Can you imagine watching your student’s faces light up as you present them with an award? Positive acknowledgment and praise can go a long way. It’s not only beneficial for the students but the teacher as well. There are a variety of reasons to use student awards in the classroom. My top three are character education, classroom management, and culminating activity.
Character Education
Character education and social-emotional learning are valuable assets in the classroom. Teaching students core values, such as the six pillars of character, will create a positive learning environment. Student awards can be created to focus on these traits as well as many others. Below is a list of possible awards based on the pillars. Of course, you can get creative with other options, but this is a good place to start.
6 Pillars of Character
| Pillar | Possible Award | |||
| Trustworthiness | Fantastic Friend | |||
| Respect | Best Listener | |||
| Responsibility | Future President | |||
| Fairness | Team Player | |||
| Caring | Most Thoughtful | |||
| Citizenship | Happy Helper |
Classroom Management
The first month of the school year is spent focusing on routines, procedures, and classroom management. If these skills can be established early on, then teaching begins more quickly and with less interruption. We all know how frustrating it is to stop a lesson because we need to remind students about their behavior.
From the beginning, tell students that they will receive awards either throughout the year or at the end of the year (depending on your preference). Show the awards to build excitement and explain how they can be achieved. Students may want to create a goal for a specific certificate such as most improved or best helper.
Throughout the year give reminders about the awards and ask students to reflect. What award are they on track to get? How could they improve to receive a certain one? Are they proud of their accomplishments so far? These student awards are a valuable tool for classroom management.
Culminating Activity
Student awards make an amazing culminating activity at the end of the year. Usually, teachers prefer to match students to their awards, but it can also be fun to have classmates vote. The last week of school, turn the award ceremony into a big event. Maybe decorate the classroom, play music in the background, or invite others to watch. Students will be beaming with pride as they receive their award. What better way to end the year!
Of course, you can make your own student awards, but I know how hectic the end of the school year can be. To save time and energy, I created over 40 awards available in full color or the ink saver option. The best part is they are editable! Choose to type or handwrite each one. Click the picture below to see the full list of awards.
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