Have I mentioned that I’m tired of all the junk food at my daughter’s elementary school? And I am not talking about what they’re serving in the cafeteria. I am talking about the junk food that’s constantly being used for rewards, parties and activities. Here are just a few examples…
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- “Box top” prizes where winning class gets a donut or cupcake decorating party
- Skittle sort (why not a button sort, which could even be reused the following year?)
- Cake for the entire class (from the cafeteria) almost every time a student has a birthday
- School “spirit” events at fast food restaurants and pizza places
- “Popsicles with the principal” for top fundraising students
- Celebrating the 100th day of school by stringing 100 fruit loops onto a necklace (cute idea, but I’m confident some healthier alternatives could be just as much fun)
But rather than just sitting here complaining about these issues, I thought why not do something about it instead?! As you may know, another mom and I teamed up to offer our school a healthier “nut-free” snack list so now we are doing the same when it comes to student rewards. And I’m finding that there’s no better place to brainstorm for ideas than my facebook page (thank you everyone for your wonderful ideas).
So without further ado here’s a long list of student rewards…that aren’t junk food! We plan to submit this list to our school administration and PTA and hope you’ll consider doing the same by downloading the printable version. And as always, please leave any additional ideas in the comments below.
Student Rewards...That Aren't Junk Food!
Group/Class Rewards
- Extra playground time
- Pick different seats to sit in for a day
- Teacher wearing a silly outfit or hat (let the class decide…one reader even said a teacher wore her wedding dress to school!)
- Afternoon movie (as an individual reward one student could be allowed to select and bring in the movie for the class)
- Lunch in the classroom
- Dress up days…let the class vote!
- Pajama day (can also incorporate sleeping bags/blankets)
- Crazy hair day
- Farmer day
- Stuffed animal day
- Backward day (wear clothes backward and even follow the class schedule backward!)
- Camp out day (kids bring sleeping bags and teacher brings a tent)
- Hat day
- Book swap party (each child brings a book they no longer want and “trades” with their classmates)
- An art or craft party
- A game the class plays together (like bingo or kickball)
- If it’s warm outside…water play in bathing suits
- Plant some flowers or plants together at the school
- Paint birdhouses together to put up at the school
- Dance party with music
- Film a short digital video/documentary as a class (for e.g. each student answers a question for the camera) then watches it together afterward
Individual Rewards
- Lunch or recess time with the principal
- Books donated to the school library in the student’s honor with a guest reader to read them to the class
- Extra computer time
- Go to “specials” (like gym or Spanish class) with a friend’s class instead of your own
- Sit with a friend from another class at lunch
- Gift certificate to the school store
- Lunch with the teacher
- Sit in the teacher’s chair or at their desk for the day
- Use a rolling chair/stool at your own desk for the day
- Sit next to a friend instead of in your own seat for the day
- Be the “special helper” for the day (running errands to the office, line leader, etc.)
- Name read over morning announcements
- Student asked to actually read the morning announcements
- Choose the story for story time
- Let a student be the “principal for the day” or the “assistant principal for the day” or even “teacher for the day” (or just for an assignment)
- “Stinky feet” which means you get to take your shoes off in class
- Pick something out of a treasure box with prizes like stickers, pencils, erasers toothbrushes, silly bands, etc.
- Give out “play money” to students that they can spend in a class-wide auction later in the year (auction items can include games, books, etc. and be donated by parents)
- If students wear uniforms a “no uniform for the day” pass
- “Family night” bags that kids get to borrow from the teacher for the evening including “lego night” and “movie night”
School Fundraisers
- Principal can be duct taped to the wall (our school actually did this last year – students had to buy pieces of tape)
- Principal can kiss a pig in front of the school if a certain amount of money is raised (another example that really happened at a reader’s school)
- “Teacher car wash” where kids can “buy” buckets of water and wet sponges that they can throw on teachers in car pool line
Birthday Celebrations
- Class makes fruit smoothies together
- Small goodie bags with stickers/activities given out to classmates
- Each kid is given supplies to a make small craft together
- Birthday card(s) made by the other students
- Popcorn birthday parties (popcorn is a whole-grain food) served in “popcorn cones” that the kids make themselves out of paper
- New book donated to class library by birthday student with their parent as the guest reader
Nancy says
That is a great list. As a teacher myself I think that students would enjoy these ideas way more and they would also be more memorable than the regular old class party. Good Job!
