Using Chapstick for Positive Behavior [Classroom Management Tip]

If you're an elementary teacher you need to know about using chapstick for positive behavior.  Yes, chapstick can be used for more than your dried lips. In fact, I want to show you how using chapstick for positive behavior is a wonderful classroom management technique.  And, no friends, I don't mean giving away an entire chapstick as a prize.  Read on to see more :) 

I first learned about using chapstick for positive behavior when searching for classroom management strategies to reward students without prizes and food.  Whether it was a peanut allergy in the classroom, or a tight teacher budget, I had to stop using candy and toys as a constant reward with my students.  Chapstick, on the other hand, is affordable and a novel method of behavior management. 

How I Started Using Chapstick for Positive Behavior

One day, during our kindergarten morning meeting session, I casually pulled a scented chapstick out of my pocket, and told the kids I'm looking to see who will get a "smelly sticker" for following directions.   Meanwhile, I am smelling the chapstick and exaggerating how WONDERFUL it smells when I rub it on the back of my hand.  (I'm sure you teachers have a perfect visual of what this looked like). And, that my friends, was when the magic happened! Using chapstick to reward positive behavior quickly became a favorite classroom management strategy in kindergarten.    

How to Use Chapstick as Smelly Stickers 

• Rub a small dot on the back of student's hand. 
• Rotate the scents often to keep it novel
• Goes on clear and doesn't stain their skin like stamps
• Gender friendly rewards in the classroom
• Keep some in your desk, and one in your pocket throughout the day
• Easily accessible when traveling to specials, during dismissal, at recess, on field trips, etc.
• Great for hallway behavior
• Use in alignment with sticker charts or behavior charts. 

When I order chapstick for smelly stickers, I purchase a variety of scents.  Once variety pack lasts the whole year! My latest amazon purchase was a Hershey's variety! 

When to Use Chapstick as a Reward

• during transitions in the classroom 
• when lining up
• as you walk around the classroom and recognize students for being on task
• give to a parent volunteer to use as rewards when working with students
• small group positive reinforcement
• great effort
• being kind to others
• when filling up a behavior sticker chart
• Choose a classroom helper, and have them give smelly stickers to others who are following directions and working hard.  They LOVE this! 

Not only do you want chapstick for positive behavior techniques, you will appreciate the science behind using scents in the classroom.  The brain based learning theories encourage the use of scents to improve learning efficiency. Peppermint, cinnamon, and citrus chapsticks are some of my favorite scents on days when I'm trying to increase student productivity. 

You can check out my affiliate links to start using chapstick for positive behavior with your kids, today! Once you start using chapstick for positive behavior, you will find yourself keeping an eye out for chapsticks that go with classroom themes and holidays.  Who knew something so simple and compact can used as a positive behavior reward in the elementary classrooms. Get yourself a variety of chapstick and watch as "smelly stickers" become the best tip for classroom management.