Prior to brag tags my kids were not nearly as motivated to work hard towards their behavior and academic goals. Prior to brag tags I was constantly spending money on refilling my treasure box. As teachers we spend enough of our own money on things. This blog post will provide my most frequently asked questions and answers regarding brag tags.
What are brag tags?
Brag tags are a classroom incentive system that are used to encourage, promote, and celebrate positive behavior. These tags are approximately 2″x3″ and hung on a necklace. When a student demonstrates a behavior that the teacher feels is exemplary, a tag is rewarded to that student.
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Where do you buy the chains?
You can get your chains off (affiliate link) School Life. You have the option of buying a 24″ or 30″ chain. I use the 24″ chain with my 2nd graders and it works great.
How do you make them so they are ready to give to students?
My brag tag products include a printer-friendly and full-color version to fit your printing needs. Simply select the tags that you need in your classroom. Print. Laminate. Cut apart. Hole punch at the top of each tag. There is no need to cut apart before laminating.
What age range are these most appropriate?
I have seen brag tags used for as young as preschool and as old as 5th grade.
How do you store them?
I store my unused brag tags in a drawer organizer system. You can get the brag tag storage drawers
Akro-Mils 10164 64 Drawer Plastic Parts Storage Hardware and Craft Cabinet, 20-Inch by 16-Inch by 6-1/2-Inch, Black
The tags that are being displayed on necklaces are stored on a bulletin board like the one below. I used a push pin that included the student's name so they could easily find their necklace.
Did you make the drawer labels?
All I did to make these drawer labels was cut down the size of the original tag and tape it to the front of the drawer.
How many do you give each student?
Each student receives approximately 1-2 brag tags each week in my classroom. Do what works for you.
Do you keep track of who gets what?
I do not keep track of who gets what tags and when. That being said, there's nothing wrong with doing this but I just can't seem to find the time. I will periodically look at the necklaces and if I notice that some students have significantly less brag tags than another student, I will make an effort to find some positive choices that student is making in an effort to get them a brag tag that they earn.
Can a student receive the same brag tag more than once?
Yes. Like I said, I don't keep track of who gets what brag tag and therefore, students do earn the same brag tag more than once. A lot of my brag tags are versatile for earning during different tasks. I will address this towards the bottom of this post.
Do the students ask for brag tags?
This is a big rule of mine that gets established on the first day of introducing brag tags to my class. My rule is that a student may not ask for a brag tag nor can they point out a behavior that another student (a.k.a. friend) is doing in an effort to get a brag tag. I tell my students that the teacher must notice this and decide if it is “brag tag worthy”.
Do they wear them everyday?
This is completely up to you. At the beginning of the year, I do allow my students to wear them every day because they are really excited about them. I want them to “buy in” to the concept! After the first couple of weeks, most students choose to hang their necklaces on the board. As the year goes on, I find that the students ask to wear their necklaces after earning a brag tag otherwise they are fine with them being hung. When our class goes to an assembly, I will often times have my students wear their necklace. It is an opportunity for them to show off and be proud of the tags they have earned. Often times, teachers will ask my students to tell them about their necklace. The only time I do not allow them to wear their necklace is when they play with them and are distracting themselves or others from learning, field trips, lunch, recess, and other specialist classes.
Do they get to take them home?
My students always ask this question right away. My answer is no because I worry about them not coming back. At the end of the year, they get to take them home to keep and I still have former students tell me that they still have their brag tag necklace.
What are some of your favorite brag tags?
My favorite brag tags are the ones that I find are the most versatile in my classroom. That may look different in your own classroom. My advice is to think about what areas of your classroom are a bit more challenging or “brag tag worthy”. For me, my favorite are 100%, Writing Wizard, Stellar for the Sub, My Teacher is Proud of Me, I Am Responsible, and BEEing a Friend.