Sara says
My friend's school became connected with a local hospital to focus on healthy eating and exercise. They advocated no food rewards at school or at home. The thought was that connecting rewards with foods created obesity problems as students became adults. They had to work to get the parents and even some of the school staff on board (think birthdays and "special" occasions). But it became quite successful.
Jenna says
I think my son's school already does a pretty good job about these things, but he just barely started kindergarten so I don't really know yet. I do know that just last week the kids who collected the most box tops in each grade got to "Pie the Principal!" Haha! I think that is a great idea, what kid wouldn't want to throw a pie at the principal?? And I know his class just won a popcorn party for some reason or another, I don't remember what though. I will be back for ideas when his birthday rolls around in a couple months!
Kate says
Hello. I think you have an excellent point about food not being necessary as a reward. Food as reward really isn't healthy in any aspect of our lives, educational or personal. As a parent, I would never reward my child's behavior with food, so why would I do it in my classroom with my students? Research suggests that tangible rewards in the classroom are actually pointless, however I have totally given out rewards on certain years with certain classes. SEveral of the ideas on your list are good, however I do agree with Kristie (above) that some are just unrealistic, very time consuming, and expensive. I don't say this to bash your ideas, because I think you have great intentions and will make your point with such a thoughtful list, but just try to be understanding if some of your ideas aren't used. For example, I would never allow popcorn in my classroom even though it's healthy because we get mice in our building AND the custodian is only vacuuming every OTHER day because of budget cuts, so I have to be careful about crumbs. Also, dress-up days tend to be very distracting for younger kids, so some teachers don't like them often. It's a lot easier to do a "party" or reward that can be handed out and finished and doesn't distract kids from learning all day long. Making crafts or smoothies as a class can be costly, be a lot of work and can require a lot of prep. And it also takes a lot of time away from learning. I know our curriculum is packed and honestly, we don't have time for more than 15 minutes of fun for a child's birthday. Instead of treats, I love to read the same book aloud for every Birthday kid (it's called On The Day You Were Born). The story talks a lot about the earth, sun, and moon. I have them walk around our pretend sun however many years they are...and say something significant that happened to them each year of their life (it's always funny). In recent years, I've had kids make a photo timeline of their lives with one pic per year and bring it on their birthday. They get center stage as they show the class and tell about each picture. This is so much fun! Then we sing and wa-la! done! Good luck on your quest! I hope it is successful.
Julie says
What great ideas! I'm a teacher, and I try to think outside the box for class parties and student rewards. Thanks for so many creative ideas!
Ang says
I absolutely love these ideas. I am personally tired of all school functions containing pizza, soda, chips, ice cream, & nachos. It is sad when pickles are considered to be the healthy alternative to all junk.
RNTCharlotte says
You really nailed it, Lisa! Thanks for putting this together. One afternoon when my 2nd grade son was acting particularly crazy, I asked him what sugar snack he had at school -- it turned out to be candy corn. (This was happening on an almost daily basis as most of the people who have written in here know). I lost it and told him that was IT -- I was talking to his teacher to tell her NO MORE CANDY at school. Well, two days later, I got an email -- my son had apparently turned candy away because his "mom had said so" and his teacher wanted to see if this was true!! I've since sent in some healthier alternatives and his teacher has been good about helping us out with this. I'm really proud of my little guy -- and, apparently so is his class: He was just selected by his class to receive an award for being "Trustworthy"!
Melanie says
I just LOVE these ideas!!!
Jenny W (The Housewife Project) says
These are such great ideas. Thank you. I'll be taking this list to the next PTO meeting.
Sandy @ God Speaks Today says
I love my children's school, but this is my one and only complaint year after year on the annual parent survey--too much junk food! I realize not all these options will work for every class in every school, but what a GREAT variety to get the teachers thinking outside the box!
Sandy
Dana says
My son's elementary school has classes earning points towards a school wide pajama day. He is very excited about this possibility.
Amy says
Thank you for the suggestions. My son has a lot of food allergies and is always left out of the candy treats. I don't care that doesn't get candy (I'm actually glad) but I hate that it leaves him out of the group. So many of these suggestions would be something he could actually participate in.
Stephanie says
My daughter's school sends such mixed messages. On the one hand, there is a very specific list of snack/lunch foods that are allowed. If you bring something "unhealthy" they take it away and provide an alternative snack. I thought that was great until I see them graphing with candy and marshmallows and selling cookie dough that has more than FIFTY SIX ingredients in it. Seriously? The cookie dough can be at room temp for 21 days....what is in that to make it viable after 21 days on the counter??
