What Are Behaviour Chart Stickers?
Behaviour chart stickers are small, colourful stickers used on a visual chart to track a child’s daily actions. Parents, teachers, and caregivers place a sticker each time a child meets a specific goal—such as completing homework, sharing toys, or using the potty. The chart provides instant feedback, turning abstract expectations into a concrete, visual reward system.
Why Use a Sticker Chart?
Research shows that visual reinforcement helps children understand expectations and develop self‑regulation. When a child sees a growing collection of stickers, they experience a sense of achievement that encourages repeat behaviour. This approach aligns with the advice of experts like Dr. Greenaway, who emphasizes the importance of clear, consistent Do’s and Don’ts when setting up any behaviour‑change tool.
Key Benefits
- Immediate feedback: Children see the result of their actions right away.
- Motivation boost: Collecting stickers taps into natural curiosity and the desire for completion.
- Structure and routine: A chart creates a predictable pattern that supports habit formation.
- Positive language: The focus stays on what the child is doing right, rather than on punishment.
Setting Up an Effective Sticker Chart
Follow these practical steps to create a chart that works for your family or classroom.
1. Choose the Right Chart
Select a size that fits the display area—wall‑mounted for home use or a portable board for the classroom. The chart should have clear columns or rows for each day of the week and a space for the stickers.
2. Define Specific Goals
Behaviour goals must be observable and achievable. Examples include:
- Putting toys away after playtime.
- Using polite words like “please” and “thank you.”
- Going to the bathroom independently during potty training.
- Completing a reading assignment.
Bruce Gulland and Christy VanArragon recommend keeping the list short—no more than three targets per chart—to avoid overwhelming the child.
3. Pick Engaging Stickers
Use stickers that match the child’s interests. The lovely character from Dizkis activities, for instance, can become a recurring hero on the chart, making each placement feel like a mini‑adventure.
4. Explain the System Clearly
Before starting, sit down with the child and walk through the chart. Emphasise the Do’s (e.g., “You earn a sticker when you remember to brush your teeth”) and the Don’ts (e.g., “No stickers for skipping the task”). Dr. Greenaway stresses that consistency is crucial; the same rule must apply every day.
5. Decide on a Reward
When a row
