9 Home or Classroom Behavior Charts (Easy-To-Use, Effective & Free)

Inside: We’ve scoured the web for the best and most accessible behavior charts for kids or students.

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It’s proven that success (with anything you desire) is more manageable and more attainable with clear written (and achievable) goals.

Well, guess what?

Kids are also more likely to also achieve goals with visual cues.

(Sample Goal: For the kids to stop torturing the dog!)

A behavior chart (or reward chart) is an excellent visual tool to encourage positive behavior and help keep kids motivated. Plus, it’s fun, and kids love to monitor their progress.

We’ve scoured the web and below we’ve listed the best free and bought home or classroom behavior charts for kids.

What is a Behavior Chart?

A behavior chart is a system for tracking a child’s choices, actions, and behaviors throughout the day, week, or month. It’s a method to reinforce desired behaviors and discourage undesired behavior.

Each day (or time) your kiddo has success, they collect stickers stars (or any measurement you see fit), which usually leads to a pre-determined reward. This visual tool then encourages these positive behaviors to continue by setting up healthy habits.

Are Behavior Charts a Good Idea?

Here’s the thing:

I’m not entirely sold on behavior charts for kids.

*Gasp*

I know, I know, I’m writing this post, but I’m not sure I love the entire concept of behavior charts.

Here’s why:

1. We often put all this effort into setting up our adorable charts, to get one sticker placed and then it sits on the refrigerator collecting dust.
2. While it’s true, we have only good intentions of discouraging unwanted behaviour (did little Johnny try to ride the dog again?) and we always bust out the gate running, but we often run out of steam long before the finish line.
3. And furthermore, are we really getting to the root of our child’s behaviour?

Because remember, there is no such thing as “bad” kids, only kids crying out for help.

Here’s the thing, maybe the chart isn’t the problem, but perhaps the problem is our execution or follow through. So despite having the cutest chart in the world, it comes down to our child’s relationship with us, their caregiver, and we must put in the effort to get to the root of our children’s behavior.

I’d suggest first establishing some basics, like a kick-butt morning and evening routine, incorporating quality family time, and positive discipline.

Once we have established some basics ( and if you want to get off on the right foot, you might love our Positive Parenting Toolkit), then we are ready for the reward chart!

(And we have some super cute choices for you below).

Home or Classroom Behavior Chart Tips

• Make sure goals are listed, clear and attainable. If the child can’t succeed, they won’t try.
• Be consistent. If you decide to use a chart, try to keep at it. That means placing the sticker stars and making a big deal about awesome behaviour.
• Keep all tasks age-appropriate (you know, like three-year olds can’t be expected to prep dinner each night or to never have a tantrum).
• Involve your child in the chart set up (ask their opinions and review the rules)

Behavior Chart Benefits

Whether you are using a classroom behavior chart or one at home, there are a few benefits we should mention before we get to the sweet charts below:

1. Reinforces positive behaviour (such as turn taking and clean up)
2. Provides a fun incentive
3. Easier to monitor each child’s progress if you are caring for several kids in a classroom.
4. Encourages good choices and sets healthy habits

9 Behavior Charts for Toddlers and Kids (For Home or Classroom)

Below is a wide selection of reward charts to choose from. You can go with a free printable behavior chart, a premium printable chart or buy one shipped and delivered from Amazon. You decide what works for you.

1. Mindfulmazing’s BIG reward chart

We love designing cute printables here at Mindfulmazing. You can snag this reward chart (2 color designs) for only $2.

What I love about this chart is that you can pick any task you want to work on, potty training, making the bed, not hitting *ahem* and use this chart to place a fun sticker star (or laminate and use dry-erase markers) each day that your child accomplishes the desired goal.

2. Free Printable Behavior Charts (.com) has a TON of free behavior charts to choose from.

You can choose any of these free charts by age or style. This site has tons of choices, from monthly charts, sticker charts, dinosaurs, baseball, flowers, unicorns, and more.

The choices are endless. The charts are very basic and straightforward, but if you are looking for something simple, easy, and free, this might be a good choice for you.

3. Reward Charts 4 Kids Free Behavior Chart

Reward Charts 4 Kids has a couple of options for free behavior charts. They even have a reward chart maker. A few highlights:

• Change the background and the theme.
• Add clipart with various themes such as princesses, superheroes, space, and many more.
• Edit the text and add additional text.
• Add your child’s photo.
• Select a daily, weekly, or monthly layout or a number of steps

4. Reward Chart from Enchanted Papetorie

I love the colors of this reward chart; it stood out from me in the sea of charts available on Etsy. This Unicorn reward behavior chart is sure to get your little girl (or boy) motivated.

This chart motivates kids by turning positive behavior into a challenge. And bonus, it can be personalized with your child’s name!

5. Mainly Charts Fish Bowl Chart

How cute is this chart?! It’s simply adorable.

When your child achieves goals, they get to pick a fish and put it in their bowl. This design is clever and unique and sure to keep a young child interested. 

6. Developed Good Habits Reward Chart

Another awesome free reward chart choice. I love the simplicity of this design. You can simply color the stars in. You don’t need stickers or velcro. Print and voila, you have your chart ready to go.

7. Happiness is Homemade Color Coded Reward Chart

I love this idea from Happiness is Homemade. You can make your own reward chart.

They have a tutorial on quickly making your own chart, or if you aren’t crafty, you can grab their free printable chart option.

8. Melissa and Doug’s Behavior Chart

Melissa and Doug are famous for their quality products, and this is no exception.

This chart is perfect for those who don’t want to fuss with printing and downloading. This is one of the more expensive options, but it’s a physical product delivered by Amazon.

9. Dinosaur Reward Chart

This adorable dinosaur reward chart encourages good behavior and positive behavior. Children collect stars every time they complete a task and exchange them for future rewards.

This chart has a solid and thick magnetic strip so that you can stick it to your refrigerator. It comes shipped and delivered from Amazon.

Final thoughts on Home or Classroom Behavior Charts

Whichever chart you choose, I hope it helps your little ones achieve their goals and encourage good behavior. Don’t forget to keep it fun and upbeat.

Tell me below, which chart did you choose?