A list of rewards that will motivate even the "coolest" high school students.
However, there is often a misconception that high schoolers are hard to reward because of their innate ability to ooze “coolness”. This is not true. The rewards they anticipate come in various forms that have evolved beyond our norm of simplistic high school culture.
This evolution is not problematic. It simply causes educators and administrators to - for lack of better phrasing - offer more rewarding rewards.
Student motivation is often rooted in the questioning of “why” I should excel in something that doesn’t immediately benefit me.
That’s why rewards are a great way to help students stay on task, engaged, and get deserved recognition! This incentive-based motivation benefits both students and teachers.
The goal should be to provoke the desire to achieve even more. Jonas Salk said it best, “The reward for work well done is the opportunity to do more.”
1. Croc Jibbitz
Who doesn’t love crocs? These are a favorite amongst teens, grab an assortment of charms that students can earn. They literally work like a charm to get students motivated!
2. Free Time Pass
We all need a little talk time every now and then, high schoolers included! Be sure to include expectations on when and where students can use their free time pass!
3. Extra Points
Students are motivated by getting just a few more points on their exams and that’s why this will work wonders! Academically motivated students having the chance to increase their grades is a gigantic reward and if they are already doing great this can turn into a homework pass!
4. Sensory/Anxiety Stickers
Students who are overly stimulated or need objects to decrease being fidgety- would love the opportunity to win a fidget band, and stickers to place on their phones or notebooks- this is soothing and promotes inclusion in your learning environment.
5. Candy
You would be surprised at what a high schooler would do for a jolly rancher, sour patch kid, or any type of chocolate! Grab a snack pack from your local grocery store or Amazon and see the excitement spread throughout your class.
6. 15-20 Minutes of Tech Time
This can be used as a time to decompress from an assignment or relax! Because let’s face it, teens are under incredible stress so any opportunity we can give them to breathe, lean into it. Bonus points if you bring the Nintendo Switch and this into your own video game rewards time! Mario Kart anybody?
7. Earbuds
Losing earbuds is truly a first-world problem, but a problem nonetheless! Rewarding students with an extra pair of earbuds is a sure win and it will certainly help facilitate your tech time in the classroom!
8. Cup of Ramen
Unfortunately, many students do not like the lunch that’s being served: so if they have the option to warm their own noodles it’s going to be a big win!
9. Chips
Whether it’s a bag of Lays, Ruffles, or Tortilla chips these snacks are a sure way to get students excited.
10. Stress Balls
High school is stressful, so why not help to eliminate that overwhelming feeling by giving students the chance to win something that they can use throughout the day.? A stress ball does the trick! You can even include them in a bigger prize as part of school supplies and merch gift boxes!
11. Takis
Anything hot and spicy, teens seem to gravitate towards it. Takis are a favorite amongst teens! Stock up your supply for your next picnic lunch!
12. Phone Chargers
Not only are teens glued to their phones and technology but most are glued to their chargers. You can imagine the look of joy knowing that if they complete an assignment or do something well students could win a beloved charger!
13. Journals
Writing out thoughts is therapeutic. I would suggest providing journals so that students can design the covers of their own personal books!
14. Bracelet Charms
Trinkets are a fun way of self-expression and there aren’t a group of people on earth who love to express themselves more than high schoolers. Grab an assortment of charms and let expressions begin!
15. Coupons for Local Restaurants
The teenage stomach is infinite and sometimes can’t ever be filled.
This may take a little more footwork to achieve but is well worth the investment and if you can garner enough support you might even convince your principal to declare an early lunch dismissal!
16. Lunch with You
This is a quick way to treat a student who has clearly made you their favorite teacher or a way to build a relationship with a student- grab their favorite meal and have lunch with the teacher!
17. Drink Packets for Water
This encourages students to stay hydrated with their favorite flavored water packets!
18. Tic Tac Toe Keychains
A fun way for students to connect with their peers and an added addition to keeping up with their keys.
19. Squishy Toys
Another object to relieve anxiety and stress!
20. Mini Cubes
Redirecting focus can help increase productivity- mini cubes can do the trick!
21. Nap Time
Quick naps disguised as brain breaks! Students often need the space to reset. A quick 5-minute nap during a block period can work wonders!
