Paper Airplanes
Ask children to write and illustrate goals on a piece of paper. Next, demonstrate how to fold the paper into an airplane. Let students fly their airplanes across the room or on the playground as they visualize themselves achieving their goals.
Pride Portfolio
Invite each child to decorate a file folder and store in a special box or tub in the classroom. When they do something they are proud of they can date it and store it in their folder.
*Hint! If you did this with an illustration and writing sample at the beginning of each month they could “revisit” past work and see how they are improving.
Cheers and Goals
At the beginning of each month have students fold a sheet of paper in half. On the left side write “Cheers” and encourage them to write or draw pictures of accomplishments that they are proud of. On the right side right “Goals” and have them write/draw two or three goals that they have for the coming month. Date, save, and review at the end of each month. Encourage students to reevaluate goals and set new ones.
At the beginning of each month have students fold a sheet of paper in half. On the left side write “Cheers” and encourage them to write or draw pictures of accomplishments that they are proud of. On the right side right “Goals” and have them write/draw two or three goals that they have for the coming month. Date, save, and review at the end of each month. Encourage students to reevaluate goals and set new ones.
Hint! You could also share these with parents at conference time.
Car Wash
End the day in a positive way with the car wash. Students form two lines facing each other to make the “car wash.” Students hold up palms and circle them around. One child at a time walks through the car wash as friends gently touch them and say something positive.
Pat on the Back
Students raise their right hand, stretch it across their body, and pat their left shoulder as they say, “Good job! Good job!”
*Cut hands out of construction paper. Write positive comments for students and tape them on their backs.
Eye Can
Cover a small can with construction paper. Cut pictures of eyes out of magazines and glue them on the can. Explain the importance of saying, “I can!” and “I’ll try!” Pass out the “eye can” to encourage students.
*Remind them that we say I CAN because we are AmeriCANS - not American'ts! 
Gift Cards
Instead of giving out tangible rewards, create gift cards with special “treats”, such as those listed below. Write the activities on 2” x 3” rectangles and tape to used gift cards and hotel room key cards. Place in a gift bag and “invite” a child to choose a gift card for a job well done.
Eat lunch with your teacher or a special friend.
Be excused from a homework assignment.
Choose an indoor game to play.
Select the book for story time.
Sit by a favorite person all day.
15 minutes of free time.
Help the teacher do a special job.
Sit at the teacher’s desk.
Take off your shoes.
Listen to an IPod or headset while you work.
Take a class game or book home for the night.
Gift Cards
Instead of giving out tangible rewards, create gift cards with special “treats”, such as those listed below. Write the activities on 2” x 3” rectangles and tape to used gift cards and hotel room key cards. Place in a gift bag and “invite” a child to choose a gift card for a job well done.
Eat lunch with your teacher or a special friend.
Be excused from a homework assignment.
Choose an indoor game to play.
Select the book for story time.
Sit by a favorite person all day.
15 minutes of free time.
Help the teacher do a special job.
Sit at the teacher’s desk.
Take off your shoes.
Listen to an IPod or headset while you work.
Take a class game or book home for the night.
