Madeline Khoo

Students have been collecting stickers since the dawn of first grade. Their luminous glitter and sparkle made them the perfect reward for grade schoolers. While many have grown, most peoples’ inner child still appreciate the simple reward of a sticker.

In the complex world of education, sometimes the simplest things can be the most effective. Enter stickers, those colorful, adhesive delights that have been adorning our belongings since our elementary school days. Surprisingly, stickers are making a comeback as a powerful tool for motivating high school students. 

Mrs. Jacquelline Saiid, AP Calculus AB teacher, saw the excitement generated by stickers among her students and decided to implement them into her class as a reward. Beyond their decorative function, stickers have become a currency of engagement, sparking enthusiasm and active participation.

“I noticed a lot of students getting really excited about them and collecting them on their water bottles or putting them on their phone cases, so I figured if I had that as a reward for class activities or class games, students would be excited to actually try and participate,” Saiid said. 

Many students resonate with this sentiment. The tangible nature of stickers transforms the abstract concept of a reward into something concrete. It’s not just about completing an assignment, it’s about earning a sticker that can be proudly displayed on personal items.

“I really like stickers, and because there was a reward, I felt like trying,” said Jimin Kim (12). “Even though the reward was very elementary school, many people still like stickers in high school because they’re cute and you can put them on your binder, your water bottle, or your Chromebook for memories. Getting free things is a good incentive and prize for trying in the class.” 

The psychology behind using stickers as rewards is fascinating. Stickers evoke a sense of nostalgia, transporting students back to a time when a shiny sticker felt like a major success. The visual and tactile nature of stickers makes the reward more memorable, creating a positive association with the learning experience. It’s not just about the sticker itself, but the joy and pride that come with earning it.

“I feel more motivated when stickers are offered because this way I feel as if I am actually earning something for my work rather than just doing assignments,” said Maya Mansour (12).

Implementing stickers as rewards injects an element of fun and motivation. The positive response from students reinforces the idea that even in an extremely competitive classroom, a simple reward can go a long way.

The unassuming sticker emerges as a powerful motivator in the high school classroom. Whether it’s the joy of personalizing a binder or the thrill of accumulating stickers as a badge of accomplishment, these small, adhesive wonders are proving that sometimes, the most effective tools are the ones that bring a smile to our faces. Stickers not only decorate the physical space, but also shape a positive learning environment with one small reward at a time.