Obviously this is optional, and the idea of rewards in education is somewhat controversial, but these cards actually improve “metacognitive" thinking. What? This might sound wildly too advanced for youngsters, but even in first grade they understand what looking, listening, and focussing are. Students start to realize how they are using their senses and their brains to focus, especially if you ask them what kind of card(s) they earned after each activity. This kind of awareness forms the basis for self-control. It can actually help some students who have attention issues.
In my “Brain Games” program, students in both first and fifth grade enjoyed collecting these cards. In fifth grade, they used their cards to earn “dieties” in a 3D maze game that I created. I’m sure you can figure out other uses for these. I look at them as just another tool in the tool box.
For printing on 8.5” x 11” colored paper, just copy and paste, or download these files. You might have to adjust the margins:
