Free printable reward chart for kids
A reward chart gives a child one thing to work on and a row of spaces to fill on the way to a reward. Each sticker is a small, visible "well done".
Free to make and print. No signup.
How to make one
- Name what your child is working on. One goal is easiest; the chart holds up to three.
- Choose how many spaces to fill, from 5 to 30.
- Write the reward, or leave it blank and decide together.
- Pick a theme, print, and keep the stickers nearby.
Choose a goal you can catch them doing
"Be good" is hard to reward because it is hard to see. "Listen the first time" or "Use kind hands" happens many times a day, so there are plenty of chances to notice it and add a sticker.
Say the goal the way you want it done rather than what to stop doing. "Walk inside" gives a child something to aim at; "No running" doesn't.
Match the spaces to the wait
A young child may not stay interested in a reward that is weeks away. Fewer spaces and a small reward keep the finish in sight; a longer chart suits an older child saving towards something bigger. When one chart fills, print the next.
Keep rewards small and shared
A reward doesn't have to cost anything. Choosing the Friday movie, an extra story at bedtime or a trip to the playground with a parent often means more than a toy, and it's easy to give again.
By age
- Ages 2 to 4
- One simple goal and a short row of spaces, with a reward that comes soon. Put the sticker on together and say what it was for.
- Ages 5 to 7
- A goal they help choose, and a reward written on the chart where they can see it. Counting the spaces left is part of the fun.
- Ages 8 to 12
- A longer chart towards something they picked, or a goal they set themselves, like finishing homework before screens.
Questions parents ask
How many sticker spaces should a reward chart have?
There's no right number. Start with fewer spaces for a younger child so the reward comes soon, and add more as they get used to waiting.
Can I take a sticker away?
It is up to you, but many families keep the chart for good moments only, so a hard day doesn't undo what a child has already earned.
Do I need special stickers?
No. Any stickers fit the spaces, and so do stamps, a colored pencil tick or a drawn star.
Is it free?
Yes. Making and printing a reward chart is free and needs no account.