Feeding My Tribe says
Great post! Lots of good ideas. Stacey
Moe says
Kristie,
Maybe laws are different from state to state, but here even up through the high school age they are rewarded with VHS/DVD movies and popcorn at the public and private schools. As a parent I've never been too thrilled with the moive choices either pg-13 for the younger kids and R for the high school ones. But as I've been told by administration when I have calmly voiced my opinion to my child watching these movies "It's want the kids want to see." Teaching a love of learning and a life time of learning should not require rewards.
Kwanita says
These are great ideas! I am very fortunate that the preschool my daughter attends encourages healthy eating. They actually send a list home of preferred snacks and at the bottom in bold letters is "please no cupcakes!". And at the parent meeting they let us know, if we were to pack all junk for their lunches, not to be surprised if a note comes home encouraging healthy choices. My daughter helps to pack her lunch and usually requests veggies and fruit, and usually a whole wheat zucchini muffin (thanks for that idea). She is excited to pack veggies again the next day because she gets praise from her teacher.
Amy says
Such a great list! I get so tired of the food and candy being rewards. Yes it is cheap and easy, but cheap and easy doesn't get you anywhere. We homeschool so it is not as much of an issue with school but our church is horrible about giving out candy. I hate it! My kids will come home with full size candy bars every week. I am about to say something, just seem to have trouble working up the nerve to do this. I hate for my kids to always be the ones that are "different", but I am the mom and I don't like my kids being given so much junk. (Totally trying to give myself a peptalk here!)
One question I have for people is this: do the kids need to be rewarded at every turn? I don't remember always getting a piece of candy or prize every time I turned around in school. I don't really remember ever getting something like this. Is all this necessary? Just like at church, do they need a full-size candy bar to learn a memory verse? In my humble opinion the answer is no. Let the kids be proud of the job they have done.
Kristie Hillenmeyer says
Lisa I must admit you are very creative, however many of the things on your list are either not allowed or too expensive. Lets face it doing a craft for 20 kids can get expensive, but a bag of fruit loops is less than $5 and will cover everyone. Also, because of copyright laws you can't bring movies from home. There are MANY LAWS about what movies and how you obtain them. Oh yeah, you have to always wear shoes at school because of the fire codes. You can no longer just have a movie day because you want to reward them. The curriculum is such that teachers have a limited amount of time to shove this stuff down the kid's throat. I admit it has gotten really bad, but as you can see most of the time the teacher's hands are tied. Don't get me wrong I agree with you, but as a teacher I know that most of the things on your list are not realistic.
100 Days of Real Food says
Thanks for your feedback Kristie. While I'd love to take credit for the ideas on this list most of them actually came from the blog readers...from events that have actually happened in their own schools. So I am not sure if different rules apply to different districts, but most of these ideas were based on things that are currently happening in schools. Also, when I look at this list I have to admit I see things a little differently...I actually see a lot of inexpensive and free ideas that can easily be implemented. I think rewarding a class with a pajama day or a "backward day" would be a lot cheaper than a Krispy Kreme donut party (which is one way our elementary school currently handles class rewards). I also think there are many inexpensive crafts for a birthday celebration that would cost a lot less than buying a cupcake per child. The other day my girls and I made "kaleidoscopes" out of old paper towel rolls, saran wrap, rubber bands and sharpee markers. Yesterday we made "fall wreaths" out of paper plates, and leaves from the yard. I guess I don't think of kid crafts as having to be "expensive" or something that even has to be store-bought. But whether someone uses the exact examples from this list or just uses the ideas for inspiration ...with a little effort and creativity I think educators/parents/school administrators can come up with a lot of easy, inexpensive, fun (and healthy) ways to reward our children. Just my two cents...although I do always welcome the opposing argument!
Melpy says
Kristie, I completely agree that many of these would be prohibited in public schools that I know. I too am a teacher and refuse to reward with food. As a Spanish teacher we have a cultural food day once a year ( no parties allowed) and I use it as a reward for good behavior and it must tie in with the curriculum( during the food unit). Many schools have rules against things in this post but some teachers choose not follow them. So I can only say that just because you hear of it being done doesn't mean the school has approved it.