22. Movie Day
There is nothing like grabbing bags of popcorn and giving students the opportunity to decompress by way of a special screening.
This list is not all-inclusive, no list could ever be! But if you’re looking for one that is pretty darn close…check out Rewards that Rock, our searchable database of educator-submitted student rewards.
As you continue to implement ways to embody community in your classrooms and provide windows of opportunities for students to be active participants, be sure to infuse rewards.
The chance to infuse a reward system only adds to the overall learning experience for students!
However, there is often a misconception that high schoolers are hard to reward because of their innate ability to ooze “coolness”. This is not true. The rewards they anticipate come in various forms that have evolved beyond our norm of simplistic high school culture.
This evolution is not problematic. It simply causes educators and administrators to - for lack of better phrasing - offer more rewarding rewards.
Student motivation is often rooted in the questioning of “why” I should excel in something that doesn’t immediately benefit me.
That’s why rewards are a great way to help students stay on task, engaged, and get deserved recognition! This incentive-based motivation benefits both students and teachers.
The goal should be to provoke the desire to achieve even more. Jonas Salk said it best, “The reward for work well done is the opportunity to do more.”
1. Croc Jibbitz
Who doesn’t love crocs? These are a favorite amongst teens, grab an assortment of charms that students can earn. They literally work like a charm to get students motivated!
2. Free Time Pass
We all need a little talk time every now and then, high schoolers included! Be sure to include expectations on when and where students can use their free time pass!
3. Extra Points
Students are motivated by getting just a few more points on their exams and that’s why this will work wonders! Academically motivated students having the chance to increase their grades is a gigantic reward and if they are already doing great this can turn into a homework pass!
4. Sensory/Anxiety Stickers
Students who are overly stimulated or need objects to decrease being fidgety- would love the opportunity to win a fidget band, and stickers to place on their phones or notebooks- this is soothing and promotes inclusion in your learning environment.
5. Candy
You would be surprised at what a high schooler would do for a jolly rancher, sour patch kid, or any type of chocolate! Grab a snack pack from your local grocery store or Amazon and see the excitement spread throughout your class.
6. 15-20 Minutes of Tech Time
This can be used as a time to decompress from an assignment or relax! Because let’s face it, teens are under incredible stress so any opportunity we can give them to breathe, lean into it. Bonus points if you bring the Nintendo Switch and this into your own video game rewards time! Mario Kart anybody?
7. Earbuds
Losing earbuds is truly a first-world problem, but a problem nonetheless! Rewarding students with an extra pair of earbuds is a sure win and it will certainly help facilitate your tech time in the classroom!
8. Cup of Ramen
Unfortunately, many students do not like the lunch that’s being served: so if they have the option to warm their own noodles it’s going to be a big win!
9. Chips
Whether it’s a bag of Lays, Ruffles, or Tortilla chips these snacks are a sure way to get students excited.
10. Stress Balls
High school is stressful, so why not help to eliminate that overwhelming feeling by giving students the chance to win something that they can use throughout the day.? A stress ball does the trick! You can even include them in a bigger prize as part of school supplies and merch gift boxes!
11. Takis
Anything hot and spicy, teens seem to gravitate towards it. Takis are a favorite amongst teens! Stock up your supply for your next picnic lunch!
12. Phone Chargers
Not only are teens glued to their phones and technology but most are glued to their chargers. You can imagine the look of joy knowing that if they complete an assignment or do something well students could win a beloved charger!
13. Journals
Writing out thoughts is therapeutic. I would suggest providing journals so that students can design the covers of their own personal books!
14. Bracelet Charms
Trinkets are a fun way of self-expression and there aren’t a group of people on earth who love to express themselves more than high schoolers. Grab an assortment of charms and let expressions begin!
15. Coupons for Local Restaurants
The teenage stomach is infinite and sometimes can’t ever be filled.
This may take a little more footwork to achieve but is well worth the investment and if you can garner enough support you might even convince your principal to declare an early lunch dismissal!
16. Lunch with You
This is a quick way to treat a student who has clearly made you their favorite teacher or a way to build a relationship with a student- grab their favorite meal and have lunch with the teacher!
