One of the most basic criteria that many teachers use when deciding which students should receive an award for language arts is academic achievement. Consider giving awards to students who receive an A for the quarter or semester in your class. You may also consider giving awards for students who receive a B, especially if you consider yourself a tough grader. If you want to give awards more frequently, recognize those who earn an A on a test or essay.
Just as writing and creativity are awarded among professional authors and writers, writing and creativity in your classroom could deserve an award. Hold a writing contest monthly, in which interested students submit a piece of writing for a chance to win an award. Then, have the class read the submitted works and decide on a piece that deserves the award. You might give out multiple types of awards to students who write in different genres.
Another possible criteria for language arts awards is how much students are reading and how good they are at reading comprehension. Many public libraries have programs available where students record which books they read throughout the summer. Once they reach a certain number of books, they receive a fun prize. This system also makes a great award system for students. Try it in your classroom to encourage students to spend more time reading and less time in front of the television or computer.
Sentence mechanics, spelling and grammar are also important aspects of the language arts classroom. Conduct pop quizzes once a week in your classroom and give an award to the student or students who receive the highest scores. You can also give an award to students who reach your school's spelling bee. Consider certifications that specify the types of spelling or grammar concepts the student has learned instead of creating an award for the subject as a whole.