How to Create and Use a Token Reward System for Positive Behavior.

August 14, 2025November 21, 2025 AutismadeLeave a comment

One of the most effective tools to encourage good behavior and promote independence is a Token Reward System. This simple, visual system can be tailored to any age or ability level.

In this blog post, we’ll walk you through:

What a Token Reward System is
Why it works
Step-by-step instructions to create one
Ideas for classroom and home use
Tips to make it successful

What Is a Token Reward System?

A Token Reward System is a structured method where students earn tokens (e.g., stickers, coins, stars) for demonstrating specific, positive behaviors. Once they collect a certain number of tokens, they can trade them in for a preferred reward.

Think of it like a mini economy—students earn and “spend” tokens for desired outcomes.

Why It Works

Visual & tangible: Helps students see progress toward a goal
Predictable & consistent: Encourages routine and structure
Motivating: Taps into student interests and preferences
Teachable moments: Reinforces life skills like patience, saving, and goal-setting

Materials You’ll Need

Printable tokens or physical objects (stickers, plastic coins, Velcro stars)
Token board/chart (can be laminated paper, folder, or dry erase board)
List of reward choices (pictures and/or text)
Laminator (optional but helpful for durability)
Velcro dots or magnet tape (for attaching tokens)
Basket or menu of rewards (e.g., small toys, extra screen time, sensory items)

Step-by-Step: How to Set Up a Token Reward System

Step 1: Choose Target Behaviors

Pick 1–3 behaviors you want to reinforce, such as:

“Raise your hand before speaking”
“Complete tasks independently”
“Stay seated during circle time”

Keep it simple and positive. Phrase behaviors as things TO DO, not things to avoid.

Step 2: Design the Token Board

Here are two simple design ideas:

Design A: 5-Token Star Chart

Board has 5 empty star outlines
Each time the student earns a token, place a sticker/star in an outline
After 5 tokens, they get a reward

Design B: Velcro Token Strip

Use laminated board with 5–10 Velcro dots
Give a laminated token (smiley face, mini icon) to stick on each dot

You can find free token board templates online or create your own in Google Slides or Canva.

Step 3: Select Motivating Rewards

Pick 3–5 small, meaningful rewards. These could be:

Sensory toys (squish balls, fidget spinners)
5 minutes of iPad time
A favorite snack
Extra recess
A classroom job (line leader, helper)

Pro Tip: Use a visual menu so students can choose their reward.

Step 4: Teach the System

Before using the system, model how it works:

Explain the behavior you’re looking for
Show how the student earns a token
Demonstrate trading in tokens for a reward

Use visuals and social stories if needed. Practice a few rounds for fun!

Step 5: Start Using the System

Give immediate, specific praise when a token is earned:
“Great job sitting quietly! Here’s a token!”
Help students track their progress
Let them choose a reward before you start

Consistency is key—make it part of your routine.

Ideas for Customization

Use themes like dinosaurs, superheroes, or animals
Allow students to personalize their token board
Digital version: Use apps like ClassDojo or Google Sheets
Portable boards: Attach small boards to clipboards or folders for inclusion settings

Tips for Parents at Home

Use a smaller-scale version (3-token board)
Focus on daily routines (brushing teeth, homework, bedtime)
Rewards can be free (extra bedtime story, one-on-one play time)
Keep communication open with your child’s teacher for consistency

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Too many target behaviors: Focus on just 1–2 at a time
Inconsistent token giving: Reinforce consistently or the system loses power
Rewards that don’t motivate: Choose what the student wants, not what you think they should want

Remember

A Token Reward System is more than just a behavior tool—it’s a way to build independence, self-esteem, and trust with your students. With a little preparation and consistency, this system can make a big difference in your classroom or home.

Start small. Be consistent. Celebrate the wins.

Here I’ve included a free printable template for a token board.

Reward Strategies in Special Education

July 19, 2025November 21, 2025 AutismadeLeave a comment

Making Learning Fun: Using Token Reward Systems in Special Education for Preschoolers

Helping young children stay engaged and motivated can feel like chasing bubbles—joyful but fleeting! For preschoolers, especially those in special education, structure and predictability are key. That’s where Token Reward Systems come in: they’re simple, effective, and incredibly adaptable.

Let’s break it down into friendly, easy steps so you can bring smiles and success to your classroom or home environment.

What Is a Token Reward System?

A token system uses small items (stickers, stars, check marks, coins, etc.) to reward positive behavior or task completion. Once a child earns enough tokens, they exchange them for a preferred item or activity.

It’s like earning stamps for good behavior and trading them in for extra playtime or a favorite book!

Why It Works for Preschoolers in Special Education

Preschoolers thrive on routine, visual cues, and positive reinforcement. Token systems work well because they:

Offer concrete visuals they can understand
Create consistent motivation
Encourage independence and decision-making
Reinforce specific behaviors or skills

Step-by-Step: How to Set It Up

Here’s a super simple plan:

Choose a Target Behavior
- Example: “Use kind hands,” “Stay seated during circle time,” or “Ask for help with words.”
Pick Your Tokens
- Use stickers, Velcro stars, plastic coins—anything tactile and fun.
- Make sure they’re large and colorful for easy visibility.
Create a Visual Chart
- Use a laminated board or a sheet with empty boxes.
- Label how many tokens are needed to earn the reward (e.g., “5 stars = 5 minutes on the swing”).
Select Reinforcers
- Offer choices: a toy, a song, playtime, cuddly reading time, or even a high-five parade!
- Rotate them to keep it fresh.
Start Using the System
- Give tokens IMMEDIATELY after the behavior occurs.
- Pair it with verbal praise: “You shared your crayons—great job! Here’s a star!”
Celebrate the Success
- When tokens are exchanged, make it a moment! Clap, cheer, and smile.