17. Drink Packets for Water
This encourages students to stay hydrated with their favorite flavored water packets!
18. Tic Tac Toe Keychains
A fun way for students to connect with their peers and an added addition to keeping up with their keys.
19. Squishy Toys
Another object to relieve anxiety and stress!
20. Mini Cubes
Redirecting focus can help increase productivity- mini cubes can do the trick!
21. Nap Time
Quick naps disguised as brain breaks! Students often need the space to reset. A quick 5-minute nap during a block period can work wonders!
22. Movie Day
There is nothing like grabbing bags of popcorn and giving students the opportunity to decompress by way of a special screening.
This list is not all-inclusive, no list could ever be! But if you’re looking for one that is pretty darn close…check out Rewards that Rock, our searchable database of educator-submitted student rewards.
As you continue to implement ways to embody community in your classrooms and provide windows of opportunities for students to be active participants, be sure to infuse rewards.
The chance to infuse a reward system only adds to the overall learning experience for students!
However, there is often a misconception that high schoolers are hard to reward because of their innate ability to ooze “coolness”. This is not true. The rewards they anticipate come in various forms that have evolved beyond our norm of simplistic high school culture.
This evolution is not problematic. It simply causes educators and administrators to - for lack of better phrasing - offer more rewarding rewards.
Student motivation is often rooted in the questioning of “why” I should excel in something that doesn’t immediately benefit me.
That’s why rewards are a great way to help students stay on task, engaged, and get deserved recognition! This incentive-based motivation benefits both students and teachers.
The goal should be to provoke the desire to achieve even more. Jonas Salk said it best, “The reward for work well done is the opportunity to do more.”
1. Croc Jibbitz
Who doesn’t love crocs? These are a favorite amongst teens, grab an assortment of charms that students can earn. They literally work like a charm to get students motivated!
2. Free Time Pass
We all need a little talk time every now and then, high schoolers included! Be sure to include expectations on when and where students can use their free time pass!
3. Extra Points
Students are motivated by getting just a few more points on their exams and that’s why this will work wonders! Academically motivated students having the chance to increase their grades is a gigantic reward and if they are already doing great this can turn into a homework pass!
4. Sensory/Anxiety Stickers
Students who are overly stimulated or need objects to decrease being fidgety- would love the opportunity to win a fidget band, and stickers to place on their phones or notebooks- this is soothing and promotes inclusion in your learning environment.
5. Candy
You would be surprised at what a high schooler would do for a jolly rancher, sour patch kid, or any type of chocolate! Grab a snack pack from your local grocery store or Amazon and see the excitement spread throughout your class.
6. 15-20 Minutes of Tech Time
This can be used as a time to decompress from an assignment or relax! Because let’s face it, teens are under incredible stress so any opportunity we can give them to breathe, lean into it. Bonus points if you bring the Nintendo Switch and this into your own video game rewards time! Mario Kart anybody?
7. Earbuds
Losing earbuds is truly a first-world problem, but a problem nonetheless! Rewarding students with an extra pair of earbuds is a sure win and it will certainly help facilitate your tech time in the classroom!
8. Cup of Ramen
Unfortunately, many students do not like the lunch that’s being served: so if they have the option to warm their own noodles it’s going to be a big win!
9. Chips
Whether it’s a bag of Lays, Ruffles, or Tortilla chips these snacks are a sure way to get students excited.
10. Stress Balls
High school is stressful, so why not help to eliminate that overwhelming feeling by giving students the chance to win something that they can use throughout the day.? A stress ball does the trick! You can even include them in a bigger prize as part of school supplies and merch gift boxes!
11. Takis
Anything hot and spicy, teens seem to gravitate towards it. Takis are a favorite amongst teens! Stock up your supply for your next picnic lunch!
12. Phone Chargers
Not only are teens glued to their phones and technology but most are glued to their chargers. You can imagine the look of joy knowing that if they complete an assignment or do something well students could win a beloved charger!
13. Journals
Writing out thoughts is therapeutic. I would suggest providing journals so that students can design the covers of their own personal books!
14. Bracelet Charms
Trinkets are a fun way of self-expression and there aren’t a group of people on earth who love to express themselves more than high schoolers. Grab an assortment of charms and let expressions begin!
