Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Who Doesn't Like a Little Reward?

I am trying a new reward system for my kids and I thought I would share it, because it was so simple to put together.
First: I found a connect-the-dots picture online and printed it on bright paper. I printed a different design and different color for each child.

Second: I created a list of rewards and printed them off on the same color paper for each child. I made the rewards simple, and free/cheap. For my kids I did things that I new each of them would like - i.e. Holland might get an extra TV show, Kortnie might get an extra 30 min. with her friends, Skylar might choose a trip to the library. Other rewards include - staying up an extra 15 min., 20 minutes of playtime with Mom or Dad, an ice cream cone from arctic circle, a trip to the dollar store, a treat from the candy bowl, an extra story at bed time, etc. I just tried to think of the things my kids always ask for and then I turned them into a reward.

Third: I bought small containers to put the reward slips in (I got these containers from WalMart in their party section for $0.49 a piece - but if you don't want to buy anything you could clean out an old soup can and cover it in paper or us an old cup or box. If you don't mind spending a little more WalMart also had really cute glass containers for about $2.00)

Fourth: I put the connect the dots into sheet protectors and used vis-a-vis wet erase markers to write their names on the sheets and draw stars on a few of the numbers - I tried to do it in intervals where there were more dots in between each star.

How it works.
Pick a problem/habit that you want your kids to improve in. Decide how they will improve that behavior in order to get to connect-a-dot. For example we are working on night time wetting. Every time one of my kids wakes up dry they get to connect a dot.
When they get to a dot that you have turned into a star, they get to pick a prize from the rewards jar. It might be something small or big, but half the fun is the surprise.
The best part is is that once they have filled up the chart, erase with a wet cloth and start a new goal! This could be for doing daily chores, homework, not fighting with siblings, eating all their dinner, etc. My only suggestion is only do one goal at a time.
Hope this is useful for some of you!



 

4 comments:

Amy and Mike said...

What a fun idea. You'll have to let us know how it turns out.

Holly said...

What a creative way to motivate your kids! Love it!

Mandos said...

what a great idea! You will have to let me know how it goes. I'm always looking for a good way to get me kids to do what they are suppose to!

Monica said...

Thanks for sharing the idea.