So, I decided to try the new classroom management idea that was all the rage on teachergram: opening up a sticker shop. I jumped on the class sticker shop bandwagon! I wanted to add a fresh twist to our student reward choices. For just 10 bucks, it seemed worth a shot!
Our Classroom Management System
Running a class sticker shop fits perfectly with the house system that I use as a whole class management system. Houses earn points as the week goes on. At the end of the week, the house members from the winning how get to select a reward. They can choose from the student reward coupons or get a sticker from the sticker shop. Read more about how I use a house system in my upper elementary classroom.
Hype Them Up
Now, let me spill the tea on what made this whole sticker shop thing a major hit in my class. It blew my mind how even the “big kids” were going all out for stickers. I cranked up the excitement by having the shop ready to roll as soon as they walked in, and I gave them a heads-up in our morning message that the class sticker shop would be opening soon.
When they had free time, I let them browse through the sticker options. Trust me, having those stickers laid out in a pocket chart was a game-changer in getting them on board. Many had chosen a sticker that they had their eye on. Planning to select it when they earn their next reward. Many of them had bought in and the sticker shop was a big motivator.
A Quick Story
Here’s a little story about how I knew that I hyped up the new stickers enough. One day, our VP strolled into my class and got curious about the sticker shop. I gave her the lowdown on how it worked, and she dove into the stickers. I couldn’t contain my excitement and even offered her one to jazz up her travel coffee mug.
We excitedly started picking out stickers for her. At that point, I happened to glance up and notice my students were watching us, eager to see if she’d choose the same sticker they had their eye on. I didn’t realize just how much they loved the sticker shop until that moment.
Play It Safe
I often get asked which stickers I purchased. I got huge sticker packs from Amazon that range from $9 to $20. With one or two of these packs, you’ll be set for the entire year. Here are a few of the sets that I’ve purchased (affiliate links) sticker pack 1, sticker pack 2, and sticker pack 3.
Pro tip: Before letting your students loose on these sticker packs, do a quick run-through. Every now and then, you’ll stumble upon some choices that might not be quite right for elementary students. Another little hack is to snip off any words that might not be suitable, even if the graphic itself is spot on. For example, I once found a sticker with the cutest fox on it, but the words weren’t classroom-appropriate (if you’re curious, it said, “what the fox.”) A quick snip, and you’re set!
The Talk
Oh, and let’s not forget “The Talk.” No, not that talk! I had a chat with students about where these stickers should go. We talked about how they needed to get the green light from their parents before they went wild sticking them on water bottles, iPads, doors, you name it.
I proceeded to tell them the story about when I was young and was so proud to show my mom how I decorated my TV with beanie babies stickers… I learned an important life lesson that day. Mom was not happy.
Will you try this classroom management idea? I’d love to hear how it goes! Tag me on Instagram (@learngrowblossom) to show me your class sticker shop!
Looking for more classroom management ideas? Read how behaviour tracking and using a house system has changed the game for me in my classroom.
