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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.
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.
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.- Set Clear Goals: Define the specific behaviors you wish to reinforce, such as completing chores, following instructions, or showing kindness to others.
- 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.
- 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.
- Set Achievable Targets: Break down larger goals into smaller, achievable tasks, ensuring that your child experiences success along the way.
- 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.
- Celebrate Success: Whenever your child reaches the set target, celebrate their accomplishment and allow them to choose their preferred Chapstick flavor as a reward.
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!
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
I am so excited to try this in my pre-k classroom this fall! However I am trying to find the best way to explain to families. This will be slightly different than my traditional stickers/treasure box.
Do you happen to have a draft letter?
Hi Tina. Unfortunately, I do not have a draft letter. This is something I will consider writing up. I think it would be great to let the parents know of this system 🙂
This is SO great!!! I cannot wait to try this inexpensive positive in my classroom! Plus how great is it that my last name starts with an “S”?! Santulli smellies!!!
Perfect!!!! The kids will love it 🙂
My favorite! In my kinder class we call them super smellies!
So fun!
I did this when I taught first grade and we called them “smellies.” When I moved to 5th grade, I figured it was too childish. So wrong! 5th graders love smellies too!
I know, it’s crazy that even the older kids love this 🙂
I call them “smellies” and attached them to my lanyard around my neck. I also used them with the “littles” backstage at dance recitals. I became known as “The Smelly Lady!” ? Was asked by kids if it was chapstick, no it’s a smelly. Was also asked where I got them, at the teacher store (anywhere a teacher shops is a teacher store btw!) Parents contacted me about where they could buy smellies, they were on their kids’ Christmas lists! ? This TOTALLY works!
Yasss! I love it…The Smelly Lady 🙂
I love this idea, my only problem is the hygienic side. How do you handle not spreading germs from one hand to the next?
I promoted frequent hand washing in my classroom. A rub on the back of their hands is no worse than them touching each others supplies or each other when in line, etc. Using chapstick for positive behavior was never a hygienic concern.
Totally trying it!
You’ll love it!
This works! I use it in my PreK class.
Awesome to hear it works with your PreK kiddos, Lynn 🙂
You are brilliant!!!!!!
Do you ever have a parent that does not want you to use “chemicals” (chapstick, stamps) on their child?
Hi Kathy. Great question. No, not in my 17 years of teaching, did I have one parent that didn’t allow me to use chapstick on a child’s hand as a reward. However, there are tons of organic options to choose from. Here are some BeesWax organic balms you could use. https://amzn.to/2F9cPUh
This is just so sweet. I’m proud of you as a teacher for looking for the positive in your kiddos!
Thank you, Lisa 🙂 Positive thoughts = positive reality!