Non-Food Incentives?

Author: admin

19 Nov

I was asked for ideas of incentives and rewards for music students who can’t have treats of any kind. I have only had one student like this, and she was happy with stickers for a while. I only taught her for a year, so that reward didn’t get old. However, I know it would have after a while.

One piano teacher I know lets her students accumulate points throughout the quarter, and then sets up a “store” where they can spend their points. The items are pencils, busts of composers, stickers, notepads, things like that. She also includes candy (which is always snatched up in an instant!)

So I pose the question to you: what do you give as rewards or incentives to students who can’t have treats?

Filed under: Incentives

6 Responses for "Non-Food Incentives?"

sfrack November 19th, 2008 at 7:46 pm 1
When I was the Suzuki mom for my daughter I would give her a “politeness point” when she had a good practice and was pleasant throughout. All it was, was a small piece of paper with the letter ‘p’ on it. When she collected 20 politeness points she could go to the local book store and choose any book she wanted. It really worked for her and being polite during practice became a habit.
Sue Althouse November 19th, 2008 at 9:28 pm 2
I have several moms who prefer their child not receive candy and I have a few students with allergies, so I just stay away from food prizes altogether. My favorite place to find fun and inexpensive incentives is Oriental Trading.
Christal November 20th, 2008 at 1:17 am 3
I like the “store” idea. I believe it would work well with dollar store-type prizes….thanks!
~C
Marcia November 21st, 2008 at 12:15 am 4
Bouncy Balls – Gift Cards to Barnes & Noble, Borders, or another book store – Stickers – Little toy cars and trucks (Tonka Toys) – For Older Students, Itune Cards! (my student came up with this one.) In my rewards system, Itune cards cost $450 composer bucks.
Ruth November 27th, 2008 at 10:10 am 5
I keep a wall chart in my studio and for 5 memorized songs, they get a gift from the grab bag. They all can see each others progress and hurry to memorize songs to keep up with other students. The gifts are just things from the $$ store, or fun pencils, cute little girly things, etc. The gift is not as important as the accomplishment. There is also a candy dish that they can get a treat after each lesson….mama permitting.
Holly December 5th, 2008 at 12:47 pm 6
If the students do well during their lessons they can play a game at the end. I have hand made memory cards that contain matching theory items on the back for example… one card would say octave and the other would have an octave with the notes on the staff. The students love it and if they get a match and can accuratley identify it they can draw a small prize or treat from the bag.