15. Coupons for Local Restaurants
The teenage stomach is infinite and sometimes can’t ever be filled.
This may take a little more footwork to achieve but is well worth the investment and if you can garner enough support you might even convince your principal to declare an early lunch dismissal!
16. Lunch with You
This is a quick way to treat a student who has clearly made you their favorite teacher or a way to build a relationship with a student- grab their favorite meal and have lunch with the teacher!
17. Drink Packets for Water
This encourages students to stay hydrated with their favorite flavored water packets!
18. Tic Tac Toe Keychains
A fun way for students to connect with their peers and an added addition to keeping up with their keys.
19. Squishy Toys
Another object to relieve anxiety and stress!
20. Mini Cubes
Redirecting focus can help increase productivity- mini cubes can do the trick!
21. Nap Time
Quick naps disguised as brain breaks! Students often need the space to reset. A quick 5-minute nap during a block period can work wonders!
22. Movie Day
There is nothing like grabbing bags of popcorn and giving students the opportunity to decompress by way of a special screening.
This list is not all-inclusive, no list could ever be! But if you’re looking for one that is pretty darn close…check out Rewards that Rock, our searchable database of educator-submitted student rewards.
As you continue to implement ways to embody community in your classrooms and provide windows of opportunities for students to be active participants, be sure to infuse rewards.
The chance to infuse a reward system only adds to the overall learning experience for students!
However, there is often a misconception that high schoolers are hard to reward because of their innate ability to ooze “coolness”. This is not true. The rewards they anticipate come in various forms that have evolved beyond our norm of simplistic high school culture.
This evolution is not problematic. It simply causes educators and administrators to - for lack of better phrasing - offer more rewarding rewards.
Student motivation is often rooted in the questioning of “why” I should excel in something that doesn’t immediately benefit me.
That’s why rewards are a great way to help students stay on task, engaged, and get deserved recognition! This incentive-based motivation benefits both students and teachers.
The goal should be to provoke the desire to achieve even more. Jonas Salk said it best, “The reward for work well done is the opportunity to do more.”
1. Croc Jibbitz
Who doesn’t love crocs? These are a favorite amongst teens, grab an assortment of charms that students can earn. They literally work like a charm to get students motivated!
2. Free Time Pass
We all need a little talk time every now and then, high schoolers included! Be sure to include expectations on when and where students can use their free time pass!
3. Extra Points
Students are motivated by getting just a few more points on their exams and that’s why this will work wonders! Academically motivated students having the chance to increase their grades is a gigantic reward and if they are already doing great this can turn into a homework pass!
4. Sensory/Anxiety Stickers
Students who are overly stimulated or need objects to decrease being fidgety- would love the opportunity to win a fidget band, and stickers to place on their phones or notebooks- this is soothing and promotes inclusion in your learning environment.
5. Candy
You would be surprised at what a high schooler would do for a jolly rancher, sour patch kid, or any type of chocolate! Grab a snack pack from your local grocery store or Amazon and see the excitement spread throughout your class.
6. 15-20 Minutes of Tech Time
This can be used as a time to decompress from an assignment or relax! Because let’s face it, teens are under incredible stress so any opportunity we can give them to breathe, lean into it. Bonus points if you bring the Nintendo Switch and this into your own video game rewards time! Mario Kart anybody?
7. Earbuds
Losing earbuds is truly a first-world problem, but a problem nonetheless! Rewarding students with an extra pair of earbuds is a sure win and it will certainly help facilitate your tech time in the classroom!
8. Cup of Ramen
Unfortunately, many students do not like the lunch that’s being served: so if they have the option to warm their own noodles it’s going to be a big win!
9. Chips
Whether it’s a bag of Lays, Ruffles, or Tortilla chips these snacks are a sure way to get students excited.
10. Stress Balls
High school is stressful, so why not help to eliminate that overwhelming feeling by giving students the chance to win something that they can use throughout the day.? A stress ball does the trick! You can even include them in a bigger prize as part of school supplies and merch gift boxes!
11. Takis
Anything hot and spicy, teens seem to gravitate towards it. Takis are a favorite amongst teens! Stock up your supply for your next picnic lunch!
