A free printable reward chart is a great way to motivate children and adults alike. For children, it’s an easy way to enjoy the benefits of good behavior without having to rely on constant nagging from parents. For adults, it allows you to make your own rules for success that are up-to-date with your current needs and goals. In, this post we will discuss the benefits of using a reward chart for children as well as some ways you can introduce and use them with your own family. I have created 8 different reward charts that you can download and print for free below.
What is a Reward Chart?
A reward chart is a powerful tool that can be used to help change behavior. It’s a simple way to give positive reinforcement for desired actions or behaviors. With a little creativity, you can use a reward chart for almost anything – from teaching your kids to potty train, to developing good habits like flossing your teeth or taking a brisk walk every day.
The basic idea behind a reward chart is simple – you decide what behavior you’d like to see more of, and offer a small prize or incentive for completing the task. For example, if you’re trying to get your child to brush their teeth every day, you might put a sticker on their chart after they’ve brushed their teeth for 7 days in a row. Once the chart is full, they could earn a larger prize, like a trip to the park.
Do they work?
There is a lot of research to suggest that reward charts are an effective way to change behavior, especially in children. A study published in the journal Pediatrics found that reward charts were an effective tool for potty training toddlers. Another study published in The Journal of Positive Behavior Interventions found that reward charts were also effective for reducing disruptive behaviors in elementary school children.
Benefits of Using a Reward Chart for Kids
There are many benefits of using a reward chart for kids. Perhaps the most obvious benefit is that it can serve as a visual reminder for children of what behaviors are expected of them. With a reward chart, there’s no need for constant reminders from parents or other adults in their lives; instead, they can simply refer to the chart to see what’s expected of them.
Another benefit of using a reward chart is that it can help children to feel more in control of their behavior. When children feel like they have some control over the consequences of their actions, they’re more likely to be motivated to behave in the desired manner. Additionally, feeling in control of their behavior can help to build a child’s self-esteem and confidence.
A third benefit of using a reward chart is that it can help to establish clear rules and expectations for children. When children know what behaviors are expected of them, they’re less likely to act out or misbehave. Having clear rules also makes it easier for parents to enforce desired behaviors; after all, it’s much easier to tell a child to “go to your room” when they’ve been acting out than it is to try and explain why their behavior was inappropriate.
Finally, using a reward chart can help to create a sense of unity within families. When everyone is working together towards a common goal, it can help to strengthen familial bonds. Additionally, it can help children to feel like they’re part of a team and that their efforts are appreciated.
How to Use a Reward Chart
Now that we’ve gone over some of the benefits of using a reward chart, let’s take a look at how to actually use one.
The first step is to decide what behaviors you’d like to encourage with your reward chart. Once you’ve done that, you can start brainstorming ways to reinforce those behaviors.
For example, if you’d like your child to brush their teeth twice a day, you could put a sticker on their chart every time they brush their teeth in the morning and at night. Or, if you’d like your child to read for 20 minutes each day, you could award them with a sticker after they’ve read for 20 minutes.
It’s important to note that there isn’t necessarily a “right” way to use a reward chart; however, there are some tips you can use that will make the desired outcome easier to achieve.
Some families prefer to use stickers as rewards, while others prefer to use a point system. Still, others prefer to use a combination of both. There are also a variety of charts available, from simple ones that can be hung on the refrigerator to more elaborate ones that come with special markers and storage pockets.
The key is to find what works best for you and your child. And, of course, to have fun with it!
When to Use a Chart
There isn’t necessarily a “right” time to start using a reward chart with your child. However, many families find that it’s helpful to introduce the chart when their child is experiencing a behavior issue.
For example, if your child is having trouble getting dressed in the morning, you might introduce a reward chart to help encourage them to get dressed on their own. Or, if your child is having trouble with homework, a reward chart can help to motivate them to do their homework each day.
Of course, you can also use a reward chart simply to encourage good behavior – even if there isn’t necessarily a problem that needs to be addressed.
How to Introduce a Reward Chart
When you’re ready to introduce a reward chart to your child, it’s important to do so in a positive way. Explain to them why you’re introducing the chart and what behaviors you’d like to see.
