Behavior Charts and Token Boards

Kindergarten is a crucial time in a child's development. Our little ones navigate their days growing not only academically, but also socially/ emotionally. Many kindergarteners are able to adjust, self-regulate, and respond to the daily social expectations. Yet, we all know some who need that little EXTRA love and support.

One effective way to support positive behavior in kindergarteners is by using behavior charts and token boards. This is a practice that has worked really well for my students.

What Are Behavior Charts and Token Boards?

1. Behavior Charts:
   • Behavior charts are visual tools that display a set of desired behavioral goals. Each day, kindergarteners can earn stickers when they display the positive behavior. Some behavior might be: keeping a safe body, sharing with classmates, and following classroom rules.
3. Token Boards:
   • Token boards are similar to behavior charts but generally use a different format. Instead of tracking behavior on a daily basis, token boards involve earning tokens for accomplishing a desired behavior or task. These tokens can be physical objects like small coins, or stickers of their favorite super hero. When the student has earned the set of tokens, they can trade them in for the reward.

How Behavior Charts and Token Boards Help Kindergarteners:

1. Visual Representation:
   • Behavior charts and token boards offer a visual representation of expectations and growth. Young children benefit from visual cues. This is true for neurodivergent as well as neurotypical children. A Token board makes it easier for them to understand expected behavior.
3. Motivation:
   • The promise of earning rewards (especially of their choosing) are powerful incentives for kindergarteners.
5. Immediate Feedback:
   • These behavior tools offer immediate feedback.
7. Confidence:
   • As kindergarteners achieve their goals and earn rewards, their confidence grow. They learn that they have the ability to make good decisions.

Tips for Implementing Behavior Charts and Token Boards:

1. Consistency is Key: Be consistent and celebrate when the child meets their goals.
3. Involve the Child: Encourage the child to participate in the process by allowing them to choose the rewards they are working to earn. Involve them in decorating the chart as well as placing the tokens and stickers on it. The more ownership they feel of the system, the better they will respond.
5. Involve the Parents/Caretaker: Your students' parents/guardians are your biggest allies. Make sure you meet with them and together decide on the target behaviors. It is likely that they are also seeing the same challenges at home.

Looking for stickers suggestions? Check these out!

Happy teaching

TP@Sparking Creativity

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