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Often times parents are asking me at the beginning of the year, “WHAT ARE THESE BRAG TAGS MY CHILD KEEPS TELLING ME ABOUT?” I'm telling you, the kids LOVE these things! I send a letter home at the beginning of the year that explains what brag tags are and how they are earned. Fall parent-teacher conferences are the perfect opportunity for your students to show their parents their brag tag necklace and explain a little bit about them. It always surprises me how my students can remember how they earned each tag!
Can I use brag tag necklaces in other ways?
I have a container full of pony beads that I purchased from Hobby Lobby. I use these when my students earn 5 points in Accelerated Reading. I have also seen pony beads given to students when they earn 100% on their AR quiz. I have also seen them used as a means of encouraging participation during whole group instruction. Pony beads are a versatile option to add to your brag tag necklaces!
Is this the only form of classroom management that you use?
Brag tags could be used exclusively but I also use Class Dojo in my classroom because our school encourages this. We are a PBIS school and I find that brag tags are a great positive incentive that lends nicely to this system.
Feel free to use one of the images below to pin to your Pinterest board for future reference!
Really cute!! I have not used brag tags but was going to start small this year & do homework brag tags & do a weekly or monthly tag for no missed homework.
Jen~Two Little Birds
I'm so excited to use these along side Class Dojo this year! My kids loved Dojo last year!
FABULOUS post my friend! I cannot WAIT to use them this year!!! 🙂 🙂
I can't wait to use these this year! I spray painted my organizer from Lowes a fun color and now I need to get my labels in there!
What a great post with so much information!! I love using brag tags and can't wait to make them even better this year! I do have a question that was not brought up. THE LITTLE CLASP! Those were a nightmare for my students last year. Any tips on how to help them open and shut the necklaces? I was going to buy binder rings this year to hang off the necklaces because I thought those would be easier to open and shut. Thanks Angie!
I just saw a different post on brag tags and wondered how they were made. Thanks answering my question and so many more 🙂
I am so excited about incorporating brag tags in my classroom. I think they will be the perfect compliment to Class Dojo, which I already use! Thank you!
Oh wow! Brag tags look so much fun! Going to have to look into these to see if we can incorporate them too – they look lots of fun and motivating!
Do you or one of your readers have s post on how to use this along with Class Dojo and how it does it does not become too much to manage?
Just came across this post researching brag tags! Once the kids get a tag, do they keep it all year, or do you rotate them out? Thanks for sharing all this information– super helpful!Sarah
Came here to ask the same question!
Do you print on regular paper or card stock?
I have looked at these ALL year and have been contemplating purchasing your starter pack. 🙂 Would you think they are appropriate for 4th graders??
Do you have a time of the day/week that you give out the tags? Do you do it pubicly as a whole group or just individually?
Hi! I'm excited to start using Brag Tags in my classroom. Did you find that the chains you purchased were easy to open and close? I ordered some from Amazon earlier this year for math fact tags and was very disappointed that most of them would not easily open. I ended up having to use loose leaf rings for my tags.
I’m so excited!!!! I purchased the Brag Tag Bundle on TPT and began printing them today. I also purchased the necklaces from the store you recommended. My next step is to laminate and cut the tags. I’m very excited to begin this positive behavior reinforcement. In my 21 years in the classroom, I must say this is the best answer to the treasure box which, sorry to say, I really can’t stand. I love the instant gratification the kids will feel when receiving the tags. I’ll be teaching first grade and based on past experience with that age, I think they will probably wear their tags everyday. Thank you for creating such a wonderful product and informative blog.
Does the bundle on your TPT site include the additional tags you posted above or are they sold separately?
Hi Danielle. The addition tags are in a separate bundle that includes addition, subtraction, and multiplication mastery tags. You can also purchase the addition brag tags on their own in a separate file. Here’s the link to the bundle: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/BRAG-TAG-BUNDLE-Addition-Subtraction-Math-Fact-Master-2295413 and the addition brag tags as their own separate product file: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/BRAG-TAGS-Addition-Fact-Master-2205384
I am prepping to use the brag tags this coming school year. How often do you give the homework tags? I have Transitional Kindergarteners and I am wondering if using them weekly would be beneficial to encouarage kids to do their homework.
