First Grade Reading and Writing Incentive Buddies

Keeping Students Engaged During Reading & Writing Time

Even with the shift toward structured literacy and the Science of Reading, students still need time to practice skills independently. One of the biggest challenges during reading and writing time is keeping students focused, engaged, and on task.

Over the years, I found a simple solution that made a big difference in my classroom—Reading and Writing Buddies. These special stuffed animal friends became a powerful motivator for my students while still keeping the focus on learning.

How I Use Reading & Writing Buddies Today

You can keep your original explanation, but if you want to tighten it up, use this version:

I used Reading and Writing Buddies as a positive reinforcement tool during independent work time. When students were reading quietly, staying focused, or working hard on their writing, they were invited to choose a buddy from the basket.

Students were able to keep their buddy with them for the rest of the day, which made it feel special and meaningful. At the end of the day, the buddies were returned to the basket, ready for the next group of students.

This simple system encouraged students to stay on task and made independent work time something they looked forward to.

How the Reading & Writing Incentives Work

As my students are working, I walk around and observe/conference with them. I pick out four students who are working hard on the skills that were taught and place one of the “buddies” on their desk. Other times I’ll hold the buddy up to my ear and pretend that they are talking to me.. It might sound like this…

“Oh yes, Tommy is doing a great job on (character traits). Would you like to hang out with him for the rest of the day?”

Then I pretend that the buddy says “yes” and I give the buddy to Tommy. The kids LOVE getting a buddy. They work so hard which makes reading/writing buddies a great workshop incentive! Since I want my students to get the most out of their workshop time, I find this stops a lot of potential playing and goofing around.

Rules for Reading and Writing Incentive Buddies

Also, I have a rule… If students asked to get a drink or go to the restroom during their independent reading or writing time, they can’t earn a Buddy (unless it’s an emergency, of course). They must be working the entire time. You could also make and display a set of rules for your students so they will know what the expectations are to earn one of your Reading or Writing Buddies. These little guys have helped so much with my students’ stamina and focus.

At the end of the day when they are packing up to go home, students place the buddies back in the basket.

Why This Still Works

Builds reading and writing stamina in a positive way
Encourages students to stay focused during independent work time
Creates a classroom environment where effort is recognized
Adds a fun element without distracting from learning

Even in today’s classrooms, where instruction is more structured, students still benefit from motivation and encouragement during independent practice time.

I have two baskets. One for reading and one for writing.
Grab a Basket Label below.

Grab these Reading and Writing Buddies Basket Labels.

Staple, Glue or Tape them onto your basket and let the fun begin!

End of Year Incentives

As an extra incentive at the end of the year, I start choosing students to give the buddies to (2 or 3 weeks before school is out). This is the time of year that I feel we always need an extra incentive to follow the school rules. Once I announce that I will be giving them away, I start watching and using the giveaway as a reminder to follow the rules. For example,

“Wow, Gina is being so quiet in line, she must really want to take one of the buddies home with her!”

I also let the parents know so they can also remind their children to follow the rules at school.

New Year, New Buddies

I start fresh with new buddies every year because these little guys are well loved by the end of the year. It’s so fun to have something new. And finding new buddies is fun for me. Over the summer, I keep an eye out for cute stuffed animals for the baskets.