PBIS Rewards: Examples for Motivating Students with Independent Preferences

Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) is a proactive approach to discipline that emphasizes teaching and reinforcing positive behaviors. A crucial aspect of PBIS is providing rewards and incentives to students who demonstrate these expected behaviors. These rewards can be tailored to individual student preferences to maximize their effectiveness. For students who prefer independent rewards, a variety of options can be implemented to provide motivation and recognition.

Understanding Independent Rewards in PBIS

Independent rewards cater to students who are motivated by autonomy, self-directed activities, and recognition of their individual achievements. These rewards often involve free time, opportunities for personal growth, or the chance to engage in preferred activities independently. Understanding a student's preference for independent rewards is key to designing a PBIS strategy that resonates with their intrinsic motivators. To determine a student's preferences, tools like the Student Reinforcement Survey can be used.

Implementing PBIS: A School-Wide Approach

PBIS is a framework that helps schools create a positive and safe learning environment. It involves teaching students clear behavioral expectations and providing them with opportunities to practice these values. Schools often use PBIS reward systems to motivate students and teachers, recognizing efforts and growth at the individual, classroom, or school-wide level.

PBIS can significantly improve the school climate and culture, especially for students with disabilities. It provides a structured approach to help these students develop the social, emotional, and academic skills they need to succeed. Digital tools, like PBIS Rewards, can enhance the effectiveness of PBIS initiatives by providing features such as SEL/Status Check, Check-In/Check-Out (CICO), classroom stores, student and family apps, and a behavior referral system.

Tiered Support in PBIS

PBIS operates on a tiered system of support:

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Tier 1: School-wide strategies and supports for all students.
Tier 2: Targeted interventions for students who need additional support. Check-In/Check-Out (CICO) is a Tier 2 intervention that helps students develop positive behaviors and meet behavioral goals.
Tier 3: Intensive, individualized supports for students with significant behavioral challenges.

Free and Accessible Independent Rewards

Many effective PBIS incentives don't require a significant budget. Here are some examples of free independent rewards suitable for a 4th-grade student, categorized for clarity:

Academic Privileges

Advance Peek at an Upcoming Assignment: The student gets a preview of an upcoming assignment.
Answer Only Even or Odd Problems on an Assignment: The student can choose to complete only the even or odd problems on an assignment.
Assignment Reviewer: The student reviews assignments (homework, DMR, morning work, etc.) with the class.
2nd Chance: The student gets another chance to redo an assignment.
Drop Lowest Test/Quiz Grade: Allow the student to remove their lowest grade for a grading period, semester, or year.
Free Tutoring in a Subject: Student gets one-on-one tutoring in a subject they struggle with.
In-Class Homework Time: The student gets a select period of time to work on their homework.

Free Time and Relaxation

Brain Break Choice: The student selects what brain break activity the class will do.
Free Time: The student gets a select period of time to do what they choose.
Computer/iPad Time: The student receives a designated amount of time to play on the computer/iPad.
Complete an Assignment Outside: The student can work on an assignment outdoors.
Fidget Spinner Time: Student receives a designated amount of time to play with a fidget spinner.
Free Draw: The student receives a designated amount of time to free draw.

Recognition and Leadership

Artwork on Display: The student's artwork is displayed in a designated, high-traffic area.
Classroom Photo of the Week: The student's picture is posted for a week in the classroom or online.
Custom GIF/Meme: The teacher creates a GIF or meme with the student.
5-Minute Stand Up Jr. Comedian: The student gets five minutes to tell jokes to the class.
Be a Mentor: The student can mentor or tutor another student.
Be the Messenger: The student gets to be the messenger for the teacher for the day/period.
Building a "WOW" Border: Students can choose a WOW border tile to add to the PBIS school banner or bulletin board.
Choir Serenades Class: School choir serenades a class.
Clean Desk: The teacher cleans the student’s desk.
Co-Teach, All Day: The student introduces lessons, awards points, passes out papers, etc., all day long.
Gardener for Classroom: Student can earn the privilege to care for (water) the classroom plant(s).

Creative and Social Activities

Afternoon Movie: The student brings in a G/PG-rated movie for the class to watch.
Art Party: The student participates in an art party facilitated by the art teacher.
Book Talk/Book Club: The student shares a book or hosts a book club.
Charades: The student picks a couple of friends and they play charades.
Choose a Story to Be Read: The student chooses what story will be read to the class.
Choose a Virtual Field Trip: The student chooses a virtual field trip for the class.
Choose Video Conferencing Virtual Background: The student chooses the virtual background the teacher will use during video conferencing.
Class Dance Party: The class has a virtual dance party.
Class DJ: The student chooses school-appropriate music for the class to listen to.
Create a Class Handshake: The student creates the new class handshake for the month.
Domino Chain Reaction: The student and teacher work together to make a domino arrangement.
Just Dance! Student and friends get to play “Just Dance.”

Practical Privileges

Assist Coach at a Sport’s Game: The student assists a coach at a sport’s game.
Bring a Drink: The student may bring a drink to school.
Bring a Stuffed Animal/Toy: The student may bring a stuffed animal/toy (with size limits).
Charging Pass: The student may charge their cellphone/tablet/computer in class.
Choose Your Seat: The student may choose their seat in the classroom.
Cool Shades During Class: Student gets to wear cool shades/sunglasses of their choice during class.
Early Release to Lunch: The student is released 5 minutes early to lunch.
Gum Chewer: The student gets to chew gum in class.
Hat Day: The student may wear a hat.

Event-Based Rewards

Admission to a Game of Student VS. Teacher: Students compete against teachers in games like dodgeball or tug-of-war.
Admission to Dodge Ball Tournament: The student receives free admission to a dodgeball tournament.
Admission to Family Night: The student may attend Family Night.
Admission to Ping Pong Tournament: The student receives free admission to a ping pong tournament.
Admission to Volunteering Field Trip: The student gets admission to a volunteering trip.
Admission to Water Balloon Fight: The student receives free admission to a water balloon fight.
DJ Dance Party: An end-of-year celebration with a DJ.
Dodgeball Game - Students v Teachers: Students play dodgeball game(s) against teachers.

Tailoring Rewards to Individual Needs

When selecting independent rewards, it's essential to consider the student's specific interests and needs. For a 4th grader who is unmotivated, start by offering a variety of options and observing their reactions. It may be helpful to involve the student in the selection process, allowing them to choose rewards that they find appealing.

Consider the following when tailoring rewards:

Interests: What are the student's hobbies and interests outside of school? Can these be incorporated into the rewards?
Learning Style: Does the student prefer visual, auditory, or kinesthetic activities?
Social Needs: Does the student prefer to work alone or with a small group?
Specific Goals: Can the rewards be tied to specific academic or behavioral goals?

Digital Tools to Enhance PBIS

PBIS Rewards is a digital platform that can help schools manage and track their PBIS initiatives. It offers features such as:

Check-In/Check-Out (CICO): A Tier 2 intervention that helps students develop positive behaviors and meet behavioral goals.
Student App: Allows students to track their points and the recognition they receive.
Family App: Provides parents and guardians with insight into their student’s behavior and enables communication between school and home.
Behavior Referral System: Accurately documents both minor and major referrals and tracks the data.

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