How to Use a Prize Box to Encourage Participation and Good Behavior in Class
Updated: 1 day ago
Some faith formation classes run smoothly because everyone is listening. Others need a little help getting there. A prize box can be a simple, cheerful way to encourage good behavior, participation, effort, and kindness without turning the whole class into a complicated reward system.
A prize box is exactly what it sounds like: a box filled with small prizes students can choose from when they earn one. When a student answers a question, helps a classmate, brings a Bible, memorizes a prayer, or stays focused during a lesson, the prize box gives you a quick way to recognize that effort.
The best part is that it does not have to cost much. With a little planning, you can make a prize box that feels fun, faith-filled, and easy to manage.
Fill the prize box with simple things students enjoy
The easiest way to start is with small, inexpensive prizes. Look for items at dollar stores, party supply stores, craft stores, or online. You do not need anything fancy. Children are often excited by the smallest things when they get to choose for themselves.
Good prize box ideas include:
Stickers
Pencils
Fun erasers
Small notebooks
Bookmarks
Bracelets
Temporary tattoos
Small toys
Fidgets
Fun pens
Candy or small treats
Keychains
Stamps
Try to include a mix of items so different students can find something they like. One child may love a pencil with a fun design. Another may go straight for a sticker or piece of candy. Choice is part of what makes the prize box exciting.
If your program has rules about food allergies or candy, keep that in mind. You can still make the box fun without treats. Stickers, pencils, bookmarks, and small toys work just fine.
Add Catholic prizes that fit the classroom
Since this is for faith formation class, it makes sense to include some Catholic-themed prizes too. These items can gently connect the reward system to the faith formation happening in the room.
Good Catholic prize box items include:
Saint cards
Rosaries
Catholic stickers
Prayer cards
Religious bookmarks
Saint medals
Catholic pencils or pens
The whole box does not need to be religious items. A mix usually works best. A student might choose a saint card one week and a fun eraser the next. That variety keeps the prize box from feeling too narrow, while still making room for faith-based treasures.
Catholic prizes can also start small conversations. A child who chooses a saint card may ask who the saint is. A student who picks a prayer card may decide to keep it in a backpack or bedroom. These little moments can support the lesson in a natural way.
Decide what students can earn prizes for
The prize box should support the habits you want to see in class. That means students should know, in simple terms, what kinds of choices can earn a prize.
Students could earn a prize for:
Participating in class
Answering a question
Completing their work
Helping another student
Showing kindness
Bringing their Bible or class materials
Memorizing a prayer
Being respectful
Volunteering to help
Going above and beyond
You can adjust this list to fit your classroom. Younger students may need very clear and immediate feedback. Older students may respond well to earning prizes for effort, leadership, or thoughtful discussion.
A good rule is to reward the behavior you want repeated. If you want more students to bring their materials, notice the ones who do. If you want better participation, recognize students who speak up, listen carefully, or try even when they are unsure.
Keep the system easy to use
A prize box should make class easier, not add another stressful task. You do not need a detailed chart, a long point system, or a reward structure that takes more time than the lesson.
Often, the simplest approach works best.
You might say:
“I noticed how kindly you helped your classmate today. You may choose something from the prize box.”
That kind of specific praise tells the student exactly what they did well. It also shows the rest of the class what positive behavior looks like.
If you want a little more structure, try one of these simple approaches:
Give a prize at the end of class to students who participated well.
Let students earn a prize after memorizing a prayer.
Give an extra pick for an act of kindness you want to celebrate.
The goal is not to bribe students into behaving. The goal is to notice and celebrate the good things they are already doing.
Make the prize box part of a positive classroom
A prize box works best when it fits into a warm, encouraging classroom. It should not replace prayer, connection, clear expectations, or good classroom routines. It simply adds one more way to build a positive environment.
Try to keep the tone light. If a student does not earn a prize one week, do not make it a big public moment. Just keep encouraging the behaviors you want to see. The prize box should feel joyful, not stressful.
It also helps to refresh the box from time to time. Add a few new stickers, rotate in different prayer cards, or include a seasonal item during Advent, Lent, or a saint feast day.
This keeps the prize box interesting without requiring a huge budget.
A little prize box can go a long way
A prize box is a small thing, but it can bring a lot of joy to catechism class. It gives students something to look forward to, and it gives you a simple way to recognize effort, kindness, participation, and growth.
Start with a box. Add a handful of inexpensive goodies. Mix in a few Catholic treasures. Then watch for the good things your students are already doing.
You may be surprised how excited they get about one little prize, and how much it helps them feel noticed.
Prize Box Set Up
Here are some of the prize box items I have used before, some are less expensive than others. Over the years the kids favorites have been the Holy Trading Cards and bracelets.
WWJD Bracelets Holy Trading Cards (there are different sets of these)
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