12. Phone Chargers
Not only are teens glued to their phones and technology but most are glued to their chargers. You can imagine the look of joy knowing that if they complete an assignment or do something well students could win a beloved charger!
13. Journals
Writing out thoughts is therapeutic. I would suggest providing journals so that students can design the covers of their own personal books!
14. Bracelet Charms
Trinkets are a fun way of self-expression and there aren’t a group of people on earth who love to express themselves more than high schoolers. Grab an assortment of charms and let expressions begin!
15. Coupons for Local Restaurants
The teenage stomach is infinite and sometimes can’t ever be filled.
This may take a little more footwork to achieve but is well worth the investment and if you can garner enough support you might even convince your principal to declare an early lunch dismissal!
16. Lunch with You
This is a quick way to treat a student who has clearly made you their favorite teacher or a way to build a relationship with a student- grab their favorite meal and have lunch with the teacher!
17. Drink Packets for Water
This encourages students to stay hydrated with their favorite flavored water packets!
18. Tic Tac Toe Keychains
A fun way for students to connect with their peers and an added addition to keeping up with their keys.
19. Squishy Toys
Another object to relieve anxiety and stress!
20. Mini Cubes
Redirecting focus can help increase productivity- mini cubes can do the trick!
21. Nap Time
Quick naps disguised as brain breaks! Students often need the space to reset. A quick 5-minute nap during a block period can work wonders!
22. Movie Day
There is nothing like grabbing bags of popcorn and giving students the opportunity to decompress by way of a special screening.
This list is not all-inclusive, no list could ever be! But if you’re looking for one that is pretty darn close…check out Rewards that Rock, our searchable database of educator-submitted student rewards.
As you continue to implement ways to embody community in your classrooms and provide windows of opportunities for students to be active participants, be sure to infuse rewards.
The chance to infuse a reward system only adds to the overall learning experience for students!
However, there is often a misconception that high schoolers are hard to reward because of their innate ability to ooze “coolness”. This is not true. The rewards they anticipate come in various forms that have evolved beyond our norm of simplistic high school culture.
This evolution is not problematic. It simply causes educators and administrators to - for lack of better phrasing - offer more rewarding rewards.
Student motivation is often rooted in the questioning of “why” I should excel in something that doesn’t immediately benefit me.
That’s why rewards are a great way to help students stay on task, engaged, and get deserved recognition! This incentive-based motivation benefits both students and teachers.
The goal should be to provoke the desire to achieve even more. Jonas Salk said it best, “The reward for work well done is the opportunity to do more.”
1. Croc Jibbitz
Who doesn’t love crocs? These are a favorite amongst teens, grab an assortment of charms that students can earn. They literally work like a charm to get students motivated!
2. Free Time Pass
We all need a little talk time every now and then, high schoolers included! Be sure to include expectations on when and where students can use their free time pass!
3. Extra Points
Students are motivated by getting just a few more points on their exams and that’s why this will work wonders! Academically motivated students having the chance to increase their grades is a gigantic reward and if they are already doing great this can turn into a homework pass!
4. Sensory/Anxiety Stickers
Students who are overly stimulated or need objects to decrease being fidgety- would love the opportunity to win a fidget band, and stickers to place on their phones or notebooks- this is soothing and promotes inclusion in your learning environment.
5. Candy
You would be surprised at what a high schooler would do for a jolly rancher, sour patch kid, or any type of chocolate! Grab a snack pack from your local grocery store or Amazon and see the excitement spread throughout your class.
6. 15-20 Minutes of Tech Time
This can be used as a time to decompress from an assignment or relax! Because let’s face it, teens are under incredible stress so any opportunity we can give them to breathe, lean into it. Bonus points if you bring the Nintendo Switch and this into your own video game rewards time! Mario Kart anybody?
7. Earbuds
Losing earbuds is truly a first-world problem, but a problem nonetheless! Rewarding students with an extra pair of earbuds is a sure win and it will certainly help facilitate your tech time in the classroom!
8. Cup of Ramen
Unfortunately, many students do not like the lunch that’s being served: so if they have the option to warm their own noodles it’s going to be a big win!
