Smoothing the Way online

I was really interested in the sticker chart/treasure box that was demonstrated at our meeting last week. Mary, could you tell me what behaviors you include on your chart? My kiddos are all about tangible motivation and I want to try this.

Thanks!!

Amy

Amy,

I usually use the sticker chart for academics. It helps in areas where they might be tempted to complain or resist -- such as tests, etc. So they get one sticker each day and then they get an extra sticker any time they make an A on a quiz or test. They also get an extra sticker for just generally excelling in some area -- extra neat writing or extra input on some subject. The little guys get extra stickers for coloring neatly, learning a new letter, or something like that.

I got the treasure chest at the Party Pig and that is where I usually shop for goodies to fill it. I can find so many inexpensive items in the party favor aisle, and they have all the current favorite characters. I also usually get a bag of Smarties and a bag of DumDums to have some sweets. But don't forget the idea of rewards like going out for an ice cream, renting a movie, playing a game with mom, etc.

The system can definitely be used if an overall attitude adjustment is needed. In that case, stickers would come not for grades but for cheerful performance, a day of no whining (an HOUR of no whining? grin), or whatever. It can include doing extra chores, going to bed on time, reading to a sibling... the possibilities are really unlimited! This system also works really well for potty training or trying to overcome bed wetting.

I'd love to hear ideas from others about reward systems. Over the years, I've heard many great ideas from Smoothies and veteran helpers.

Thank you! I'm putting that in place right away. We've tried reward systems before, but the treasure chest is so much like what they had in public school that it is something they'd probably respond to rather well.

I can't wait to hear what other suggestions other families have.

Amy

I was very surprised that my daughter responded so enthusiastically to treasure boxes through the years! Even though she would know what else was in the box (like unique pencils, stickers) and she still would really shine in the request in order to earn her treasure. Most often, she would earn a treasure by an exhibited attitude. When asked to do something, for example, she must do it cheerfully without arguing about the details. I also used stickers at the tops of pages where she followed directions. She loved it when she got a happy face or star just drawn on a page of her work. Also, she potty trained by filling the lid of her potty w/stickers before getting trained. Then, she wasn't trained yet, & we used pennies she got to put into her plastic jar on the back of the toilet w/which she was going to save for a trip to Disneyland. She chose the reward & put a picture of it on the jar. She also had a picture of a pink cadillac because, "Mommy & I would wook good in it." She started reading at 3 and I shamelessly paid her a nickel a book for reading to me. FYI: They were Dr. Seuss books that she probably had memorized.
tee hee God bless you.
Becky Rankin