> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.classcents.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Rewards & Incentives

> Create engaging rewards that motivate students to earn and save

## Overview

The rewards system is the heart of student motivation in ClassCents. It provides tangible goals for students to work toward and creates excitement around positive behavior and academic achievement.

<img src="https://mintcdn.com/joshuamakes/G5j-M0tSaQs4mL9T/images/rewards/rewards-overview.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=G5j-M0tSaQs4mL9T&q=85&s=ad31f5f55f034051343096c94f9b3f1f" alt="Global rewards settings section with reward cards and inventory controls" width="1600" height="1000" data-path="images/rewards/rewards-overview.png" />

## Types of Rewards

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Physical Rewards" icon="box">
    Tangible items students receive:

    * School supplies (pencils, stickers, notebooks)
    * Healthy snacks and treats
    * Small toys (fidget toys, keychains)
    * Age-appropriate books
    * Art supplies
  </Card>

  <Card title="Privilege Rewards" icon="star">
    Special classroom privileges:

    * Classroom jobs (line leader, helper)
    * Special seating (bean bag, teacher's chair)
    * Extra technology time
    * Free time and extended recess
    * Homework passes
  </Card>

  <Card title="Experience Rewards" icon="sparkles">
    Special activities and experiences:

    * Special activities (art, music time)
    * Lunch with teacher
    * Show and tell opportunities
    * Outdoor classroom time
    * Class game selection
  </Card>

  <Card title="Recognition Rewards" icon="trophy">
    Public acknowledgment and achievement:

    * Achievement certificates
    * Digital or physical badges
    * Student of the week
    * Positive parent communication
    * Display on classroom honor board
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Creating a Reward

<Steps>
  <Step title="Navigate to Global Rewards">
    Go to **Settings** → **Classroom Settings** → **Global Rewards**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Open the Reward Builder">
    Click the dashed **Add New Reward** card to open the **Create New Global Reward** dialog.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Fill in the Reward">
    * **Reward Title**: Clear, appealing name (e.g., "Homework Pass", "Extra Recess")
    * **Cost**: Price in your classroom currency
    * **Stock**: How many copies are available before the reward sells out
    * **Select Reward Icon**: Pick from the icon library (categories include awards, food, school, etc.) or **Upload Custom Image** (optional)
    * **Make Reward Visible**: Students can see it in the shop
    * **Auctionable**: Can be added to auction events
    * **Redeemable**: Students can redeem it directly with their balance
  </Step>

  <Step title="Save and Activate">
    The reward is immediately available across all of your classrooms based on the toggles you selected.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Note>
  Global Rewards are **shared across every classroom** under your account. Edit, restock, or hide a reward once and it updates everywhere.
</Note>

## Pricing Strategy

Set prices strategically to encourage both spending and saving:

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="Low-Cost (5-25 points)">
    **Purpose**: Immediate gratification for quick wins

    **Examples**:

    * Pencil or eraser
    * Sticker or stamp
    * 5 minutes free time
    * Candy or small snack

    **Strategy**: These keep less-engaged students interested and provide quick dopamine hits
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Medium-Cost (25-100 points)">
    **Purpose**: Weekly savings goals

    **Examples**:

    * Homework pass
    * Choose your seat for the day
    * Lunch with teacher
    * Extra computer time

    **Strategy**: Most popular tier - requires 1-2 weeks of consistent effort to afford
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="High-Cost (100-500 points)">
    **Purpose**: Long-term savings and delayed gratification

    **Examples**:

    * Pizza party for group
    * Special privilege for a week
    * Technology device loan
    * Major project choice

    **Strategy**: Teaches patience and financial planning - students save for several weeks
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Premium-Cost (500+ points)">
    **Purpose**: End-of-year jackpot goals

    **Examples**:

    * Field trip buddy selection
    * Class party planning role
    * Special recognition award
    * Major physical prize

    **Strategy**: Ultra-rare rewards that only most dedicated savers can afford
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

## Reward Availability Options

Each reward has two independent toggles that control where it appears:

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Redeemable (Shop)" icon="store">
    When enabled, students can purchase this reward directly from their Rewards Shop at the posted price.