Courtney says
Agreed--half of the things on the list would not be allowed in any school I know of. I think there is too much processed junk everywhere, including schools--but if we are teaching our kids a way of life and not a "diet"--the offering of junk food may present good opportunities for them to say "no thanks." And occasionally if they do give in--is one piece of cake going to cause that much harm? And if theyre learning to count to 100 with fruit loops--which is more important; learning to count or the fact that they ate some preservatives? I could see objecting if cake, fruit loops and skittles were everyday offerings but I am guessing they're used more for special occasions and specific lesson plans.
I have a similar objection to the fact that my school banned peanut butter in lunches. CHildren who have allergies are going to have to learn to avoid the food that causes an allergic reaction. I think we've got to many helicopter parents and we need to just teach our children the best we can at home and hope they make the right choices at school. The world is going to be full of temptations and potential bad choices---let them start practicing while they are in school so they learn to "just say no."
Marie says
Regarding the peanut ban - my son has been to preschools that have nut (all nuts, not just peanuts) bans and now that he is in elementary schools, the schools are peanut free for snacks (at lunch time, it's okay to have peanuts since there are peanut free tables).
My understanding of this is not that the peanut-allergic kids make bad choices (consume the offending food), but that peanut allergies are very common and for a lot of kids, very serious. Most children that are allergic to a food (i.e. dairy) simply break out in a rash, hives, etc. With peanuts, there are a lot of cases where the reaction is anaphylactic shock. So they schools take the cautious approach - it's not because they think the children will succumb to temptation.
emilee says
thank you for the thoughtful reply regarding severe food allergies.
Moe says
YOU ROCK!!! lol. My DS attended private school for 4 years and it was a nightmare of candy junk for every little thing! It drove me nuts. We now homeschool and I can see where it was not helpful in the least to have all those treats, because I noticed that for my son to do any work he had to GET SOMETTHING, that is not what life is all about. So it took about a year and a half to work through this, it was hard, but guess what? You have to turn in homework even though you don't get candy for turning it it!!! I don't remember ever getting treats in school unless it was someones birthday and you got a cupcake. I think all this treat stuff is back firing with our kids when they get in to the real world.
Moe
Amanda B says
This is a really nice list that I will share as well.
I have to second the teacher-kiss-a-pig idea. One of the clubs at my high school used to do that for a charity fundraiser and it always made more money than any fundraiser except the candy sales. Jars with photos of the participating teachers on them would be put out at lunch, and students would vote by putting their change in the jars. The big smooch would be held at one of our Friday pep rallies, right in the gym in front of everybody. The agriculture students brought a pig from the ag barn for the occasion, and usually teachers would kiss it on top of its head. One year, the winning teacher brought a can of Lysol and made a dramatic show of "spraying" the pig (just pretending... she didn't actually put those chemicals on the piggy) before she kissed it. We howled with laughter. If it was popular with high schoolers, I can only imagine how excited elementary children would get.
Kelly T says
Our school is guilty of the exact same things. Love these ideas!!
Annette says
Great ideas! My son's teacher last year seemed to involve food in every lesson last year. This really bothered me because he has food sensitivities. The birthday celebrations bother me too. Last year for my son's birthday he made everyone in his class bookmarks.
Jocelyn says
I LOVE YOUR IDEAS!!!!! This was my fb status update 5 hours ago (not food related but school related)
"correct me if I am wrong but I thought I was sending my kids to school to get an education not watch movies. I could be totally wrong with this one..." so I don't agree with the movie, but love pretty much everything else. I think I am going to send this on to the principal of my kids school. But just take out the movie. My standards in movies are WAY different than those at school.
Deena @ stay at home FOODIE says
These are great ideas. We're not allowed to bring in a ton of sweets to the classroom. For birthdays we need to limit the celebration to unfrozted mini cupcakes (I.e. muffins). The kids still get a kick out of it and the portion is small.
Yadsia @ShopCookMake says
Great ideas! I'm a pre-school teacher. These are suggestions that I will into consideration.
Amanda says
when i was in 6th grade (still in elementary school) the teachers let us have a morning "fruit break" where we can have a snack ONLY if it was a piece of fruit NOT fruit roll up, fruit snacks, etc. the teachers reserved the right to veto any snack and if your parents didn't pack one, you just didn't get a snack (it was optional). there were some days where i wouldn't get a snack packed, but mostly my mom would make a big deal out of buying interesting fruits for me to try in class. one day i brought a pomegranate and my teacher tried a little bit, she had never had one! this could easily be adapted into some sort of treat - try a different type of fruit!