9. Chips
Whether it’s a bag of Lays, Ruffles, or Tortilla chips these snacks are a sure way to get students excited.
10. Stress Balls
High school is stressful, so why not help to eliminate that overwhelming feeling by giving students the chance to win something that they can use throughout the day.? A stress ball does the trick! You can even include them in a bigger prize as part of school supplies and merch gift boxes!
11. Takis
Anything hot and spicy, teens seem to gravitate towards it. Takis are a favorite amongst teens! Stock up your supply for your next picnic lunch!
12. Phone Chargers
Not only are teens glued to their phones and technology but most are glued to their chargers. You can imagine the look of joy knowing that if they complete an assignment or do something well students could win a beloved charger!
13. Journals
Writing out thoughts is therapeutic. I would suggest providing journals so that students can design the covers of their own personal books!
14. Bracelet Charms
Trinkets are a fun way of self-expression and there aren’t a group of people on earth who love to express themselves more than high schoolers. Grab an assortment of charms and let expressions begin!
15. Coupons for Local Restaurants
The teenage stomach is infinite and sometimes can’t ever be filled.
This may take a little more footwork to achieve but is well worth the investment and if you can garner enough support you might even convince your principal to declare an early lunch dismissal!
16. Lunch with You
This is a quick way to treat a student who has clearly made you their favorite teacher or a way to build a relationship with a student- grab their favorite meal and have lunch with the teacher!
17. Drink Packets for Water
This encourages students to stay hydrated with their favorite flavored water packets!
18. Tic Tac Toe Keychains
A fun way for students to connect with their peers and an added addition to keeping up with their keys.
19. Squishy Toys
Another object to relieve anxiety and stress!
20. Mini Cubes
Redirecting focus can help increase productivity- mini cubes can do the trick!
21. Nap Time
Quick naps disguised as brain breaks! Students often need the space to reset. A quick 5-minute nap during a block period can work wonders!
22. Movie Day
There is nothing like grabbing bags of popcorn and giving students the opportunity to decompress by way of a special screening.
This list is not all-inclusive, no list could ever be! But if you’re looking for one that is pretty darn close…check out Rewards that Rock, our searchable database of educator-submitted student rewards.
As you continue to implement ways to embody community in your classrooms and provide windows of opportunities for students to be active participants, be sure to infuse rewards.
The chance to infuse a reward system only adds to the overall learning experience for students!
Charmaine is a graduate of Winston Salem State University and has a Masters Degree in Secondary Education. She is currently pursuing certification in Educational Leadership and Administration. Charmaine is a passionate English and Language Arts Educator. She leads a life dedicated to being an advocate for students and colleagues and she has over 12 years of experience in Education.
Charmaine is the founder of The Controlled Chaos Academy, which is an interactive Classroom Management Bootcamp for Educators! This program
focuses on building community through transformative learning experiences that translate into tangible academic growth!
High Schoolers are my absolute favorite folks on the planet. It is almost as if they are naturally infused with coolness. Just think of the movies and TV shows that we are drawn to even as adults that are based in high schools.
However, there is often a misconception that high schoolers are hard to reward because of their innate ability to ooze “coolness”. This is not true. The rewards they anticipate come in various forms that have evolved beyond our norm of simplistic high school culture.
This evolution is not problematic. It simply causes educators and administrators to - for lack of better phrasing - offer more rewarding rewards.
Student motivation is often rooted in the questioning of “why” I should excel in something that doesn’t immediately benefit me.
That’s why rewards are a great way to help students stay on task, engaged, and get deserved recognition! This incentive-based motivation benefits both students and teachers.
The goal should be to provoke the desire to achieve even more. Jonas Salk said it best, “The reward for work well done is the opportunity to do more.”
1. Croc Jibbitz
Who doesn’t love crocs? These are a favorite amongst teens, grab an assortment of charms that students can earn. They literally work like a charm to get students motivated!
2. Free Time Pass
We all need a little talk time every now and then, high schoolers included! Be sure to include expectations on when and where students can use their free time pass!
3. Extra Points
Students are motivated by getting just a few more points on their exams and that’s why this will work wonders! Academically motivated students having the chance to increase their grades is a gigantic reward and if they are already doing great this can turn into a homework pass!