    **Best for**:

    * Common rewards
    * Consistent availability
    * Predictable pricing
    * Students who save steadily
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Auctionable (Auctions)" icon="gavel">
    When enabled, this reward can be included in auction events where students bid competitively.

    **Best for**:

    * Limited quantity items
    * High-value rewards
    * Creating excitement
    * Teaching market economics
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

<Tip>
  You can enable **both** toggles on the same reward — it will appear in both the shop and in auctions, giving students flexibility in how they acquire it.
</Tip>

## Managing Inventory

<Steps>
  <Step title="Set Stock Limits">
    Every reward has a required **Stock** value. Once it hits 0 the reward automatically disappears from the student shop.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Hide a Reward">
    Toggle **Make Reward Visible** off to temporarily hide a reward from students without deleting it. Useful for seasonal items or rewards you're restocking.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Restock or Edit">
    Click any reward card in **Global Rewards** to edit its title, cost, stock, image, or availability toggles.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Seasonal Rotation">
    Hide rewards you want to retire and add fresh ones each term to maintain excitement and novelty.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Best Practices

<Check>**Variety is Key**: Offer rewards at multiple price points so all students have achievable goals</Check>

<Check>**Balance Privilege and Physical**: Mix tangible items with special privileges - not all rewards need to cost you money</Check>

<Check>**Student Input**: Survey students about what rewards they want - they'll work harder for rewards they actually desire</Check>

<Check>**Visual Appeal**: Use the icon picker or upload a custom image so each reward stands out in the shop</Check>

<Check>**Clear Titles**: Use specific reward titles ("15-min Free Time" beats "Free Time") so there's no disappointment</Check>

<Check>**Regular Refresh**: Rotate rewards seasonally to maintain excitement</Check>

## Reward Redemption Process

Rewards can be redeemed in two ways — by students directly, or by teachers on behalf of students.

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="Student Self-Purchase">
    Students purchase rewards from their dashboard Rewards Shop:

    <Steps>
      <Step title="Browse the Shop">
        Students view available rewards with prices and stock on their dashboard
      </Step>

      <Step title="Select a Reward">
        Click a reward to see full details and a balance breakdown
      </Step>

      <Step title="Confirm Purchase">
        A confirmation modal shows their current balance, the cost, and their new balance after purchase. Click **Confirm Purchase** to proceed.
      </Step>

      <Step title="Collect from Teacher">
        A success celebration appears with the message: *"Check with your teacher to collect your reward!"* The teacher is notified of the purchase.
      </Step>
    </Steps>

    <Info>
      Students can only purchase if they have sufficient balance and the reward is in stock. The system prevents overdrafts automatically.
    </Info>
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Teacher Direct Redeem">
    Teachers can redeem rewards on behalf of students from the classroom view:

    <Steps>
      <Step title="Open Redeem Rewards">
        Navigate to your classroom and click **Redeem Rewards**
      </Step>

      <Step title="Find Student and Reward">
        A table shows all students and available rewards. Find the student and the reward you want to give them.
      </Step>

      <Step title="Click Redeem">
        Click the **Redeem** button at the intersection of the student and reward. The cost is deducted and stock is updated instantly.
      </Step>
    </Steps>

    <Tip>
      Teacher direct redeem is great for distributing physical rewards during class or rewarding students who earned something in person.
    </Tip>
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

## Common Mistakes to Avoid

<Warning>
  **Pricing too high**: If no students can afford anything, they'll lose motivation. Ensure low-cost options exist.
</Warning>

<Warning>
  **All or nothing**: Don't make all rewards premium-priced. Students need quick wins to stay engaged.
</Warning>

<Warning>
  **Vague titles**: Generic titles lead to disappointment. Be specific about what students receive.
</Warning>

<Warning>
  **Forgetting to restock**: An empty rewards catalog kills motivation. Watch your stock counts and refresh regularly.
</Warning>

## Related Topics

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Currency System" icon="dollar-sign" href="/features/currency-system">
    Learn about earning and managing classroom currency
  </Card>

  <Card title="Auction System" icon="gavel" href="/advanced/auctions">
    Host competitive bidding for special rewards
  </Card>
</CardGroup>