As a classroom teacher, you’ve probably found a way to recognize and reward good behavior as part of your classroom management. We know that the more intrinsic the motivation, the more fixed the behavior will become. Stickers are a great way to address that intrinsic motivation and value positive student behavior. They’re a concrete recognition. And, no less importantly, they contribute to the development of the children’s self-esteem and have a positive effect on both their social and academic achievements.
Stickers as motivators
Something I learned as soon as I started teaching is the power of stickers! It doesn’t matter the age; my middle, and high schoolers like them as much as the little first-graders, and we, the teachers, also enjoy using them to decorate our stuff.
Moreover, I’m not sure whom I stole the idea from, but sticker books — especially the packs you and your students can use online— are ideal for encouraging or praising good behaviors. Sticker books are seen as the most successful way of improving a child’s performance with immediate results. Teachers use them to promote positive behavior, but can also act as rewards for concentration and effort in other tasks and activities.
Rewards for positive behavior
Even the most challenging student deserves praise, and it’s part of our job as educators to identify their strengths and nurture them.
Importantly, some students misbehave to get attention and love; that’s what they need. Then, why not rewarding them with something special when they are behaving well? For example, one of my first-graders became a brilliant reader thanks to a sticker book. He was so proud of it! And Sarah, who loved Mickey Mouse, started working neatly to earn her favorite stickers.
Teachers use positive reinforcement in the classroom to reward and acknowledge good behavior. Thus, increasing the probability that the action will be repeated. Positive reinforcement supports your students’ positive deeds and qualities; it heightens enthusiasm for learning in the classroom!
You can use stickers as a positive reinforcement system in which students earn them for good behavior, work completion, good manners, completed homework, …the options are endless. It’s all about what your students need reinforcement with… and how much you want them to enjoy their reward.
Analia Rossello
I’m an English teacher with many, many years enjoying classroom time with first-graders, as well as with high school students. I really love teaching; I love planning and creating the best content and activities for my students, those that will give them enjoyment and learning at the same time. However, what I love the most is watching them while that magic happens and after that, when they’re praised or rewarded for their achievements. That completely fills my heart!
