Most sticker charts quickly lose their effectiveness. Wouldn’t it be great if your kids continued to work through a sticker chart for weeks while they were learning new skills and habits such as reading, brushing teeth, cleaning up, fitness, potty training, or good behavior?
In this article, you’ll learn how to make a simple new-and-improved sticker chart that has lasting effectiveness.
Back Story
When my girls were about 5 or 6, they were very reluctant to engage in sustained exercise that would elevate their heart rate and challenge them physically. Sure, they’d run and play in short bursts on the playground, but they would “give up” the activity as soon as they were breathing hard. I wanted to teach them that effort and persistence could lead to better physical health.
Motivation
You may have heard of the terms “extrinsic motivation” (motivation coming from factors external to the person, for example, stickers, money, or candy) and “intrinsic motivation” (motivation coming from factors inside the person, for example, feeling fulfilled or proud.).
In general, intrinsic motivation is a stronger motivator because it is more meaningful to the person.
However, as a parent, I’ve noticed that sometimes my kids need an “extrinsic boost” to help them learn the value of certain kinds of tasks. Here’s the problem: when an extrinsic reward is over-used (as with stickers), it becomes even less effective. Therefore, the challenge is to create a sticker chart that has a steady stream of new and exciting rewards. Then eventually the child learns to appreciate the task for its own sake.
The Sporty Girl Chart
Girl swimming. © Richard Thorp
So, I invented the Sporty Girl chart (seen at the top of this article). I drew the chart and had the kids color it (lol, they have no problems with persistence when it comes to an art project!). They could earn stickers by completing sporty girl tasks. Here are some examples:
+ Do X number of jumping jacks, push ups, crab walks, etc.
+ Complete an obstacle course (in our yard or on a playground)
+ Ride a bike or scooter around a designated course
+ Go for a long hike
+ Jump rope for X jumps in a row
+ Practice X cartwheels
I gave them more difficult challenges as the girls got in better shape.
Since stickers can quickly become meaningless, my chart had a key difference from most sticker charts. On the chart, I inserted mid-term and long-term goals that were rewarded with meaningful family events. These included trips to the playground, roller skating, bowling, play time with Mommy, and the very last square had a trip to the zoo. This way, the girls were always working toward a longer-term meaningful goal.
Now YOU Try It!
In our family, similar charts have worked really well to achieve potty training goals (Potty Princess chart) and reading goals (Super Reader chart). The same type of chart could be used for brushing teeth, cleaning up, or good behavior.
Tips for Making an Effective Sticker Chart:
+ Have kids help create the chart and choose the stickers.
+ Behaviors must be measurable.
+ Include mid-term and long-term rewards (kids can help with ideas) sprinkled through the chart.
+ Avoid foods as mid-term and long-term rewards.
+ Whenever a sticker is placed on a square that has a mid-term or long-term reward, the child earns that reward.
+ Keep the chart in a highly visible location (show it off to visitors for an extra motivation boost).
Please comment below: How do you help keep your kids motivated?