Behavior Management Systems: The WOW Board

As a teacher, I am always looking for new ideas to reward the positive behaviors in my classroom. With clear expectations, consistent follow through, and engaging lessons, you should have minimal behavior issues. BUT… It is ALWAYS good to have a variety of strategies in your Teacher Toolbox to reward students for good behavior with effective behavior management systems.

Behavior Management Systems: What is the WOW Board?

A WOW Board is a place to celebrate students for any positive behavior you choose to focus on.

The WOW board is a grid with 100 squares. When you want to recognize a student for a specific behavior (showing kindness, engaging in discussions, excellent effort), have them write their name in one square.  If the board is laminated, students can write their names directly on the square. If it is not laminated, students can add their names on mini sticky notes.

OPTION 1: INDIVIDUAL RECOGNITION

To reward students for individual efforts, determine which student on the WOW board earns a reward by drawing BINGO numbers. The student with their name in that square earns a reward.

C7 - Cori!

D3 - Maddie K!

F5 - Wyatt!

**Bonus:  Your kids can learn x axis and y axis :)

The reward given can be anything of your choosing: a sticker, first pick during free choice time, teacher helper, or a positive note/email home to parents.

I am an advocate of “opportunity rewards” rather than “stuff rewards”. I would rather give students the opportunity to do something fun or special rather than receive food, candy, or a small item they will likely lose or throw away.

OPTION 2: CLASS TEAMWORK REWARD

To reward your class for teamwork, make it a goal to fill the entire WOW chart. Once the chart is completely filled, the whole class earns a reward.

Reward ideas:  Extra recess, extra free choice time, or movie day!

OPTION 3: INDIVIDUAL AND TEAMWORK

Combine the two options together. As your students are working to fill the WOW chart, reward individual students AND give a whole class reward once it is filled.

Be mindful of ensuring that each student has their name on the board at least once.

The WOW board is all about positive reinforcement. There are no punishments or consequences associated with the WOW board.

HOW TO GET STARTED: The WOW BOARD

The best way to display your WOW board is to create one on a poster board. A larger size is best as a visual for kids to easily see. If you don’t have the space, you can print a WOW board on 8.5” x 11” paper and keep it on a clipboard on your whiteboard.

To create your BINGO numbers, you can write on colored tiles or print the squares from my free resource linked below: