These PDF reward and behaviour charts for kids help encourage good behaviour, positive routines, and goal setting. Choose from fun designs including mermaid, unicorn, dinosaur, pirate, and digger themes. Each weekly reward chart is a free PDF download that makes it easy for parents and teachers to track progress and celebrate achievements in a positive way. These colourful charts are perfect for home or classroom use and make learning about responsibility fun and motivating.
FREE PDF DOWNLOADS
Mermaid
Weekly Reward Chart
Princess & Unicorn
Weekly Reward Chart
Dinosaurs
Weekly Reward Chart
Digger & Construction
Behaviour Chart
Pirate
Reward Chart
Candy Land
Reward Chart
Understanding Reward Charts
Reward charts are often used by parents, carers and teachers to help children learn routines, understand behaviour expectations, and work towards small goals. They can be a gentle way to encourage effort, build confidence, and help children see how their actions lead to positive outcomes.
This approach comes from behaviour psychology, where positive reinforcement is used to encourage helpful actions and support the development of new habits. Over time, it has become a familiar and practical tool for families and schools to support everyday routines such as tidying up, brushing teeth, sharing, or completing homework.
Reward systems can also be helpful for children with autism, ADHD, or other neurodevelopmental differences, as they often benefit from clear visual structure and predictable feedback. Simple, consistent charts can make expectations clearer and help children feel more secure about what is happening next.
Why They Can Be Helpful
Charts like these help children focus on what they are doing well, rather than what is going wrong. They make progress visible, which can be especially helpful for children who respond well to structure or visual reminders. Used thoughtfully, this tool can create a sense of teamwork between adults and children and build stronger communication.
They can also be particularly useful for children who need extra encouragement, find change difficult, or benefit from visual prompts – for example, some children with autism, ADHD, or sensory processing differences. For many families, this approach provides a simple and positive way to praise effort and recognise small achievements.
When They May Not Work for Every Child
Although many children enjoy using this kind of chart, it is not right for everyone. Some may feel anxious about meeting targets, while others might lose interest if the rewards do not feel meaningful. A few may respond better to verbal praise, attention, or other forms of encouragement.
It is important to use this method in a flexible and supportive way, focusing on effort rather than perfection. Every child is different, so what works well for one may not suit another. Parents and carers should use their judgement and adapt the approach to fit the child’s personality, needs and stage of development.
Using Charts Positively
Charts work best when they are simple, consistent, and paired with encouragement and praise. The most effective ones focus on a few achievable goals rather than many rules. Involving the child in choosing their goals and rewards can make the process more meaningful and motivating.
Rewards do not need to be material things. Extra playtime, choosing a family activity, or special one-to-one time can be just as rewarding as toys or treats.
Over time, as the behaviour becomes more consistent, it helps to gradually reduce the need for stickers or rewards and rely more on praise and the child’s own sense of achievement. This supports self-motivation and helps children feel proud of doing the right thing because it feels good, not just because of a reward.