4. Sensory/Anxiety Stickers
Students who are overly stimulated or need objects to decrease being fidgety- would love the opportunity to win a fidget band, and stickers to place on their phones or notebooks- this is soothing and promotes inclusion in your learning environment.
5. Candy
You would be surprised at what a high schooler would do for a jolly rancher, sour patch kid, or any type of chocolate! Grab a snack pack from your local grocery store or Amazon and see the excitement spread throughout your class.
6. 15-20 Minutes of Tech Time
This can be used as a time to decompress from an assignment or relax! Because let’s face it, teens are under incredible stress so any opportunity we can give them to breathe, lean into it. Bonus points if you bring the Nintendo Switch and this into your own video game rewards time! Mario Kart anybody?
7. Earbuds
Losing earbuds is truly a first-world problem, but a problem nonetheless! Rewarding students with an extra pair of earbuds is a sure win and it will certainly help facilitate your tech time in the classroom!
8. Cup of Ramen
Unfortunately, many students do not like the lunch that’s being served: so if they have the option to warm their own noodles it’s going to be a big win!
9. Chips
Whether it’s a bag of Lays, Ruffles, or Tortilla chips these snacks are a sure way to get students excited.
10. Stress Balls
High school is stressful, so why not help to eliminate that overwhelming feeling by giving students the chance to win something that they can use throughout the day.? A stress ball does the trick! You can even include them in a bigger prize as part of school supplies and merch gift boxes!
11. Takis
Anything hot and spicy, teens seem to gravitate towards it. Takis are a favorite amongst teens! Stock up your supply for your next picnic lunch!
12. Phone Chargers
Not only are teens glued to their phones and technology but most are glued to their chargers. You can imagine the look of joy knowing that if they complete an assignment or do something well students could win a beloved charger!
13. Journals
Writing out thoughts is therapeutic. I would suggest providing journals so that students can design the covers of their own personal books!
14. Bracelet Charms
Trinkets are a fun way of self-expression and there aren’t a group of people on earth who love to express themselves more than high schoolers. Grab an assortment of charms and let expressions begin!
15. Coupons for Local Restaurants
The teenage stomach is infinite and sometimes can’t ever be filled.
This may take a little more footwork to achieve but is well worth the investment and if you can garner enough support you might even convince your principal to declare an early lunch dismissal!
16. Lunch with You
This is a quick way to treat a student who has clearly made you their favorite teacher or a way to build a relationship with a student- grab their favorite meal and have lunch with the teacher!
17. Drink Packets for Water
This encourages students to stay hydrated with their favorite flavored water packets!
18. Tic Tac Toe Keychains
A fun way for students to connect with their peers and an added addition to keeping up with their keys.
19. Squishy Toys
Another object to relieve anxiety and stress!
20. Mini Cubes
Redirecting focus can help increase productivity- mini cubes can do the trick!
21. Nap Time
Quick naps disguised as brain breaks! Students often need the space to reset. A quick 5-minute nap during a block period can work wonders!
22. Movie Day
There is nothing like grabbing bags of popcorn and giving students the opportunity to decompress by way of a special screening.
This list is not all-inclusive, no list could ever be! But if you’re looking for one that is pretty darn close…check out Rewards that Rock, our searchable database of educator-submitted student rewards.
As you continue to implement ways to embody community in your classrooms and provide windows of opportunities for students to be active participants, be sure to infuse rewards.
The chance to infuse a reward system only adds to the overall learning experience for students!
High Schoolers are my absolute favorite folks on the planet. It is almost as if they are naturally infused with coolness. Just think of the movies and TV shows that we are drawn to even as adults that are based in high schools.
However, there is often a misconception that high schoolers are hard to reward because of their innate ability to ooze “coolness”. This is not true. The rewards they anticipate come in various forms that have evolved beyond our norm of simplistic high school culture.
This evolution is not problematic. It simply causes educators and administrators to - for lack of better phrasing - offer more rewarding rewards.
Student motivation is often rooted in the questioning of “why” I should excel in something that doesn’t immediately benefit me.
