A rewards store helps students connect effort with positive outcomes. When students earn something by meeting behavior expectations, the experience becomes more meaningful. It reinforces accountability, builds intrinsic motivation, and creates a culture of recognition in your classroom or school.

Whether you're using PBIS or want to build a stronger classroom culture, a rewards store can help you do both.

This guide is designed for classroom teachers, grade team leads, and administrators seeking to implement a practical, engaging, and sustainable behavior rewards system.

Students earn points when they meet or exceed your expectations. Start with basic behaviors like:

Later, layer in additional incentives like:

Open your store consistently. Once a week works well for most schools. Many teachers choose Fridays to avoid in-class distractions and allow students to enjoy their rewards over the weekend.

Promote your store as you would any big event: make announcements, post flyers, and remind students during class. This builds anticipation and reinforces the value of earning points.

These are physical items that students can hold, such as snacks, pencils, erasers, and small toys. They’re easy to understand and provide instant gratification.

Ideas:

Privileges are often the most exciting rewards, and they cost nothing.

Try these:

Distribute privilege cards like tickets: print and store them securely. When students redeem them, have them sign the card to indicate it has been used.

Events reward students who save their points over time and contribute to your school’s overall culture.

Examples:

All students should be eligible by default. However, students may lose the privilege for the week if they:

Promote what’s available. Use posters, whiteboards, or daily announcements to communicate effectively. Build hype just like a real store would.

Pick a consistent location. It could be a classroom corner, a cart in the hallway, or the cafeteria. Set expectations around where and when rewards can be used (e.g., toys at recess only).

Keep it structured:

Teach students store etiquette:

Q: What if a student never earns enough points to shop?
A: Ensure that low-cost or free rewards are available so that all students can participate occasionally. Provide behavior support if needed.

Q: What if the store causes behavior issues?
A: Reinforce your procedures before each store session. Use the store as an opportunity to build relationships.

Q: What if the store runs out of supplies?
A: Communicate clearly when certain items are out. Use this as an opportunity to highlight privilege or event rewards.

A well-run rewards store motivates students, reinforces positive behavior, and helps you build strong relationships. To succeed:

Your store doesn’t need to be fancy. It just needs to be clear, consistent, and aligned with your classroom or school culture.

Have fun with it and get ready to see your students light up when their hard work pays off!