Ditch the Sticker Charts: What to Do Instead of Praise, Rewards, and Punishment

Let’s be real—how many times have you heard (or even said) one of these?

      • “They’re just doing it for attention.”
      • “If we let them get away with that, everyone else will follow.”
      • “They need consequences if they’re going to learn.”

Sound familiar

Yet…it’s beyond the ask ourselves, are traditional behavior tools like praise, rewards, and punishment helping—or hurting?

What We’ve Learned About Behavior

Thanks to decades of brain research and lived classroom experience, we know this:

  • Praise feels good… but can create approval-dependence.
  • Rewards work… but only in the short term—and often disconnect students from internal motivation.
  • Punishments? They don’t teach. They harm, isolate, shame, and activate stress responses

When we rely on these outdated tools, we miss what students really need: regulation, connection, and opportunities for reflection.

Why These Tools Fall Short in Inclusive Classrooms

Inclusive education means seeing every student as capable, valuable, and worthy of support—not control.

But traditional behavior management often:

  • Prioritizes compliance over curiosity
  • Focuses on outcomes instead of effort
  • Rewards those who already “fit” while excluding those with different needs

Creates classrooms where students fear mistakes rather than learn from them.

It’s Time to Make the Swap

If your goal is to foster connection and belonging—not just obedience—you’ll love the handout for Episode 50 of The Inclusion Podcast: 10 Inclusive Swaps: Moving Beyond Praise, Rewards, and Punishment.

Here are just a few game-changers from the list:

 

Instead of… Try this… Why it works
“Good job!” “You worked hard to build that tower!” Builds internal motivation and self-awareness
Public behavior charts Private check-ins and reflective questions Preserves dignity and invites self-reflection
Ignoring big feelings “It looks like you’re frustrated. I’m here to help.” Builds trust and emotional literacy
Taking away recess as punishment Co-regulation strategies (e.g., movement, breathing) Supports regulation instead of adding stress
Giving stickers for rule-following “You helped our classroom community by cleaning up.” Reinforces belonging—not bribery10InclusiveSwapsMovingB…

Each swap is practical, evidence-based, and adaptable for PreK through 12th grade.

 

It’s Not About Being Permissive

Let’s clear this up: moving away from traditional discipline doesn’t mean letting kids “run wild.”

It means responding in ways that support brain development.

Instead of controlling behavior, we learn to connect with the human behind the behavior—through validation, co-regulation, and reflection.

And that’s how we create classrooms that are not only more inclusive, but more joyful, curious, and compassionate.

WHERE BELONGING CHANGES BEHAVIOR

Better Behavior Starts With Better Solutions

Behavior 360 is an effective professional learning series built upon a new way of thinking about behavior.

Behavior 360 equips educators with practical, brain-based strategies for preventing challenging behavior, responding effectively in the moment, and supporting lasting change.

Instead of relying on rewards, punishments, or removal, your team will create calmer classrooms, stronger relationships, and better outcomes for students.

  • 10+ hours of practical, on-demand professional learning.
  • 34 scenario-based lessons for everything from refusal and aggression to running, swearing, and classroom disruption.
  • Proactive classroom strategies, de-escalation techniques, and Student Success Plans.
  • Downloadable guides, transcripts, and bonus resources.

“…Inclusive Schooling always delivers real, inclusive tools that work.” 

— Director of Special  Services, Warren County Public Schools (VA) 

Show Me Behavior 360

Perfect for:
All PreK–12 Educators, Specialists, and School Leaders