Decide what you want the external reward system to encourage, such as behavior or academics.
Create a list of rules or academic goals as a guideline for your students to follow. For instance, in the area of behavior, create a list of rules and behaviors that you expect your students to follow and display. In the area of academics, set desired goals such as learning specific materials or completing specific tasks.
Decide on a reward system to use with your students. Choose from a whole-class or individual reward system, the types of rewards and what students must do to earn the reward. For instance, if students are following rules and there are no behavioral issues by the end of each school day, place a bead in a bowl. When the bowl is full of beads, award students with a class party or extra recess time. However, if they don't follow rules and behavior issues arise, remove a bead from the bowl.
Display the list of rules or academic guidelines in an easily visible location. Review the list with students and offer clarification, if needed, to ensure students know what is expected of them.
Explain the reward system to students. Tell them how the reward system works and what the reward is.
Put the reward system into practice. Observe behaviors and note achievements.
Follow through with the reward system. Students won't take the reward system seriously if you use it loosely.