Free Reward Cards For Preschoolers

Here's something you can use right away.

I created a series of cards on Canva that you might want to copy and use.

I find in my practice that it's way too easy to give undue attention to negative behavior. So often we feel like we're putting out fires.

These cards can help you notice and to reinforce positive behaviors.

Click on a card above to copy the set of 4.

Here's one more tip. To point out the things we want to see more of, we can describe them in short sentences, adding the words, "That was helpful". Like this:

• Howie let Mary have a turn with the purple pan. That was helpful!

• Sheldon and Leonard are cleaning up the table. That's helpful!

• Emily is passing the egg bites to Raj. That's helpful.

• George and Connie are making lunch for Mandy. That's helpful to her!

• Penny and Paige are including Billy in their hospital game. That's helpful to everyone!
  

When we use language like this, we're pointing out to children exactly what we want to see more of. At the same time, we're giving positive attention and much-needed language stimulation.

Nanci J Bradley is an early childhood and family educator, author, teacher, family aerobics instructor, and an all-around fun-loving person. She believes in the power of sleep, healthy eating, lifelong learning, and most of all, PLAY!  (click on the word) She studied early childhood ed at Triton College and received her BS in education in 1986 from NIU. She received her MA in human development from Pacific Oaks College in 2011. She lives and teaches in Madison WI.