A reward chart is a tool used to encourage positive behavior in children. It is based on behavior modification and can be used for various behaviors, including daily chores, good behavior, and potty training. Rewards should fit the behavior, and the focus should be on each behavior for four to six weeks before moving on to something else. Reward charts are a great tool for reinforcing positive behavior instead of punishing negative behavior.
A reward chart is an enticement tool used primarily for children. When a child performs the desired behavior, it is marked on his graph. After enough checks, the child receives a reward.
Reward graphs are based on the idea of behavior modification. After enough times to complete a task, the activity will become a habit. For example, a mother wants her son to learn how to make his bed every morning. They discuss the graph, decide on a reward after a certain number of stickers have been placed on the board, and the graph is hung in a place that is easily seen by both of them. Now, every morning the son makes the bed and has his mother checked. She puts a sticker on her card. After two weeks they go out for a little ice cream cone.
A reward graph can be used for all varieties of behaviors. A common use is to encourage children to do daily chores. Another use is to reward good behavior. This could be staying with their parents in a shop, cleaning their toys without being asked, or sharing well with a sibling. Graphs for rewarding behavior need not have any singular behavior in mind. When a parent sees the child doing something exceptionally good, he or she can put another mark on the child’s chart.
Even kids who are being potty trained can benefit from a reward chart. For potty training, baby steps should be taken. Start a child with a graph of his or her successful potty training. Then move on to dry days, dry nights, and so on. A great reward for this achievement is a package of “boy’s” underwear.
Even older children can benefit from the reward charts. Marking completed homework can encourage a child to get into the habit of doing their homework. Graphs can also be used to encourage high quiz scores. These incentive charts can help a student learn better study habits.
When using a reward chart, plan to focus on each behavior for four to six weeks before moving on to something else. By that time, most of the kids should have adopted the new habit. Even if they haven’t, they should at least know what is expected of them. The rewards used should fit the behavior. A small reward, like going to the park, one more one-on-one time with a parent, or a special arts and crafts project are great motivators for young children. A bigger accomplishment, like being fully diaper trained, might deserve a bigger treat, like a small lunch at a diner or a trip to the local zoo.
Reward charts are a great tool to use when trying to change a child’s behavior. They reinforce positive behavior instead of punishing negative behavior. Children of any age can benefit from using a reward table.
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