Star Jar Worksheet
GinaMarie Guarino, LMHC
Worksheet published on October 18, 2018
Exercises that reinforce good behavior are helpful when teaching healthy habits to children in therapy. Using techniques that encourage wanted behavior helps teach children how to behave in school, at home, and in counseling.
Incorporating a reward system into a child's routine helps with encouraging wanted behavior. Reward systems engage kids in learning healthy behaviors and can be simple to apply in school and at home.
About This Worksheet
A method for incorporating a reward system into a child's routine is to use a visual that engages the child in keeping track of their progress. The Star Jar worksheet provides a space for kids to engage in a reward system for good behavior.
The Star Jar worksheet provides an image of an empty jar for the child to collect stickers when practicing good behaviors. Every time they use good behavior, they are rewarded with a star to place in their jar.
This worksheet is great for positive reinforcement because it helps children learn effective communication and behavioral skills. It is intended to be used with children up to 10 years old and can be useful in a variety of settings, like:
- Classrooms
- The child's home
- Family therapy
- Individual therapy
Instructions
To start, record the child's name in the space provided. Explain that each time they practice good behavior, they will receive a star to put in their jar.
In the space provided, record behaviors that will be rewarded with a star. Set a goal of how many stars the child needs to earn each week and designate a reward they will receive when they reach their goal.
During the week, reward the child with one star sticker to put in their jar each they engage in a wanted behavior. Only reward one star at a time to prevent negotiating, bartering, or losing control of the exercise. Do not remove a star from the worksheet, as it may discredit the child's efforts to engage in healthy behaviors.
The child is rewarded if they collect the goal amount of stars by the end of the week. If they receive a reward, take a moment to reflect on their good behavior. If they do not reach their goal at the end of the week, have a conversation with the child about what they did well during the week and review the recorded behaviors that earn a star. Do not shame the child for not achieving their goal. Instead, engage them in the worksheet by reinforcing their potential to reach their goal.
