My School Reward System that works: Punchcards

I have now been homeschooling for over 5 years. We have done various things over the years to incentivize good behavior in the classroom, kindness, and respect. This last year we started the best school reward system: Punchcards. It has been THE MOST successful tool, I am so happy we have done it. It’s simple and doable- which you know is a must for me.

Let me explain how it works. First- I bought these punchcards off Amazon. It’s a pack of 320 so it will last me a while. I also made a paper sign that we hang in our classroom simply explaining the concept/rules. See the picture below but it basically reads “In order to get a punch each day, you must have a good attitude, no complaining, and show kindness to Mom and your siblings during school time.” Simple and to the point. So each day they can earn 1 punch. Each punchcard has 10 punches on it, so if there were no off days, you could fill up a punchcard in 2 weeks. For us, this punchcard system is specifically for school hours. They cannot lose a punch from the rest of the day. Only during school. This keeps it much more attainable.

When they get a new punchcard, I first have them choose the prize they want to earn (they just write it on the punchcard). This helps motivate them towards something specific they chose which makes it more enticing in my opinion. I try to keep the prizes attainable for me as well so I can fulfill them quickly so punchcards don’t pile up unused.  I really try to fulfill their prize within a couple days of them completing the punchcard. Here is what’s on our prize list:

$5 to the Arcade

Lunch date with Mom or Dad

3 items from the Dollar Store

Dutch Bros Drink

Skate Park date with Dad

30 minutes Stay up late

New book of choice

20 minutes iPad time

Soda Shop

$10 to pick all snacks/treats for Family Movie Night

Treat at Dairy Queen

Hot Wheels Car

$5 to the Pawn Shop

Movie Theatre (2 punchcards)

You get the idea, but you can have as many prizes as you want and they are completely customizable to your family. I switch ours up from time to time when certain ones aren’t of interest and I think of new ideas to add. The boys love that!

One more thing: I think this system would be amazing even if you don’t homeschool. All the character traits on our list are things that you could implement once your kids get home from school until bedtime. That would be a great way to focus on positive behavior within your family after school is out. I hope my school reward system gives you an idea for positive behavior reinforcement, I think it’s a great tool to have in your pocket. Let me know how it works for you if you decide to do it too!

xo, Sarah