Hi Jennifer. I give them at the end of each week. I know some teachers who give them at the end of each month. I think that’s what’s great about them…they are very adaptable to each classroom and teacher’s needs.
Can you tell me how you use the brag tags in addition to class dojo? We will be using class dojo as a school and I am trying to figure out how to incorporate the tags with the points.
Thank you! Love these tags!
Hi Jennifer!
Thanks for your message. I use Class Dojo in my classroom to manage our daily routines and expectations. This is also how I manage the negative behaviors and consequences. The parents are linked up with their child’s account so they can see their points each day if they choose to. We earn dojo points all month. For every 10 dojo points they earn, they get a Class Dojo brag tag. The kids are responsible for telling me that they are at 10, 20, 30, etc points. We reset their dojo points at the end of the month.
I use brag tags for the behavior/actions that go above and beyond my expectations. I also love that the brag tags award the specific behavior and that they are a huge incentive in my classroom. Hope that helps!
Angie Olson
Lucky Little Learners
I wonder if lanyards with clips would be easier for the kids to add tags to. Oriental Trading has some pretty neon sets that are not very expensive. A binder ring could be added if they need more room than the clip.
Great post! Great ideas! I am searching for AR books tags and the beads are the PERFECT solution!!!!!!
Hi! Could you explain how you use this with class dojo? My school is also a pbis school and we will be using dojo. I am worried it will be a lot to handle. I just bought your bundle brag tags and I’m so excited to use it!
Hi Jennifer!
Thanks for your message. I use Class Dojo in my classroom to manage our daily routines and expectations. This is also how I manage the negative behaviors and consequences. The parents are linked up with their child’s account so they can see their points each day if they choose to. We earn dojo points all month. For every 10 dojo points they earn, they get a Class Dojo brag tag. The kids are responsible for telling me that they are at 10, 20, 30, etc points. We reset their dojo points at the end of the month.
I use brag tags for the behavior/actions that go above and beyond my expectations. I also love that the brag tags award the specific behavior and that they are a huge incentive in my classroom. Hope that helps!
Angie Olson
Lucky Little Learners
Could you explain a bit how you use Brag Tags along with Dojo? My school uses Dojo, but I love the idea of Brag Tags and want to incorporate them.
Hi Erin!
Thanks for your message. I use Class Dojo in my classroom to manage our daily routines and expectations. This is also how I manage the negative behaviors and consequences. The parents are linked up with their child’s account so they can see their points each day if they choose to. We earn dojo points all month. For every 10 dojo points they earn, they get a Class Dojo brag tag. The kids are responsible for telling me that they are at 10, 20, 30, etc points. We reset their dojo points at the end of the month.
I use brag tags for the behavior/actions that go above and beyond my expectations. I also love that the brag tags award the specific behavior and that they are a huge incentive in my classroom. Hope that helps!
Angie Olson
Lucky Little Learners
Another good idea for this. Buy book rings at Walmart and put one on the zipper of each child’s backpack to hang the brag tags on.
/What font did you use for your Brag Tag title on your adorable chevron board?
Hi Emily. There are quite a few different brag tag displays that I have out there but if I’m thinking of the correct one the font is called KG Summer Sunshine Blackout. It is a free download for personal use off of Teachers Pay Teachers. Hope that helps!
I just purchased your big pack and I am super excited to be using brag tags this year. My question is do you give everyone a brag tag on holidays?
Hi Kelly. I tend to mix up how I distribute the holiday brag tags. There have been some that I give each student a tag and they need to write their favorite activity/memory from the day. There have been times (like Halloween) when I have worn the brag tags on my lanyard and told the kids that at the end of the day I would be giving them out to students who were well behaved and demonstrated our class expectations. This was a nice visual for them. I have also taped them up around the morning message with the same expectations as the lanyard idea. Hope that helps!
