative outfits.
PBIS whole school reward ideas and incentives
When the culture of the school starts to evolve and the student body successfully meets the expectations set for it, it’s time to celebrate everyone. Teachers, staff, and students can work together to decide on these school-wide celebration ideas.
17. Talent show: The student body can take time out of the schedule to support their classmates’ talents. Students can sing songs, tell jokes, play instruments, and much more.
18. School competitions: The entire school can participate in tournaments. Classrooms or different grade levels can compete against each other in tug-of-war, dodgeball, and volleyball games. Some schools also have a basketball bracket competition; the entire school can root for their class as they move through these brackets.
19. Special assembly: Bring in a musical guest for the entire school to enjoy. Fill the auditorium with students and show a movie on the big screen while they snack on some popcorn. There’s no shortage of assembly options, from hosting a career day to touring children’s theater companies putting on a show. You can even take your students on a field trip to a local park, museum, or other place they’ll enjoy.
20. Faculty versus students competitions: Teachers and students can play against each other as others spectate. Popular options include games such as kickball and dodgeball, as well as trivia challenges, quiz show-style competitions, or karaoke battles.
21. Field day: Dedicate a special day to outdoor activities. Students will be active and have fun with mini-competitions like three-legged races, hula-hoop contests, or any other games you can think of.
22. School dance: Turn the gym into a dance hall for the last hour of the school day. Crank up the music, and let the students move to the beat and have some fun.
23. Music in the hallways: Play music over the intercom during transition times. While they’re between classes or heading to lunch, students will enjoy hearing their favorite (school-appropriate) tunes.
24. “Shopping” for rewards at a PBIS school store: When students have the chance to select their rewards, they feel more independent. If you have a school store, you can set up a process where students can collect points for good behavior and spend those points on rewards.
25. Student showcase: Reward your students by showing off their hard work in a gallery walk. Students can share their favorite assignment or a piece they are proud of. This is a great way for students to celebrate their growth, but also to see what other classes and grades are working on.
26. Suggestion box reward: What better reward than to let students choose! You could set up a suggestion box and give students a chance to put in their own ideas. Or you can let them vote on a pre-established list.
Encourage students to work on PBIS with individual, classroom, and school-wide incentives
There are many PBIS celebration ideas that you can try. Whether you settle on individual, classroom-based, or school-wide activities, the possibilities are truly endless—students can be recognized for their accomplishments in all sorts of ways! The ultimate goal is to remind and encourage students to keep working hard on their core PBIS values and behavior expectations with school-wide incentives. A little recognition can go a long way to motivate your student body to make good choices and strive to exceed expectations!
This article was adapted from a blog post initially developed by the education technology company Classcraft, which was acquired by HMH in 2023. The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of HMH.
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