Unique Classroom Reinforcers

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If you have been following me for any amount of time, you know I am a huge believer in positive reinforcement. To learn more about token economies or behavior related posts, click here. Both of these will help you to set up a positive reinforcement system in your classroom. Today’s blog post is ALL about reinforcers. I wanted to provide you with a list of common reinforcers as well as a list of unique reinforcers.

What is a Reinforcer?

A reinforcer is something used to help motivate or reward a student for completing a task. Sometimes reinforcers are offered verbally, through a written contract or a token board system. Whatever the method, different students and classrooms benefit from different systems. Reinforcers should be offered in a clear manner. Students should understand what they will earn and how they will earn it. To grab some token boards for your classroom, grab them HERE.

Reinforcers can be earned over a variety of time periods:

  • At the end of the week
  • Monthly
  • After each task
  • Daily
  • After a set amount of time

Common Classroom Reinforcers

Here is a list of common classroom reinforcers that can be motivating in the classroom.

  • healthy snack items
  • candy
  • free time
  • coloring/art supplies
  • books
  • toys/blocks/puzzles
  • sensory toys/fidgets
  • wikisticks
  • outside time
  • recess
  • computer/technology

Special Classroom Reinforcers

Here is a list of unique classroom reinforcers that can be motivating in the classroom. This list of items can be more “special” and used less often to be more motivating for larger and more difficult tasks.

  • No shoes for the day. Let students take their shoes off in the classroom for the day. How exiting for students and how easy for staff (minus putting the shoes back on) to implement!
  • Teachers chair for the day. Let the student have a special chair at their desk or table for the day.
  • Teachers desk for the day/activity. Let the student work at the teachers desk for the day or task at hand.
  • Ice Cream Party
  • Movie and Popcorn

Unique Classroom Reinforcers

I asked for suggestions of unique classroom reinforcers on my instagram account and I am DYING over some of these reinforcers, not because they are funny choices, but because I truly believe in whatever works for the kiddo. I have had my fair share of interesting reinforcers when I was in the classroom too. If somethings is motivating AND ALSO school appropriate, I say go for it. Over time you can fade this reinforcer. Below is a list from some of my instagram followers!

  • spoons
  • chip clips
  • picture of Marv from Home alone
  • pocket lint
  • grocery store ads
  • lizard hunts
  • mice toys
  • disassembling pens
  • band aides
  • elevator rides
  • feathers
  • blenders
  • microwaves
  • bags with zippers

In Summary

Reinforcers are a big component of a special education classroom. Reinforcers need to be motivating and exciting. I hope this list of unique reinforcers helps you spice things up in your classroom. Comment below with any other ideas I can add to this list!

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