Ursula says
This is great!! This very subject has been on my mind for the past few days. My 3 year old is in preschool and last week they had a donut party for one child's birthday and now today they had a halloween party with all kinds of junk. I brought apples and was then disgusted when another mom had brought caramel dip. Ughh, seriously, I tried. I will be sending this to her preschool. Thanks!
Jean says
Wow. Great list. I, too, am super sick of the food rewards. It's so excessive.
Melissa says
I also love this list! I used to be a teacher and was also guilty of using candy as a reward. What can I say...I was young and didn't really think about it. Now as a parent I have a completely different perspective. So many people say things like, it is only once in awhile or Halloween only comes once a year. But when you put it all together...everyone in the class' birthdays, all the holidays, special rewards...it really adds up. I wish I had this list when I was a teacher.
Tegan says
I really love these ideas, and will be saving them for future use. I'm always looking for 'healthy' rewards - but all I could come up with was a raffle (where 'good behaviour' earns you raffle tickets, and a non-food prize is awarded at the end of the day).
Laura says
I love most of these ideas, except the popcorn. Yes, it is a whole grain, but do you think a school will really make air popped popcorn without salt and butter? Also, it hits a point with me because my daughte cannot eat popcorn. I think food should be out of the classroom. You never know the allergies kids have these days. This also goes for the smoothies. They should be made with orange juice or water, not dairy. But most important, parents should have a say in what their kids eat. Many parents do not care, and that is fine. (I do not mean that in a mean way, just those parents have different concerns.) I have to care due to a medical condition, but I feel I should not have to explain it to every parent or for every party at school.
emilee says
Yes, Laura. I'm with you here!!!
Tracey says
I LOVE this list! I was volunteering in my daughter's preschool class last week and when I walked in all the children were cleaning up their toys to transistion to another activity. After they were done putting all the toys away, they sat in a circle on the rug and the teacher passed out a couple M&M's to each child for helping clean up! I was SPEACHLESS! I couldn't believe she was rewarding what should be an expected task (at least it is in my house) with candy! How about a sticker or a hug for each kid, or even a good old fashioned high five for a job well done!
I might be going to her school with this listing in the very near future!
Great list!
Eating Poorganically says
If your school doesn't follow a PBIS (Positive Behavior Incentive System), recommend it to your school. They are fabulous!!! Many if not most of the rewards are not junk food based. A few that my kids have been especially excited about were: class movie and popcorn party, Electronics day (where kids could bring in DS and Leapster type games to play and share with friends), or playing boardgames with the principal or teacher of their choice.
Tiffany {A Clove of Garlic} says
I love this list! I am a teacher and I feel the struggle on all sides. I require (yes - REQUIRE) my students (third grade) to have a healthy snack in the morning such as fruit, veggie sticks, cheese stick, etc. I tell the parents at the beginning of the year and they all agree to it. I have bananas for those who don't bring one. But then a for fundraisers at lunch they are drinking rootbeer floats. It is such a challenge! Thanks for the great list of ideas.
Stacy says
I sent this to our school's FB page. It was a good list of nutritional and environmentally conscientious choices. Thank you again and again!!
Jackie says
Amazing list! I'm going to print it out and post it here in our house (for a reminder when I'm lost for ideas!) and take a copy to our principal. He's new this year and seems really open to new ideas! Thanks for taking the time to put this together Lisa!
Dena says
Fundraiser ideas - At my daugher's school, they did a dunking tank as a fundraiser. The kids got to bring change to school and put it in the staff member's jar of who they want to see dunked in the tank. This was during the spring they did this. It was a close contenst between the principal and vice principal. They students and staff all enjoyed it plus it brought in some much needed funds.
Jenn says
How about take care of the class pet for the day/week or maybe take the pet home for the weekend, if possible?
Also, my college does a Relay For Life fundraiser, where the top administrators are 'arrested' and put in 'jail'. Then the jailbird is given a phone to call and get donations for 'bail' to get out of jail. I bet some variation of this would work as a fun fundraiser for schools.
Abby says
This is a great list. I was a teacher for 8 years and I was guilty for giving junk food as a prize (sometimes) because it was easy...or I thought it was easier. These ideas are just as easy!
Jenny @ Practically Perfect... says
I love these ideas! I agree that way too many rewards at school come in the form of junk food. The only one that I might take off of this list would be the movie reward - I think that kids watch enough TV outside of the classroom. Otherwise, I love every one of these suggestions :-)