Behavior charts are positive reinforcement tools to help kids establish a specific pattern of behavior. Whether it's brushing their teeth, cleaning their rooms, or saying "thank you", a simple behavior chart can document and illustrate specific accomplishments. Combine a behavior chart with a reward to help cement the positive effects of your child's actions.
Smiley Chart
Create a simple smiley chart to keep track of a single good behavior. Get the kids involved in the design of the chart by drawing the outlines of trees and flowers on a poster board. Inside of each flower blossom or tree top outline, add two dots to represent the eyes. Leave the remaining area blank so you can add the smile line to document the desired behavior. When the poster is filled with smiling trees and flowers, give the child a reward. Make reusable smiley charts by painting over the smiling faces after the chart is filled. You can also use this method to take away a smiley face as needed.
Checkerboard Checklist Chart
For older kids who no longer respond to the positive reinforcement of a simple smile, make a checklist chart with the days of the week on a horizontal row and specific behaviors listed in a vertical row along the left hand side of the chart. This chart adapts well to multiple chores or behaviors, such as completing homework or taking out the garbage. Make a checkerboard pattern by drawing horizontal lines beneath each behavior listed on the left. Draw vertical lines between the days of the week to create blocks for check marks. Make the checklist chart on a dry erase board to make it reusable.
Magnet Chart
Cut a section of metal craft foil into any shape that will fit on the front of your fridge or a designated wall area. Metal craft foil is thin; you can cut it with sharp household shears. For young kids, create a shape that appeals to them, such as a dinosaur, a fairy or a castle. Attach the metal cutout to the fridge with magnets or to the wall with removable interlocking strips. Each time the child exhibits the desired behavior, add a decorative magnet to the metal cutout. Determine the amount of decorative magnets necessary to receive the reward. For older kids, spell out words with magnet letters.
Artistic Chart
Trace an outline of a design image onto a poster board and let your child color in a section of the image each time they exhibit the desired behavior. Buy special markers, pens or crayons that are designated as the "good behavior" materials to be used only for the behavior chart. When the child completes the picture, offer the reward.
