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27 Free Classroom Reward Ideas Your Whole Class Will Love

Every teacher wants a positive classroom environment. It’s easy when you have a bunch of students who always do the right thing. But let’s take a reality check. Good behavior doesn’t always come naturally. Sometimes we have to provide an extra incentive for hard work and good choices – especially with younger children.

That’s where whole class reward systems can really make a difference and why you should include one in your behavior management plan.

If visions of an overflowing prize box full of expensive toys and treats comes to mind, never fear! There are better (and cheaper) classroom reward ideas that will encourage positive behaviors in your classroom.

free classroom reward ideas that don't cost money whole class prizes

Free Classroom Reward Ideas

The ultimate goal of any behavior system is to help students build intrinsic motivation. But that can be hard if they only connect good behavior with getting stuff all the time. Instead, you want them to learn to associate being a good classroom citizen with positive feelings and a happy environment. You can do that by rewarding students with experiences instead of material things. That’s not to say you should never give them a little treat or piece of candy for doing a good job. But there’s a better and easier way.

Here are some of my favorite student rewards that are mostly free and don’t require a trip to the dollar store:

Classroom Reward Ideas for the Whole Class

Sometimes you’ll want to use whole class rewards to recognize excellent class behavior. They can be a very powerful tool in your classroom management plan.

Maybe your students were amazing audience members at an assembly. Maybe they finally mastered the skill of walking quietly in line all the way to lunch. Did they make you proud when a special guest came to visit? Or maybe they worked together to reach a common goal.

Whatever the reason, there are times when a whole-class reward is in order. Here are some fun and easy ways to recognize your entire class for a job well done:

  • Extra recess
  • Dance party
  • Game time
  • Virtual field trip
  • Lunch in the classroom
  • Lunch outside
  • Silly Teacher Stunts
  • Cancel homework
  • Sock day
  • Hat day
  • Extra computer time
  • Special Announcement
  • Outdoor Classroom

Most of these ideas are self-explanatory, but here’s a closer look at a few of my favorites:

My class goes crazy for this and it’s so simple! All you have to do is compile a list of their favorite kid-safe songs. I write them on little pieces of paper and keep them in a jar. When they earn this reward, I pick a song out of the jar and then pull it up on Spotify (or whatever you have). The kids get to let loose with the dance moves. Sometimes I even join in which they think is 100% the funniest thing ever. For this reward, I usually let them have 3-5 songs. This is a great reward because it can also count as one of your brain breaks.

Game Time

There are a lot of options with this whole class prize. You can get out board games and just give them free time to play in small groups. Or make it a whole class game of charades, 4 corners, or bingo. One of my students’ favorites is Statues – an active game that can be played indoors. Game time is a great whole class reward because it also gives kids a chance to practice important social skills like sharing, taking turns, and losing graciously.

Silly Teacher Stunts

You wouldn’t believe how exciting this one is for students! Here’s how it came about… A few years ago I was co-teaching with one of my best teacher friends. We looped with our students and being in year two, had an amazing rapport with them.

One day, while preparing to take a big test, my partner came out of nowhere with, “If everyone shows improvement on this test, Mrs. E will do a cartwheel for you!” WHAT?!!! I tried to reverse the crazy train right then, but the kids were all chanting DO IT, DO IT, DO IT.

Well guess what…the whole class somehow all managed to raise their scores. So… I did a cartwheel. And it wasn’t pretty. I mean I’m in my 40s for God’s sake! I haven’t done a cartwheel in at least 20 years and my inner thighs made sure I knew it. But my antics set a precedent and from then on, silly teacher stunts became an often requested class reward.

So if you have some kind of special trick or talent, use it to show your students just how much you care.

Special Announcement

Most school administrators are more than happy to help out when students go above and beyond. For this reward, shoot your admin an email and ask if they could please call into your room to give some verbal recognition. When the PA system comes on and your students hear the principal announce how amazing they are, you will see a room full of proud grins.

Paper Airplane Competition

This is just what it sounds like. Students get to make paper airplanes and see whose will fly the farthest. Just pull out some paper and markers so they can decorate their planes. I always let my class watch a video on how to make a good paper airplane first. Here’s one to try – How to Make the World Record Paper Airplane for Distance When everyone is ready, take them outside to fly their planes.

kids flying paper airplanes
A paper airplane contest in one of my class’ favorite classroom reward ideas!

Outdoor Classroom

Getting to do school work outside is a surprisingly great incentive for kids. My students choose this reward a LOT and the best part is we all get a little fresh air. All you have to do is let them carry their work outside with clipboards or a notebook to lean on. I’m not sure how this became one of our fun rewards, but it is one of the most popular choices in my classroom.