Thank you so much for all of the information!! I kept hearing about brag tags and how much teachers loved them. I had no idea what they were! Then I read your post and I am so motivated about trying this. I teach Kindergarten, and I hope it will be effective! I don’t plan on having them wear them all the time, though. My Kinders have very “touch” hands! Thanks!!
Love these brag tags! Noticed that you mentioned using brag tags with Class Dojo. How do you do this and not get over whelmed by everything? Any incites would be greatly appreciated!
Hi Callie!
Thanks for your message. I use Class Dojo in my classroom to manage our daily routines and expectations. This is also how I manage the negative behaviors and consequences. The parents are linked up with their child’s account so they can see their points each day if they choose to. We earn dojo points all month. For every 10 dojo points they earn, they get a Class Dojo brag tag. The kids are responsible for telling me that they are at 10, 20, 30, etc points. We reset their dojo points at the end of the month.
I use brag tags for the behavior/actions that go above and beyond my expectations. I also love that the brag tags award the specific behavior and that they are a huge incentive in my classroom. Hope that helps!
Angie Olson
Lucky Little Learners
I used something similar with my preschoolers, only I told them that they could nominate a friend to get one. I hoped it would build community but wow, my kids were genuinely noticing the great things their peers were doing and it made them feel safe, cared for and was so much better than I ever thought. The kids were way happier to be nominated by a peer than by me and it turned my classroom into a super positive place. I would especially recommend this if you have really tough kids because it really helped my tough ones build relationships and the other kids notice when they did well. I wouldn’t say you always have to give out a tag if someone was peer nominated, but just a verbal acknowledgement that it was a good thing.
I use Class Dojo. 🙂 How do you blend Class Dojo with Brag Tags? Or do you keep them separate?
Hi Carrie!
Thanks for your message. I use Class Dojo in my classroom to manage our daily routines and expectations. This is also how I manage the negative behaviors and consequences. The parents are linked up with their child’s account so they can see their points each day if they choose to. We earn dojo points all month. For every 10 dojo points they earn, they get a Class Dojo brag tag. The kids are responsible for telling me that they are at 10, 20, 30, etc points. We reset their dojo points at the end of the month.
I use brag tags for the behavior/actions that go above and beyond my expectations. I also love that the brag tags award the specific behavior and that they are a huge incentive in my classroom. Hope that helps!
Angie Olson
Lucky Little Learners
I implemented Brag Tags in my classroom this year after watching your live feed on FB this summer. I am absolutely loving the effect that this product is having on my students. They will do absolutely anything for a Brag Tag and are so proud and excited when they earn one. Brag Tags have been so successful in my classroom that several other teachers in my building are looking to implement this system in their classrooms next year. I seriously cannot get enough. Thank you for this amazing idea!
I love the idea of these brag tags! Putting this down as an idea for next year. I saw that you use this alongside class dojo as a classroom management tool. How do you use class dojo in addition to this? What are the kids earning points for? My kids earn dojo points toward treasure box. Thanks!
Hi Gina!
Thanks for your message. I use Class Dojo in my classroom to manage our daily routines and expectations. This is also how I manage the negative behaviors and consequences. The parents are linked up with their child’s account so they can see their points each day if they choose to. We earn dojo points all month. For every 10 dojo points they earn, they get a Class Dojo brag tag. The kids are responsible for telling me that they are at 10, 20, 30, etc points. We reset their dojo points at the end of the month.
I use brag tags for the behavior/actions that go above and beyond my expectations. I also love that the brag tags award the specific behavior and that they are a huge incentive in my classroom. Hope that helps!
Angie Olson
Lucky Little Learners
Love your brag tags and use them daily! I was wondering if you have considered making brag tags to use with a book series? (I.e.. Pete the Cat, if you give a Pig) I am really trying to get my class more excited about reading and I was thinking a brag tag for each series would be a really good way.
