Finding effective ways to motivate kids can be a challenge, especially for those with special needs. One fun and interactive method I’ve found works wonders is the reward jar. This blog post will provide you with a variety of creative and practical reward jar ideas that can encourage positive behavior in children. Whether your child needs a little extra motivation to complete their chores or a boost to stay focused during homework, these ideas will help you create a rewarding system that’s both engaging and effective.
Table of Contents
1. Chore Completion Jar
One of the simplest ways to use a reward jar is by linking it to chore completion. Each time your child completes a chore, they get to add a token or a piece of candy to the jar. Not only does this make chores more enjoyable, but it also helps teach responsibility and the value of contributing to the household. Can you picture the excitement on your kid’s face as they add another token to their growing collection?
For example, you can assign different values to different chores. Vacuuming the living room might earn one token, while cleaning their bedroom could earn two. This way, kids can learn that bigger tasks are more rewarding, encouraging them to tackle even the more daunting chores with enthusiasm.
2. Good Behavior Jar
This idea focuses on rewarding positive behavior throughout the day. Each time your child demonstrates good behavior, such as sharing with a sibling or using polite words, they add a token to the jar. This method works wonders for reinforcing good manners and social skills. It’s especially effective for neurodivergent kids who might need extra encouragement in social situations.
For example, if your child helps a friend or listens carefully during storytime, they can earn a token. This immediate reinforcement helps them associate positive behavior with positive outcomes, making them more likely to repeat those behaviors in the future.
Read more: The Power of Token Boards
3. Reading Milestones Jar
If you want to encourage a love for reading, the reading milestones jar is a perfect idea. Each time your child finishes a book or reaches a reading goal, they add a token to the jar. This can be particularly motivating for kids with learning differences who might struggle with reading. By setting achievable goals and rewarding their progress, you can help foster a lifelong love for books.
For example, set a goal of reading for 20 minutes each day. Every time your child meets this goal, they get to add a token. Celebrate larger milestones, like finishing a chapter or an entire book, with additional tokens or special rewards.
4. Acts of Kindness Jar
Encouraging acts of kindness is another great way to use a reward jar. Each time your child performs a kind act, whether it’s helping a neighbor or being kind to a pet, they add a token. This not only promotes empathy and compassion but also helps build a positive and supportive environment at home.
For example, if your child helps a classmate with their homework or shares their toys with a sibling, they earn a token. This simple system can help reinforce the importance of kindness and make it a natural part of their daily routine.
5. Homework Completion Jar
Many parents struggle with getting their kids to do their homework. A homework completion jar can turn this dreaded task into a fun challenge. Each time your child completes their homework without fuss, they add a token. This can be particularly effective for kids with ADHD who may need extra motivation to stay focused on their tasks.
For example, break down their homework into smaller tasks and reward them for completing each one. Completing a math worksheet might earn one token, while finishing a science project could earn three. This approach helps make homework more manageable and rewarding.
6. Bedtime Routine Jar
Establishing a consistent bedtime routine can be challenging, especially for neurodivergent kids. A bedtime routine jar can help make this process smoother. Each time your child follows their bedtime routine without resistance, they add a token. This encourages a calming and consistent end to the day, which can improve sleep quality.
For example, reward them for completing tasks like brushing their teeth, reading a bedtime story, and going to bed on time. Over time, this routine can become second nature, making bedtime a more peaceful experience for everyone.
7. Exercise Jar
Encouraging physical activity is essential for a child’s overall health and well-being. An exercise jar can motivate your kids to stay active. Each time they complete a physical activity, like riding their bike or playing a sport, they add a token to the jar. This can help instill healthy habits and make exercise a fun part of their daily routine.
For example, set a goal for them to be active for at least 30 minutes a day. Each time they meet this goal, they earn a token. You can also reward them for trying new activities, like joining a sports team or going for a hike.
Read more: Token Board Template for Kids | Free Printable
8. Healthy Eating Jar
Getting kids to eat their veggies can be a struggle, but a healthy eating jar can turn it into a fun challenge. Each time your child eats a serving of fruits or vegetables, they add a token. This can help them develop healthy eating habits that will benefit them for life.
