Rewards might feel like an easy classroom management solution, but are they actually making your life harder? In this Can't Miss Classic, we’re taking a closer look at when rewards help, when they can backfire, and how to use them more intentionally. We’re sharing why you probably don’t need a reward system from day one, how to use short-term and surprise rewards strategically, and simple ways to build classroom community without turning every positive behavior into a transaction.

Prefer to read? Grab the original episode transcript and resources in the show notes here: https://www.secondstorywindow.net/podcast/back-to-school-classroom-management/

Resources:

• Order our book: Structure and Spark
• Join the Teacher Approved Club!
• December Teacher Planner
• Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us by Daniel H. Pink
• Skylight Calendar
• Dr Scholl’s Women’s Sneaker
• Connect with us on Instagram @2ndstorywindow.
• Shop our teacher-approved resources.
• Join our Facebook group, Teacher Approved
• Leave a review on Apple Podcasts.
• Leave a comment or rating on Spotify.

Related Episodes to Enjoy:

• Episode 148, ​​How to Build Positive Relationships with Your Students at Back-to-School
• Episode 114, Elementary Teacher Questions Answered Part 1
• Episode 103, When to Use Rewards to Boost Your Behavior Management – And When Not To
• Episode 87, 4 Important Ways to Build Classroom Community at Back to School
• Episode 73, 4 Reasons Why Affirming Students Is The Most Important Goal for Back to School