Rewards and incentives

Rewards and incentives can motivate children and young people to carry out a task, learn a new skill or to change a behaviour pattern.

• An incentive is something that motivates a child or young person to perform an action.
• A reward is something that celebrates success once an action has been tried or completed.

The reward or incentive should be appropriate to the child, so observe them to find out what motivates and inspires them.

Each child may have a different motivator

Children with social and communication difficulties might have a favourite television character or toy you can use. For example, one child received a laminated Thomas the Tank Engine character every time he used the toilet, another would play in the sand if encouraged with toy cars. 

Food

Food can be used, but take care to maintain a healthy diet. Raisins, breadsticks and fruit are healthier than sweets and chocolates. Picture exchange communication systems often use food or drink to motivate a child to communicate. In a busy classroom, the opportunities for interaction around the snack table are especially valuable. 

Stickers

Stickers are used as rewards in schools, but take care that children don’t swallow them. Some teachers create large stickers using computer-generated labels to reinforce a particular kind of behaviour.

Understanding rewards

It’s important that the child understands why they have been rewarded so that the activity, or new skill is reinforced and encouraged (especially where the child has limited language skills).

When establishing a reward system make it instant or short term. Children with learning difficulties need instant gratification to understand that when they do one thing, something else happens. Building up a star chart over several weeks may not be appropriate.

Verbal praise and encouragement is very important. Positive verbal and non-verbal feedback in the classroom has an impact on children’s self-esteem and attitudes to learning.