Hi,
Can you explain how brag tags work with Class Dojo?
Thanks!
Hi Amanda!
Thanks for your message. I use Class Dojo in my classroom to manage our daily routines and expectations. This is also how I manage the negative behaviors and consequences. The parents are linked up with their child’s account so they can see their points each day if they choose to. We earn dojo points all month. For every 10 dojo points they earn, they get a Class Dojo brag tag. The kids are responsible for telling me that they are at 10, 20, 30, etc points. We reset their dojo points at the end of the month.
I use brag tags for the behavior/actions that go above and beyond my expectations. I also love that the brag tags award the specific behavior and that they are a huge incentive in my classroom. Hope that helps!
Angie Olson
Lucky Little Learners
Do you have a quick way of punching holes in your brag tags? I thought I saw a post with someone that did a bunch at a time.
First off I have purchased my first bundle of Brag Tags and I am so excited to use them this year. I also use Class Dojo as classroom management. My question is how you tie brag tags in with Class Dojo? Please tell me more about how you do this. Like when you give points in Dojo do they also get a tag for it or vice versa if they get a tag for something do they also get a point?
Hi Cara!
Thanks for your message. I use Class Dojo in my classroom to manage our daily routines and expectations. This is also how I manage the negative behaviors and consequences. The parents are linked up with their child’s account so they can see their points each day if they choose to. We earn dojo points all month. For every 10 dojo points they earn, they get a Class Dojo brag tag. The kids are responsible for telling me that they are at 10, 20, 30, etc points. We reset their dojo points at the end of the month.
I use brag tags for the behavior/actions that go above and beyond my expectations. I also love that the brag tags award the specific behavior and that they are a huge incentive in my classroom. Hope that helps!
Angie Olson
Lucky Little Learners
Question- Do you have tags for special subjects, particular art, music, gym, library and computer? Thanks!
Hi Jenny!
I do not have Brag Tags for those particular subject areas at this time, but I appreciate you reaching out with the awesome suggestion! I do have an editable version of the Brag Tags where you could make these yourself and I have placed the link to that below. Thanks again!
http://bit.ly/2mwGVqS
Angie Olson
Lucky Little Learners
I wanted to let you know that my use of Brag Tags was cited in my end-of-the-year conference with my administrator as a positive use of classroom management. Most of my team uses Brag Tags and they have been great this year!
Can explain a little more on how you use this with dojo? We currently use dojo and I love the idea of brag tags, but I worry it’s too much to keep track of effectively.
Hi Lindsey!
Thanks for your message. I use Class Dojo in my classroom to manage our daily routines and expectations. This is also how I manage the negative behaviors and consequences. The parents are linked up with their child’s account so they can see their points each day if they choose to. We earn dojo points all month. For every 10 dojo points they earn, they get a Class Dojo brag tag. The kids are responsible for telling me that they are at 10, 20, 30, etc points. We reset their dojo points at the end of the month.
I use brag tags for the behavior/actions that go above and beyond my expectations. I also love that the brag tags award the specific behavior and that they are a huge incentive in my classroom. Hope that helps!
Angie Olson
Lucky Little Learners
How do you use brag tags with Class Dojo?
Hi Tara!
Thanks for your message. I use Class Dojo in my classroom to manage our daily routines and expectations. This is also how I manage the negative behaviors and consequences. The parents are linked up with their child’s account so they can see their points each day if they choose to. We earn dojo points all month. For every 10 dojo points they earn, they get a Class Dojo brag tag. The kids are responsible for telling me that they are at 10, 20, 30, etc points. We reset their dojo points at the end of the month.
I use brag tags for the behavior/actions that go above and beyond my expectations. I also love that the brag tags award the specific behavior and that they are a huge incentive in my classroom. Hope that helps!