For example, reward them for trying new foods or for eating a balanced meal. Over time, this positive reinforcement can help them develop a more adventurous palate and a preference for healthy foods.
9. Creative Activities Jar
Encouraging creativity is important for a child’s development. A creative activities jar rewards your child for engaging in creative pursuits like drawing, painting, or crafting. Each time they complete a creative project, they add a token. This can help foster a love for the arts and boost their self-expression.
For example, set up a crafting station with supplies and encourage them to create something new each week. Reward them for their efforts and for exploring their creativity. This can also be a great way to spend quality time together.
10. Social Skills Jar
Developing social skills is crucial for all kids, especially those with learning differences. A social skills jar rewards your child for positive social interactions, like making new friends or participating in group activities. This can help boost their confidence and improve their social abilities.
For example, reward them for joining a new club or for playing cooperatively with others. This positive reinforcement can help them feel more comfortable in social situations and encourage them to seek out new social opportunities.
Table of Reward Jar Ideas
| Jar Idea | Examples | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Chore Completion Jar | Vacuuming, Cleaning room | Teaches responsibility, Household contribution |
| Good Behavior Jar | Sharing, Polite words | Reinforces good manners, Social skills |
| Reading Milestones Jar | Finishing a book, Reading 20 minutes | Encourages reading, Fosters love for books |
| Acts of Kindness Jar | Helping neighbors, Being kind to pets | Promotes empathy, Builds supportive environment |
| Homework Completion Jar | Completing math worksheet, Finishing science project | Makes homework manageable, Rewards focus |
| Exercise Jar | Riding bike, Playing sports | Instills healthy habits, Encourages physical activity |
| Bedtime Routine Jar | Brushing teeth, Reading story | Improves sleep quality, Encourages consistent routine |
| Healthy Eating Jar | Eating veggies, Trying new foods | Develops healthy habits, Adventurous palate |
| Creative Activities Jar | Drawing, Painting | Fosters love for arts, Boosts self-expression |
| Social Skills Jar | Making new friends, Group activities | Boosts confidence, Improves social abilities |
Goally | Apps That Build Behavior & Life Skills for Kids
Want to keep your child motivated while building essential behavior and life skills? Goally’s skill-building tablet is designed to celebrate small wins and help your child grow. Our Behavior Tracker helps you reward your kid for specific skills, like “being kind” or “flushing the toilet.”
By setting clear expectations and rewarding their efforts, you foster a positive environment for your child to flourish in their behavioral skills journey.
Incorporating a reward jar into your child’s routine can be a game-changer, making everyday tasks and behaviors more engaging and rewarding. Tailor the reward jar to your child’s interests and needs to encourage positive behavior and help them develop important life skills while making the process fun and motivating.
Resources:
FAQs about Reward Jar Ideas
What is a reward jar?
A reward jar is a motivational tool where kids earn tokens or small rewards for completing tasks or exhibiting good behavior. It's a fun way to encourage positive habits and responsibility.
How do I start a reward jar for my kids?
Begin by choosing a jar and tokens, then decide on tasks or behaviors to reward. Explain the system to your kids and consistently reward their efforts to keep them motivated.
Can reward jars work for neurodivergent kids?
Yes, reward jars can be particularly effective for neurodivergent kids. They provide clear, visual motivation and positive reinforcement, helping them develop good habits and social skills.
What kind of rewards should I use?
Choose rewards that are meaningful and motivating for your child, such as extra playtime, small toys, or a special outing. Tailor the rewards to their interests and needs for the best results.
How often should I reward my child?
Consistency is key. Reward your child immediately after they complete a task or exhibit good behavior to reinforce the connection between their actions and the positive outcome.
Hennah is an experienced writer and researcher, helping children with autism, ADHD, and other neurodivergent conditions. As a blog contributor for Goally, she combines her deep understanding of neurodiversity with practical advice, offering valuable insights to parents and educators.
