Don’t miss out on weekly freebies, teaching tips & more! Join the free email list:

Don’t miss out on weekly freebies, teaching tips & more! Join the free email list:

Using Chapstick for Positive Behavior

If you’re an elementary teacher you need to know about using chapstick for positive behavior.  

Positive behavior reinforcement is an essential aspect of promoting good behavior in children. One creative and effective approach to achieve this is by using Chapstick as a reward system.

This blog post explores the benefits of employing chapstick as a positive reinforcement tool and how it can encourage desired behaviors in children.

Using chapstick for positive behavior

Positive behavior reinforcement involves rewarding and acknowledging desired behaviors to encourage their repetition. By associating positive actions with rewards, children are more likely to display the desired behavior consistently.

The Power of Using Chapstick for Positive Behavior

Chapstick, even when rubbed on the back of the hand,  can serve as an attractive and tangible incentive for children.  More specifically, the smells of the Chapstick trigger parts of the brain that simple stickers just won’t do.
Using chapstick for positive behavior

How to Use Chapstick as a Classroom Management Strategy

First, it’s important to know, we are not referring to a chapstick reward as an entire tube handed out for kids to keep. Instead, we are talking about using fun smelling chapstick and rubbing a small amount on the back of a kids hand.
  1. Set Clear Goals: Define the specific behaviors you wish to reinforce, such as completing chores, following instructions, or showing kindness to others.
  2. Explain the Reward System: Communicate the rules and expectations to your child, making sure they understand the connection between positive behaviors and earning Chapstick rewards.  This is were printable behavior charts serve as an excellent tool. 
  3. Create a Reward Chart: Develop a visual chart where your child can track their progress and receive stickers or marks for each demonstrated positive behavior.
  4. Set Achievable Targets: Break down larger goals into smaller, achievable tasks, ensuring that your child experiences success along the way. 
  5. Establish a Reward System: Determine how many stickers or marks are needed to earn a Chapstick reward. This can be adjusted based on the difficulty of the behavior or the child’s age.
  6. Celebrate Success: Whenever your child reaches the set target, celebrate their accomplishment and allow them to choose their preferred Chapstick flavor as a reward.
printable behavior contract for prek, kindergarten, and first grade.

When to Use Smelly Spots for Reinforcing Positive Behavior

  • during transitions in the classroom 
  • when lining up
  • as you walk around the classroom and recognize students for being on task
  • give to a parent volunteer to use as rewards when working with students
  • small group positive reinforcement
  • great effort
  • being kind to others
  • when filling up a behavior sticker chart
  • Choose a classroom helper, and have them give smelly stickers to others who are following directions and working hard.  They LOVE this!
chapstick-for-positive-behavior-youtube-video
 Not only do you want chapstick for positive behavior techniques, you will appreciate the science behind using scents in the classroom.  The brain based learning theories encourage the use of scents to improve learning efficiency. Peppermint, cinnamon, and citrus chapsticks are some of my favorite scents on days when I’m trying to increase student productivity.  If your child loses interest in the Chapstick rewards, consider introducing new flavors or alternative rewards to keep the system engaging. If a particular behavior is not improving despite the rewards, reassess the goal’s achievability and adjust accordingly. Using chapstick for positive behavior

Conclusion

Using Chapstick as a positive behavior reinforcement tool can be a fun and effective way to encourage desirable behaviors in children. By setting clear goals, creating a reward system, and maintaining consistency, parents and teachers can foster a positive and nurturing environment that promotes good behavior in their children. Remember that every child is unique, so tailor the system to suit your child’s preferences and needs. With patience and commitment, the Chapstick reward system can be a valuable asset in nurturing positive behavior patterns in children.

Before you go, here are more posts you’ll enjoy:

10 Tips for Teaching Kids How to Tie Shoes

10 Classroom Family Photo Design

68 Best Virtual Field Trips for Kids

Chapstick for Positive Behavior