Alternatives to food rewards

Food rewards can be an easy way to bring about an immediate behavior change in students. So why change a reward system that seems to work? Because rewarding children with food can contribute to health problems such as obesity, diabetes, and hypertension. It also interferes with learning to eat in response to hunger and fullness cues. Giving donuts and soft drinks to students may seem like a harmless treat for a job well done, but rewarding children with unhealthy food can develop habits that stay with them throughout their school careers...and their lives.

So what are some healthy alternatives to reward students?

Elementary School Students

• Trips to a treasure box filled with nonfood items such as stickers, bubbles, jump ropes, puzzles, key chains, yo-yo's, trading cards, pencil toppers, etc.)

• Bank system (use play money to be used for privileges)

• Play favorite game

• Extra recess

• Make deliveries to office

• Sit by friends

• Help teach class

• Eat lunch with teacher

• School supplies

• Show-and-tell

• Paperback book

Middle School Students

• Sit with friends

• Five minute chat break at end of class

• Reduced homework

• Extra credit

• Fun video

• Computer time

• Eat lunch or have class outside

High School Students

• Extra credit

• Fun video

• Reduced homework

• Donated movie coupons

• "Free Choice" time at end of class

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