Angie Olson
Lucky Little Learners
Do you have a post or more information on how brag tags are used in combination with class dojo? I saw this question asked previously but not answered. I would definitely appreciate guidance on this. Class dojo is new to me but it will be implemented school wide this coming year. I REALLY want to use the brag tags but would like to know how they are used together (kinder especially!) Thanks so much for making such a SUPER resource for educators!! Amazing!
Hi Jessica!
Thanks for your message. I use Class Dojo in my classroom to manage our daily routines and expectations. This is also how I manage the negative behaviors and consequences. The parents are linked up with their child’s account so they can see their points each day if they choose to. We earn dojo points all month. For every 10 dojo points they earn, they get a Class Dojo brag tag. The kids are responsible for telling me that they are at 10, 20, 30, etc points. We reset their dojo points at the end of the month.
I use brag tags for the behavior/actions that go above and beyond my expectations. I also love that the brag tags award the specific behavior and that they are a huge incentive in my classroom. Hope that helps!
Angie Olson
Lucky Little Learners
As a library specialist who sees 530 kids a week, I love this and wish I could somehow imcorporate it. I definitely would if I was in the classroom.
I started using class dojo last year and I plan to use it this year as well. I am interested in the idea of brag tags, but I’m struggling with how to implement them appropriately along with class dojo without overwhelming them with multiple systems. So I would love to hear any ideas for that if you wouldn’t mind taking the time to share!
Hi Amanda!
Thanks for your message. I use Class Dojo in my classroom to manage our daily routines and expectations. This is also how I manage the negative behaviors and consequences. The parents are linked up with their child’s account so they can see their points each day if they choose to. We earn dojo points all month. For every 10 dojo points they earn, they get a Class Dojo brag tag. The kids are responsible for telling me that they are at 10, 20, 30, etc points. We reset their dojo points at the end of the month.
I use brag tags for the behavior/actions that go above and beyond my expectations. I also love that the brag tags award the specific behavior and that they are a huge incentive in my classroom. Hope that helps!
Angie Olson
Lucky Little Learners
Yes, that helps, thanks! I might just do a test run in April and May with this year’s kiddos to make a plan for next year.
I am using these this year! I can’t wait! How did you make your stars with the student names on them? Thank you, Sheila
Where do I get the different colored beads?
Hi Leah! I purchased the pony beads from Hobby Lobby but they are widely available at any craft store.
I use Brag Tags with my 3rd graders, but I pass them out like cash. My students get one every morning when we review our daily chores from the previous day, they get one when they get caught being kind or helpful. Then periodically I open the brag tag box (usually at snack time) and the students turn in 5 Brag Tags for a healthy treat. My students work hard for them, and they are even good for subs.
Do you have any suggestions for using Brag Tags in a specials class? I have several classes of early elementary science students (Prekindergarten through second grade)who come to me for lab. I love the Brag Tag idea, but am wondering how to manage the necklaces in between classes. Perhaps the students could have a baggie where they keep the tags/ beads/ necklace. They could wear the necklace during class, and then put it in the baggie at the end of class. I might do this with K – 2nd. Any suggestions? Thank you!
Hi Angie! Do you have any suggestions for managing Brag Tags in a specials classroom? I teach multiple grade levels of young science students and I think this would be fun. Thank you!
Hello Lora! Our suggestion for the specials classroom is to try using brag tags like a regular classroom where they are awarded for positive behavior etc, but utilize tags that aren’t grade-level specific so they will work for any of your students. You could do a tag of the week and give it out to one or two kids per class. I would also suggest that you have the kids keep their necklace and tags in your classroom so they don’t lose it when they go back to their homeroom. The baggie system you described could work well for this!
How do you account for negative behaviors other than class dojo?
Hi Jen! This is such a good question! Angie shares lots of ideas as alternatives to more traditional management systems in her No More Treasure Box Training! Check it out here: https://shop.luckylittlelearners.com/product/teacher-trainings-say-goodbye-to-the-money-sucking-treasure-box-brag-tag-webinar/