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Posts Tagged ‘reward charts’

by Morgan Hamilton

A behavior chart, also called a behavior modification chart can be used in classrooms and hospitals for measurement the behavior of the children. Behavior charts are made according to a program which has to be achieved. If it is achieved, the children have done well. If not, there were some problems in their behavior and class activity. Behavior charts are basically done for the child. Children can acquire attentive attitude towards their own behavior and can improve their activity in class, when they look at the results of their classmates, who have done better results.

Behavior chart means that the children pay attention to their way of doing things. If you grab the children’s attention, you already win the battle. When they start to pay attention to their activity, they also start to take care of their behavior. Competitiveness between the children is very strong: if the kids see that someone is doing well on the behavior chart, they will try to be like him/her.

Behavior charts can be a little scary at the beginning. Some children are really nervous and if they are presented with an evidence of how they behaved, and if they are given a place at a top 30, they really get anxiety problems. That’s why you shouldn’t be so strict with them,and explain to them that behavior charts are something meant to help them improve themselves. Tell them they don’t need to feel stressed at being assessed like that. A behavior chart provides them only with a necessary information about how to improve themselves, so they should pay attention to it and not get offended by the results.

Some behavior charts can lead to rewarding the kids that did well. This can be very motivating for them , but excruciating for the others. That’s why the rewards should be neutral. In some schools the rewards are points which they can spend in a token economy on various treats. They can get extra recess, treats, or the right to use the best toys. When a group has collected certain number of points, they get a pizza party, or another group party, which is considered the cherry on the top of the behavior chart. When you put a child in a group, he or she starts feeling part of it, and gains as many points as he/she can. That’s why group work is considered the best when it comes to behavior.

Reprinted with permission.

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by Kim Papworth

Reward Charts:

Help parents so they do not need to rely on punishment as a means of discipline.

Offer a structured system to manage discipline and give clear boundaries to the child.

Are fun and flexible – Use them in a way that works for you and your child.

Teach children to take responsibility for their own behaviour.

* Reward charts are suitable for older toddlers and children.

* Your child must understand what behaviour is expected of them.

* Be realistic. Make sure that you are not expecting too much as your child will get disheartened. Start off at a level where it is easy for your child to achieve rewards, then slowly increase the expectations.

* Determine what behaviour(s) you want to address. If there are several issues, try to focus on them individually. Perhaps prioritise which behaviour should be tackled first.

* Be consistent. If you show a loss of interest in the chart your child is likely to be less motivated.

* When your child completes a chart you could offer them a special treat. This doesn’t have to be sweets or money. It could be a certificate or special sticker. Why not let your child choose tomorrows evening meal, invite a friend round or perhaps they could suggest a family outing.

* Don’t forget to use plenty of smiles, kisses, hugs, and praise as well as rewarding with stickers.

* Be positive. Instead of saying “don’t jump about”, try saying “please sit down nicely”. Then it’s easier to give recognition and praise for the good behaviour.

* Be specific about the behaviour you want to change. “Be Good” or “Behave” is too vague.

* If the reward chart isn’t working or stops working you may need to adjust the way you are using it. Make sure it maintains the childs interest.

* Take some stickers with you when you go out so that you are still able to reward good behaviour outside the home. Children are very proud of wearing a sticker on their jumper.

Reprinted with permission.