It can also be helpful to involve your child in the process of creating the chart. For example, you could ask them to help you choose the stickers that will be used as rewards. Or, you could ask them to help you decide what behavior should be rewarded.
Finally, it’s important to explain the consequences of not following the rules. For example, you might explain that if they don’t brush their teeth twice a day, they won’t get a sticker. Or, if they don’t do their homework, they won’t get a point.
By involving your child in the process and explaining the consequences upfront, you can help to ensure that everyone is on the same page from the start.
Behaviors to Encourage on a Reward Chart
There are nearly endless possibilities when it comes to choosing behaviors to encourage on a reward chart. However, here are a few ideas to get you started:
– Wake up on time
– Get dressed by yourself
– Make your bed
– Eat breakfast
– Brush your teeth
– Get ready for school
– Do your homework
– Play nicely with others
– Be kind to siblings
– Pick up your toys
– Take a bath/shower
– Go to bed on time
As you can see, there are a variety of both daily and weekly tasks that can be encouraged with a reward chart. And, of course, you can always get creative and come up with your own ideas as well!
Reward Chart Ideas
When it comes to choosing rewards for a reward chart, it’s important to choose something that will actually motivate your child. That being said, the type of reward you choose will likely depend on your child’s age.
For younger children, simple rewards like stickers or small toys can be very effective. For older children, you might need to get a bit more creative. Some ideas for older children include:
– Getting to choose what’s for dinner
– Staying up an extra 30 minutes on a school night
– Having a friend over
– Going to the park
– Going out for ice cream
– Going to see a movie
Again, it’s important to find what works best for you and your child. Choose rewards that you know will actually motivate them to achieve their goals.
Free Printable Reward Chart for Kids
Reward charts are a great way to encourage good behavior, help children learn to take responsibility for their actions, and teach them the value of goal-setting. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to use!
I have created 8 simple, yet effective, printable reward charts that you can use with your children. Each chart is designed to help children track their progress.
To use the charts, simply print them out and hang them up where your child can see them. Then, help your child to set goals and decide on appropriate rewards. Finally, track their progress and celebrate their successes!
Check out the 8 printable reward charts below and choose the one that will work best for your child.
1. Path Reward Chart
This chart is perfect for tracking progress towards a goal. Simply have your child color in or add a sticker to a square on the path as they complete tasks and earn rewards. When they reach the end of the path, they’ll have earned their reward! I have included 3 different designs – Spring, Unicorn, and Space.
Click here to download the Spring Path Reward Chart (For PERSONAL USE ONLY)
Click here to download the Unicorn Path Reward Chart (For PERSONAL USE ONLY)
Click here to download the Space Path Reward Chart (For PERSONAL USE ONLY)
2. Simple Sticker Chart
This chart is perfect for younger children who are just starting to use reward charts. Each time they complete a task for the day, you add a sticker to the chart. You can choose to reward them at the end of the day, week or month. I have included a princess and prince theme to choose from.
Click here to download the Prince Sticker Reward Chart (For PERSONAL USE ONLY)
Click here to download the Prince Sticker Reward Chart (For PERSONAL USE ONLY)
3. Spring Calendar Reward Chart
This chart is perfect for tracking daily or weekly tasks. Each time your child completes a task, they can add a sticker to the corresponding day on the calendar. When they’ve filled up the entire calendar, they’ve earned their reward!
Click here to download the Spring Month Reward Chart (For PERSONAL USE ONLY)
4. Coloring Rainbow Reward Chart
This chart is perfect for tracking daily or weekly tasks and let’s your child color their own rainbow. Each time your child completes a task, they can color in a circle or add a sticker. When the entire rainbow is filled in, they’ve earned their reward!
Click here to download the Rainbow Reward Chart (For PERSONAL USE ONLY)
5. Spring Flower Coloring Path Reward Chart
This chart is perfect for tracking progress towards a goal while also letting your child color spring items. Simply have your child color in flowers along the path as they complete a step toward their goal and earn rewards. When they reach the end of the path, they’ll have earned their reward!
Click here to download the Coloring Spring Reward Chart (For PERSONAL USE ONLY)
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Reward charts are a great way to encourage good behavior in children of all ages. And, with these 8 free printable reward charts, they’re also incredibly easy to use!
Do you use reward charts with your children? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!