Quarantine Week #2 is in full effect, and I don’t know about you, but I’m running out of steam….yes, ALREADY! With three energetic kids at home, I’m starting to feel like a juggling act in the circus. Trying to keep behavior at bay is already a struggle, so I decided to pull out my secret weapon – the trusted behavior punch cards!! Well, that is until I looked inside the drawer to be welcomed with an empty bag. Not one left. Now what to do?
I didn’t want to order more and have to wait. (First world problems, I know.) BUT, I really needed a simple and easy reward system as fast as possible…one that would be effective and not create more work for myself. So, I made these POSITIVE choices punch cards to use! My boys have always been motivated through positive (and usually immediate) reinforcement. We have done sticker charts, but it always requires having enough on hand, and we run out quickly! With this system, all you need is a hole puncher! Don’t have one of these? A pen works just fine!
Whenever my boys make a positive, helpful, responsible, or kind choice, I give them a punch on their card. Sometimes they earn 5 in a day, sometimes just one. It all depends on how they choose to behave! For younger kids, try to set them up for success with tasks or actions you know they are capable of doing. Start out giving punches in abundance so it builds anticipation and excitement!
Once all 20 punches have been made, your child gets to choose a reward. This can range from things big or small. It can be a special treat, time alone with mom/dad, play date, video game time, a toy from the store, etc. With all the limitations of social distancing we currently are experiencing, it has made it a little trickier, but you can get creative!
With many families having to manage virtual learning at home with finding ways to keep kids motivated and staying disciplined, you can also incorporate the CHORE CHAMPION punch cards!
For every chore completed, from taking out the garbage, walking the dog, or loading/emptying the dishwasher, a child can earn a punch! This rewards independence and motivates kids to become more helpful around the house!
And, if you’re like me…someone who has a reluctant reader at home, where it feels like you’re FORCING them to sit down and practice skills or simply read a book for more than a minute, than these READER REWARD punch cards will be perfect for you!
You can structure it any way you choose. Kids can earn a punch each time they read for 20 minutes a day, or whenever they practice sight words or spend time reviewing their phonics flashcards! You decide what is worthy of a punch. (Side note: you can download some UH-mazing reading resources, like my favorite flashcard sets at www.thisreadingmama.com. She has the BEST tools!)
Whether you have a child just starting school and learning foundational skills or an avid reader cruising through chapter books, this card can be used with all ages!
Snag these punch cards separately or grab all 3 designs in a bundle at my ETSY shop! They are a great resource for both parents and teachers, to use at home or in the classroom! While the uncertain times we are all facing can be stressful, hopefully these tools can help make learning and tasks more manageable, and dare I say, FUN?!
Remember, we are all in this together! There will certainly be a mix of good and bad days. We have to try our best to let the POSITIVE CHOICES and behaviors outshine the rest!
I sure hope these can be of help to you! If there is someone who could benefit from these, feel free to spread the love and share away!
