How to Encourage and Reward Positive Behaviour as a Substitute Teacher

One of the biggest challenges substitute teachers face is stepping into a new classroom culture and guiding students toward positive, respectful behavior—often with little time to build relationships or routines. The good news? You can create a supportive, well-managed learning environment, even for a single class period, by intentionally recognizing and rewarding positive choices.

Positive reinforcement doesn’t just improve classroom behaviour—it builds trust, increases engagement, and sets the tone for a successful day. Here’s how to encourage great behaviour from students and the simple, effective rewards you can offer as a substitute teacher.

Start With Clear Expectations and a Positive Tone

Before you reward positive behaviour, set the foundation:

  • Greet students warmly and confidently.
  • Clearly explain what respectful behaviour looks and sounds like.
  • Share the kinds of positive actions you will be looking for.

This ensures students know exactly how to succeed.

Use Verbal Praise Often—and With Purpose

Verbal praise is one of the most powerful tools you have, and it costs nothing. Make it specific:

  • “Thank you for getting started right away.”
  • “I appreciate how you helped your classmate.”
  • “I love how focused this table is.”

Praise can be public to motivate others, or private for students who prefer quiet acknowledgment.

Leverage Low-Prep Recognition Strategies

Students respond strongly to small, meaningful signals that you notice their efforts. Use simple tools such as:

  • Recognition notes or certificates placed on desks
  • A sticky note with a quick message of appreciation
  • A note to the principal highlighting a student’s behaviour
  • Adding a student’s name under “Superstar Workers”
  • Allowing them to wear a Superstar Badge for the period or day
  • Providing an official-looking award certificate they can take home

These small gestures go a long way in building motivation—especially for elementary and middle-grade students.

Offer Fun Rewards and Classroom Privileges

Short bursts of joy and autonomy can immediately elevate the classroom atmosphere. Consider offering:

  • A game or fun activity at the end of class if the whole group meets expectations
  • Small individual privileges such as:
    • Sitting in the teacher’s chair
    • Acting as the teacher’s helper
    • Sitting or working with a friend
    • Social time with a friend
    • Chill time for the last 5 minutes of class
    • Free drawing or design time

Privileges work especially well because they reward good behaviour without creating extra work for the substitute.

Use Tangible Rewards—But With Intention

Tangible items can be exciting, especially for younger students, but they should be used sparingly and fairly. Options include:

  • Stickers
  • Pulling from a Treasure Chest
  • A small prize
  • Time on their phone (in older grades, if permitted)

Make sure tangible rewards align with school policies so you don’t run into conflicts later.

Encourage Autonomy Through Flexible Seating or Work Options

Giving students a choice in how they work shows trust and independence—both of which encourage better behaviour.

Try offering:

  • Working on the floor
  • Sitting at a counter or alternate space
  • A flexible seating option available in the classroom
  • Using the teacher’s chair for a class period
  • Working or eating with a friend (if appropriate)

These options are particularly effective in upper elementary and middle school settings.

Offer Time-Based Incentives

Time can be one of the most powerful motivators. Consider offering:

  • A pass to stay in at recess to play cards, draw, or talk with a friend (only if you are not supervising and are comfortable giving up your break)
  • Leaving for recess early (only if you are the supervising teacher)
  • The final 3–5 minutes of class as quiet hangout time with friends

These rewards reinforce group cooperation while supporting positive social interactions.

The Key: Keep Rewards Simple, Visible, and Consistent

As a substitute teacher, your goal isn’t to create an elaborate reward system—it’s to use simple, meaningful tools that support whatever routines the classroom teacher already has in place.

If you focus on:

  • Clear expectations
  • Genuine praise
  • Easy-to-implement rewards
  • Consistent follow-through

… you’ll create a positive classroom environment that helps students rise to your expectations—no matter how long you’re there.

Ready to level up your substitute Teaching? Explore Substitute Teacher Training: The Complete Guide to Confidence, Control, and Classroom Success  — an online course designed to help substitute teachers build confidence, control and classroom success.