What motivates a 5th grade student? They are still eager to please, but are developing their own unique tastes and interests. They love adult praise, but also want to be accepted by their peers.
And we all know that providing incentives for 5th grade can add up quickly, so when brainstorming this list, I only chose ideas that can be implemented without spending any money and without challenging systems to navigate.
Tips for Providing Incentives
I want to remind you that you do not need to give out an incentive every time you want to see a desired behavior. Verbal and physical recognition (thumbs up, high five) is a necessary part of managing a classroom and developing strong relationships. I recommend coming up with a system for how students earn these incentives after displaying the desired behavior numerous times over the course of a day, week, or month.
Choose a day for all of the incentives to happen. Wearing a hat? Chewing gum? Bringing a stuffed animal to school? This only happens on Friday or whatever day you choose. This is one less thing to track or manage. In addition, you can use this same idea for when passes or incentives are distributed.
Have students contribute to your incentives! Put out the call to caregivers for items for your “treasure box.” The number of tiny trinket plastic stuff that I am itching to remove from my household at any given time is in the millions.
Batch process creating your incentives and passes. Make your hat pass, print on colored paper and have a stack in your desk. Passes are only validated by your signature or special stamp.
Ask your students what they like or want! While my ideas were loved and used by my students, your students may enjoy other things. Culture is ever evolving! One year my students could earn time flipping a water bottle (this was 2016 I believe). Capitalize on current trends and use them to your classroom’s benefit.
Here are some ideas for free incentives to use in your 5th grade classroom:
Incentives for the 5th Grade Class
- Extra Recess/Outdoor Time – This was far and above always picked by my class. I liked it too! Choose a positive behavior you would like to see, and everytime your entire class displays it, they get a letter. (Think: F R E E T I M E or O U T S I D E)
- Extra Tech Time – With a list of approved websites, this was a popular choice too!
- No Homework or shortened assignment – You will have to plan for something else to do in class if you don’t already assign homework.
- Fort Day – I saw this idea from a teacher Facebook Group. Students bring blankets to school and create a fort using their desk as the structure. Students can still work on assignments or read during this time. This is such a great idea!
Incentives for Individual Students
- Bring in a stuffed animal (desk pet) – This could be the cutest idea on the list.
- No shoes in class/wear slippers – Create a pass for students to carry around to show their special teachers or anyone else who may inquire about said slippers.
- Wear a hat/hoodie for the day – See above for making a pass.
- Sit in the teacher’s rolling chair or other special seat – Since I rarely sat, this was an easy incentive to provide for my students.
- Chew gum in class – The kicker? Students have to bring their own gum.
- Be referred to as King or Queen for the day (a class crown seems like a great addition here). What a fun way to liven up your classroom.
- Positive note or phone call home – This was a surprisingly popular choice!
- Choose a song for packing up – Create a teacher-approved playlist ahead of time, and have students choose from the list.
- Be the first in line for the cafeteria/lunch – Simple but effective with your lunch enthusiasts.
- Prize box (students donate fun things) – Ask parents and students to donate on a rolling basis. Expect lots of goodies in August and January.
What incentives for 5th grade would you suggest? If you want to read more, check out 15 Creative Incentives for Middle Schoolers here.
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