Visual Reinforcement Tips

Preschoolers are visual learners—so let’s make it pop!

Use pictures of rewards (photos or symbols)
Create emotion faces to pair with behaviors (“happy face when we wait patiently”)
Display charts at eye level so kids can see their progress
Use gesture praise (thumbs up, high-fives, dance)

Every child is wonderfully unique. Some may respond to sticker stars; others might prefer putting Velcro apples on a felt tree. Adjust the system to fit each child’s needs and celebrate the differences—it’s part of the magic.

Token systems aren’t just tools—they’re celebrations of growth, effort, and joy. With visuals, praise, and a bit of creativity, you’ll turn everyday moments into milestones.

Effective Behavior Management Tips for Special Ed Teachers

October 28, 2024November 21, 2025 AutismadeLeave a comment

Are you tired of spending your day as a teacher constantly battling disruptive student behaviors! Well, you’re not alone. In this article, we’ll provide you with some handy ideas for behavior management in your Special Ed Classroom!

As educators we understand the importance of creating an inclusive and positive learning environment for our students, particularly those with Special Needs. So with this logical flow of ideas, lets dive in and explore some creative and effective strategies for Behavior Management you can use.

1. Token Rewards

Token Rewards – A powerful method of strengthening new skills, the tokens are a way of reinforcing positive behavior and rewarding students for completing tasks, they then trade the tokens for desired activities or items they choose beforehand.

QUICK TIP – I use this board when I start teaching the Token Reward strategy, its a classroom resource that I can adapt with motivator choices that’s adapted for individual needs.

2. Critical Communication Cards

Critical Communication Cards – To teach new skills such as requesting “break please”, “help” and “wait” self -management strategies.

QUICK TIP – I place them on the edge of tables to remind students on their choices.

3. Self Regulation Tools

Self regulation tools – I’ve made tools individually accessible for my students to use in a handy little booklet.

QUICK TIP – I bind then as a book and keep them on hand for self management, each one tailored to individual needs that help them to self-regulate.

4. First and Then Strategies

First and Then – By using this strategy my students know what they must complete before having what they want, it also provides structure in their behaviour support plans.

QUICK TIP – If my students are finding it difficult to stay on track, I use the first and then strategy to remind them of what they are working for before they can get the item or activity they want.

5. Calm Down Corner

Calm Down Area – Sort out a corner of the room with a beanbag on the floor and a little book shelf for privacy, I kept it very plain and simple with just the calm down tools on hand… WOW it looks great, and my kids love it! Next I wanted to gave my kids a chance to take a break before things got to tricky, so I made these colourful break cards and purchased a sand timer.

QUICK TIP – Have a visual choice board ready with pictures of nice, peaceful activities that would help to distract from upset and some visual calm down tools to practice.

6. Classroom Posters

Posters – Visual Support reminders to Teach essential emotional regulation techniques and set them up in calm areas, display class rules and social skills posters in easy to see areas.

QUICK TIP – Print and display posters around the classroom or in a calm down area, use them to remind students of your classroom behavior expectations.

Find more Resources see below

Visual Behavior Support Folder – Token Rewards Tools, schedules, First & Then,

Visual Supports: Token Reward System/First & Then – Strategies for Special Ed

Classroom Behavior Management Strategies: First, Next and Then Tools

Token Reward folder: Visual support tools with “first & then” Behavior Strategy

First, Next and Then table Schedule Templates with Visual Supports

First Then boards and Help cards: Autism visual supports

Visual Supports:”First, next, then” with Token Rewards Systems

“5 Fun and Effective Token Reward Board Ideas for Preschool Special Education Students”

May 1, 2023July 25, 2025 AutismadeLeave a comment

Using Token Reward Strategies can help your students learn new skills, develop positive habits, and build confidence. Below I’ve listed some of the Token Reward Boards that we find effective in our SPED classroom:

The Picture Board: A picture board is an excellent way to engage young learners who are still developing their reading skills. You can create a board with pictures of various rewards, such as stickers, small toys, or even a favorite activity. When a student earns a certain number of tokens, they can choose a picture from the board as their reward.
The Themed Board: A themed board can be a fun and creative way to encourage positive behavior. You can create a board that corresponds with a current unit of study, such as Summer Time or the Farm Animals. Each time a student demonstrates positive behavior, they can earn a token that corresponds to the theme.
The Color-Coded Board: A color-coded board can be a simple and effective way to track progress and reward positive behavior. You can assign each student a color, and when they earn a token, they can add it to their designated color section. This can help students see their progress and encourage healthy competition.
The Token Exchange: This token reward board involves giving students the ability to exchange their earned tokens for rewards that they value. For example, students can earn tokens for positive behavior, and then exchange these tokens for privileges or items such as extra computer time, or a favourite toy.
The Goal Board: A goal board can be a powerful tool for helping students set and achieve their goals. You can create a board with specific goals, such as not shouting out, completing tasks, sharing with friends or listening to Teacher. Each time a student reaches a goal, they can earn a token towards a larger reward.

The key to making successful boards is to make them engaging and personalized for students, so they are motivated to earn tokens and achieve their goals.