That’s why rewards are a great way to help students stay on task, engaged, and get deserved recognition! This incentive-based motivation benefits both students and teachers.
The goal should be to provoke the desire to achieve even more. Jonas Salk said it best, “The reward for work well done is the opportunity to do more.”
1. Croc Jibbitz
Who doesn’t love crocs? These are a favorite amongst teens, grab an assortment of charms that students can earn. They literally work like a charm to get students motivated!
2. Free Time Pass
We all need a little talk time every now and then, high schoolers included! Be sure to include expectations on when and where students can use their free time pass!
3. Extra Points
Students are motivated by getting just a few more points on their exams and that’s why this will work wonders! Academically motivated students having the chance to increase their grades is a gigantic reward and if they are already doing great this can turn into a homework pass!
4. Sensory/Anxiety Stickers
Students who are overly stimulated or need objects to decrease being fidgety- would love the opportunity to win a fidget band, and stickers to place on their phones or notebooks- this is soothing and promotes inclusion in your learning environment.
5. Candy
You would be surprised at what a high schooler would do for a jolly rancher, sour patch kid, or any type of chocolate! Grab a snack pack from your local grocery store or Amazon and see the excitement spread throughout your class.
6. 15-20 Minutes of Tech Time
This can be used as a time to decompress from an assignment or relax! Because let’s face it, teens are under incredible stress so any opportunity we can give them to breathe, lean into it. Bonus points if you bring the Nintendo Switch and this into your own video game rewards time! Mario Kart anybody?
7. Earbuds
Losing earbuds is truly a first-world problem, but a problem nonetheless! Rewarding students with an extra pair of earbuds is a sure win and it will certainly help facilitate your tech time in the classroom!
8. Cup of Ramen
Unfortunately, many students do not like the lunch that’s being served: so if they have the option to warm their own noodles it’s going to be a big win!
9. Chips
Whether it’s a bag of Lays, Ruffles, or Tortilla chips these snacks are a sure way to get students excited.
10. Stress Balls
High school is stressful, so why not help to eliminate that overwhelming feeling by giving students the chance to win something that they can use throughout the day.? A stress ball does the trick! You can even include them in a bigger prize as part of school supplies and merch gift boxes!
11. Takis
Anything hot and spicy, teens seem to gravitate towards it. Takis are a favorite amongst teens! Stock up your supply for your next picnic lunch!
12. Phone Chargers
Not only are teens glued to their phones and technology but most are glued to their chargers. You can imagine the look of joy knowing that if they complete an assignment or do something well students could win a beloved charger!
13. Journals
Writing out thoughts is therapeutic. I would suggest providing journals so that students can design the covers of their own personal books!
14. Bracelet Charms
Trinkets are a fun way of self-expression and there aren’t a group of people on earth who love to express themselves more than high schoolers. Grab an assortment of charms and let expressions begin!
15. Coupons for Local Restaurants
The teenage stomach is infinite and sometimes can’t ever be filled.
This may take a little more footwork to achieve but is well worth the investment and if you can garner enough support you might even convince your principal to declare an early lunch dismissal!
16. Lunch with You
This is a quick way to treat a student who has clearly made you their favorite teacher or a way to build a relationship with a student- grab their favorite meal and have lunch with the teacher!
17. Drink Packets for Water
This encourages students to stay hydrated with their favorite flavored water packets!
18. Tic Tac Toe Keychains
A fun way for students to connect with their peers and an added addition to keeping up with their keys.
19. Squishy Toys
Another object to relieve anxiety and stress!
20. Mini Cubes
Redirecting focus can help increase productivity- mini cubes can do the trick!
21. Nap Time
Quick naps disguised as brain breaks! Students often need the space to reset. A quick 5-minute nap during a block period can work wonders!
22. Movie Day
There is nothing like grabbing bags of popcorn and giving students the opportunity to decompress by way of a special screening.
This list is not all-inclusive, no list could ever be! But if you’re looking for one that is pretty darn close…check out Rewards that Rock, our searchable database of educator-submitted student rewards.
As you continue to implement ways to embody community in your classrooms and provide windows of opportunities for students to be active participants, be sure to infuse rewards.
The chance to infuse a reward system only adds to the overall learning experience for students!
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