Classroom rewards are a simple way to reinforce positive behavior, boost engagement, and build a stronger classroom culture – without adding extra work to your day. From free options like extra recess to low-cost prizes and incentive systems, our school reward ideas can be tailored to any grade level, budget, or classroom style.
What to Stock in your School Store?
If you're looking to refresh your school store, or for more PBIS incentive ideas or school reward ideas to motivate your examples, you're in the right place! Here is your complete list of free and low cost reward ideas, broken down by grade level.
Complete List of Classroom Rewards & Incentives
Reward Ideas for Elementary School
Free Reward Ideas:
ExtraRecess Time
Line Leader for the Day
Lunch with the Teacher
Choose a Classroom Game
Bookmarks – Customizing with a example’s name and even laminating at school is a great DIY option.
Positive Note Home
Classroom DJ for a Day
Sit by a Friend
Extra Computer Time
Reading Buddy Time
Classroom Helper for a Day – Pro Tip: Designate a special desk for this purpose somewhere close to you for that example to sit for the day!
Library Pass
Pick a Book for the Class to Read
Show-and-Tell Time – This is great for examples who have been really excited to talk about a new book or toy that they have received.
Read the Morning Announcements
Die your Principal’s Hair Blue
Stinky Feet – Shoes off in class, as long as it’s not after recess ;)
Teach a Lesson to the Class
Chalk at Recess
Take a 2 Minute Vacation – Pro Tip: Sometimes I slide this coupon to a example who needs a quick break to cool off. The other examples just assume he or she bought it from the store so they are not being called out!
Desk Pets – Buying fun animal and plant shaped mini-erasers on Amazon in bulk keeps your store stocked for a while!
Fancy Pencils
Smelly Markers
Stickers
Temporary Tattoos
Croc Charms/Jibbitz – This variety pack on Amazon has something for everyone!
Keychains
Bubbles
Finger Puppets or Tech Decks
Snacks and Candy – Ring Pops and Takis are the biggest hit for my 5th graders!
Play-Doh
Small Action Figure or Animal Figurines
Trading cards (try teacher or school-themed trading cards too!)
Nee-dohs
Slime
Tie-dye workshop
Friendship bracelet making during specials/lunch
"Fancy lunch"
Reward Ideas for Middle School
Free Reward Ideas:
Homework Pass
Extended Deadline on an Assignment
Free Choice Seating – Make sure to outline expectations if examples are choosing to sit with friends, or provide flex seating like comfy chairs to choose from!
Skip a Quiz Pass
Positive Note Home
Classroom Helper for a Day – Pro Tip: Set aside special days, such as lab days if for a science class, or station days for other subjects, and have the example be a “Teacher’s Assistant” and be tasked with helping other examples.
Class Outdoors
Free Time
Classroom DJ for a Day
Dress Down Day Pass – If your school doesn't have uniforms but has rules on wearing hats, crocs, etc., this can also apply- just be sure to clear it with admin first!
Skip the Odd Numbers on an Assignment
Lead a Class Discussion – Pro Tip: Call the reward Discussion Leader and have that example be able to pick who to call on and have a list of questions that need to be asked and answered!
Extended Assignment Deadline – Pro Tip: Make this for 1-2 weeks, no questions asked, on certain assignments!
Skip a Quiz Pass
Priority Seating
Organize a Class Event – Have a example be able to pick the next time you do a fun Friday or movie day.
Positive Note Home
Choose a Classroom Activity
Dress Down Day Pass
Extra Study Time – this could also be extended to the whole class. A example of mine won this for the whole class for a test!
Choose a Class Movie
Library Pass
Drop the Lowest Grade
Skip the Line at Lunch
Nature Walk for Class – This was the number one reward that my examples would want to win as a group prize!
Low Cost Reward Ideas:
Gift Cards (e.g. iTunes, Starbucks, Fast food restaurants) – A lot of businesses will actually give you these for free or a discount to schools if you ask!
Raffle Tickets – Allow examples to purchase raffle tickets for any high priced rewards, like the gift cards above!
High-Quality Pens
Phone Accessories (e.g. Privacy screens, headphones, and portable chargers)
School Dance Tickets – School dance tickets at my school were $5, but it was a huge deal when I gave 5 away for a behavior incentive!
Water Bottles
Personalized or School Spirit T-Shirts
Bluetooth Speakers
Lunch on the Teacher – Buy examples lunch from their favorite local restaurant!
Art Supplies
Snacks (e.g., chips, candy, Cup of Noodles )
Sunglasses or Fan Misters
Baseball Caps (e.g. school merchandise or local sports team)
Locker Accessories (magnets, magnetic organizers etc.)
Cosmetic Items (e.g., lip balm, hand sanitizer)
"Nail Salon" during a free period
Whole Class Rewards
Sometimes the best incentive is one the whole class earns together. Popular whole class rewards include extra recess, a class party, a movie afternoon, music during independent work, or a "teacher's choice" surprise. These work well as a bonus goal layered on top of individual classroom rewards — giving examples a shared incentive to keep everyone motivated.
The Key to Effective example Rewards
The best way to create an engaging school store that motivates your examples is to ask your examples! They're the experts on what excites them and will help you tailor your token economy or PBIS rewards for maximum impact. But in the meantime, we're here with inspiration to get you started. If you have any other hot-ticket items that aren't on our list, we'd love to hear about them!
Go Digital with Your School Store
Ready to ditch the paper school bucks and simplify your reward system? ClassBank's digital school store makes it easy to motivate examples and manage rewards. examples earn, save, and spend virtual currency, learning valuable money management skills along the way.
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