Those are my favorite whole classroom reward ideas that don’t cost a penny.

Classroom Reward Ideas for Individual Students

What about rewarding individual students for their personal accomplishments and good behavior? There are many ways you can do that without spending your own money. Here are some ideas:

  • Positive note or phone call to the student’s parent
  • Sit at the superstar table
  • Work at the teacher’s desk
  • Special pen (Use glitter pen, gel pen, etc. for the day)
  • Special seat – sit by your best friend
  • Pick a job
  • Free Homework pass
  • Class pet
  • Brag tags
  • Teacher’s helper
  • Raffle ticket
  • Show and Tell
  • Class comedian
  • Relaxation station
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Let’s take a look at a few of my students’ favorite individual classroom reward ideas:

Superstar Table

This is a special desk designated for superstars only. Students who earn this reward get to sit there for the day. I have it set up like a little office with a pencil cup, stapler, sticky notes. It all looks very official and important. They are even allowed to sit in a rolling teacher chair.

Pick a Job

Sometimes the little things are the most important to kids. This reward is very appealing to younger students and is often their first choice. Most elementary school teachers have class jobs. A super easy reward is to let a student choose their own class job for the day or the week. They almost always pick line leader. I guess that’s the most coveted position.

Class Pet

I’m not talking about real creatures here. All you need is a stuffed animal. Bring a few from home that your own kids have outgrown or hit up your local Goodwill store. Keep a selection of some cute stuffed animals for students to choose from. (I keep mine in a box labeled CLASS ZOO.) A student who earns this reward gets to keep their special pet at their desk for the day. This one is a great motivator for younger students.

Teacher’s Helper

This one is pretty obvious, but you can make it even more exciting by involving other teachers – if they’re willing. Instead of just helping you in the classroom, maybe they can go help a specials teacher, or maybe their teacher from a previous year. You can make this reward even more enticing by letting the student sit in the teacher’s chair.

Raffle Ticket

This reward works well for older students. Ask a few local restaurants to donate a coupon for a free kids meal or ice cream cone or whatever they offer. This is surprisingly easy. Most of them are happy to help out a school (so be sure to bring your school ID). You can also ask your PTA.

Once you collect a few cool prizes, set up a raffle. Students can earn tickets as a reward for good behavior. I don’t suggest this in the lower grades because kids that age don’t understand the concept of a raffle and the possibility that they might not win.

Class Comedian

If you have kids that like to be the center of attention, they will love this reward! Set aside a few minutes at the end of the day for them to put on a performance by telling their favorite jokes. You should pre-screen their jokes to make sure they’re appropriate and set a limit on how many they can tell. If you have a student who is a great singer, let them do a karaoke performance instead. The point is to let them show off!

girl using tablet after earning extra tech time as a reward

Relaxation Station

This is a special spot in my room for special kids. It has a beanbag, comfy pillows, a basket of books, a lamp for soft lighting, and a tablet with headphones. Students who choose this reward get to sit and relax instead of doing morning work or some other task.

Keys to a Good Classroom Reward System

I hope this list gives you some exciting, new, and free classroom reward ideas that your students will love! When used correctly, they can go a long way toward creating a positive classroom community. 

Here are a few ways to make them as effective as possible:

  • Use a choice board, spinning wheel, or prize jar.
  • Let students choose the reward or spin the wheel, pick from the jar, etc.
  • Choose a reward ahead of time and let the class work towards it.
  • Always use verbal praise and recognition alongside your rewards.
  • Make it clear that the students themselves determine whether they earn a prize or not through their actions and behavior.
raffle tickets are great classroom rewards that don't cost money for older students

Once you start using free rewards in your classroom, I think you’ll be happy to be rid of the expensive treasure box once and for all. There are so many things you already have that can be used to motivate your students to do their best.

If you want even more classroom reward ideas, try asking your students what they want to work for. You’ll be surprised at some of the things they’ll come up with that don’t cost a penny. Be creative, think outside the box, and have fun!

Using Reward Coupons

Reward Coupons are a great way to manage your classroom prizes and rewards! Just print and drop them into your prize jar. When students meet a goal or display prize-worthy behavior, let them pick a coupon.

Another idea is to display coupons on a choice board or in a small photo album to create a prize catalog. This is a great option if you don’t want to use a lot of paper and ink. Students can choose their reward without actually giving them a physical coupon.

reward coupons for class prizes that don't cost money
Find these reward coupons in our TpT store or right here in our website shop.

No matter what method you choose, be sure to incorporate a lot of intangible rewards rather than just tangible items. A piece of candy is gone in a minute. But the positive feelings from earning a fun experience will be enjoyed and remembered for a long time. It’s one of the most powerful classroom management strategies.

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