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January 16, 2023

Rewarding Employees in Creative, Inexpensive Ways

Filed under: Employee Recognition Ideas — Tags: , — Kristine Richards @ 8:00 am
You Make A Difference Specialty Certificates

If you need ideas for rewarding employees without spending a great deal of money, you have come to the right place. Sure, you can take the easy way out and shoot off an email telling your employee he/she has done a great job, but there are more creative, personal, and meaningful ways to convey to your team that they are doing a fantastic job and that you appreciate their hard work.

Raises and bonuses are usually the most appreciated way of rewarding employee performance, dedication, and creativity, but company budgets don’t always allow for this type of recognition. Tell your employees you appreciate their great work with these creative, inexpensive means of employee recognition.

Praise is free, meaningful, personal. If you’re looking for a more tangible way to recognize a job well done, there are creative ways of rewarding employees.

Certificates, plaques, trophies, banners, gifts, and inspirational posters are all creative, inexpensive ways of rewarding employees who have wowed you with their customer service, product pitch, sales record, perfect attendance, or team work.

Never underestimate the power of recognition. It boosts morale, motivates, inspires, creates feelings of self-worth and value, increases productivity, and fosters loyalty and dedication.

If you haven’t told your employees they’re doing a good job, they may have low morale, lack motivation, or do just enough to get the job done. While employees may appear to not need a pat on the back, everyone truly likes to hear they’re doing a good job every now and then. And with so many creative, inexpensive ways of rewarding employees, there’s no reason to put this off any longer.

PaperDirect has a full line of employee recognition materials to meet your company’s needs.

June 12, 2018

4 Unique Ways to Recognize Your Remote Employees

Filed under: Employee Recognition Ideas — Tags: , , — Megan Duffy @ 11:39 am
recognize remote employees

Just because remote employees are out of sight doesn’t mean they should be out of mind. Even if they can’t participate in on-site team building and camaraderie events, you can help ensure they aren’t left out or go unrecognized. Make sure they know they’re a valuable part of your organization with these ideas for providing employee recognition for remote teams.

Virtual Bulletin Board

Your in-office bulletin board may be packed with employee updates, kudos, photos, and other fun stuff that enhance business relationships. Take that same bulletin board concept and put it online. Create a space where remote team members can post funny pictures, cartoons, and comments to each other. This type of open forum can help your remote employees feel less isolated and more involved with your company.

Remote Employee Awards and Rewards

Doling out regular awards or rewards can be a spectacular way to provide employee recognition for remote teams. Create a lineup of awards that are for remote workers only and hand them out on a weekly or monthly basis. Get staff involved by having coworkers nominate each other for the awards.

Ideas for Weekly or Monthly Awards:

  • Happiest Remote Worker
  • Most Productive Remote Worker
  • Most Helpful Remote Worker
4-in-1 work from home kit

Ideas for Other Awards:

  • Funniest Remote Worker
  • Easiest Remote Worker to Get on the Phone
  • Toughest Remote Worker to Get on the Phone
  • Remote Worker Most Likely to Be Online 24/7
  • Remote Worker with Most Creative Work Location

Hand out recognition certificates, engraved trophies, or personalized gifts as awards, posting a photo and praise online before you mail the prize to the recipient.

In addition to awards, you can set up a reward system where remote employees earn points for receiving weekly or monthly honors. You can then let them redeem the points for things like gift cards, subscriptions, and memberships.

star acrylic award

Online Recognition Tools

Make it easy for team members and managers alike to publicly recognize and thank remote employees by setting up an online recognition platform for sharing praise and words of encouragement. Establishing an easy way to send e-cards and other personalized messages is another idea that can help workers thank and connect with each other.

Offline Recognition Tools

While e-cards and online recognition platforms are fast and easy, sending handwritten notes and thank you cards can provide a truly personal touch. Keep a few boxes of different thank you cards in stock so managers and coworkers can create and send out personalized praise.

You can keep the good vibes going by also sending out birthday cards or cards marking other important dates, like work anniversaries, to remote team members and in-house employees alike.

balloons confetti notecards

These ideas for providing employee recognition for remote teams can help remote employees feel included, valued, and an integral part of your company. Regularly delivering positive reinforcement to remote employees can go a long way toward making them proud to deliver exceptional work.  Don’t forget to check out PaperDirect for everything you need to recognize and thank your remote team.

February 2, 2018

How to Write a Great Employee Recognition Speech

Filed under: Employee Recognition Ideas — Tags: , , — Megan Duffy @ 4:02 pm
recognition speech for employees

Regularly recognizing stellar employees makes them feel good and makes the whole workplace more productive. It also serves to consistently boost morale while giving other employees incentive to do their best.

Recognition awards are always a smart choice, especially if you present them while giving an inspiring speech. Not sure how to pen the perfect employee recognition speech? These tips can help.

Things to Say

Your recognition speech for employees can pack the biggest punch if you simply speak from the heart. Follow a few guidelines to keep your speech on track:

Be specific.

Instead of giving generalizations like “Sally is a great employee,” pinpoint what makes her great. “Sally increased sales by 400 percent last quarter alone.”

Be clear.

Make it obvious why the employee is being recognized. “Sally’s phenomenal sales record is the reason she’s getting this $5,000 cash bonus”.

Look at broad effects.

Highlight how your employee’s efforts have had a positive effect on the entire business. “This massive boost in sales has given our company the biggest growth we’ve seen since 1973. It’s also allowed us to develop two new products with the additional revenue.”

employee recognition award plaque

Things Not to Say

Keeping the speech positive is a must to ensure you leave the room infused with positive vibes. A recognition speech for employees is not the time to include things that could be taken otherwise.

Don’t include constructive criticism.

While it can work when you’re coaching employees one-on-one, it’s not something you want to announce in a room full of people when handing out an award.

Avoid making unfair employee comparisons.

Each employee brings his or her unique talents to the table. They’re not all going to perform identically, and they shouldn’t be expected to be the same. Perhaps Jim doesn’t get as many sales as Sally, but he could be a rock star when it comes to explaining new products at seminars.

Never promise something you may not be able to deliver.

Continual employment is one of these things. Even if you hope Sally sticks around forever, you don’t want to promise a job forever just in case you’re faced with circumstances beyond your control. Avoid speaking in hypotheticals and stick to words of thanks.

Leave out anything that could be offensive.

In today’s climate, even some humor could backfire. Steer clear of comments that mention gender, race, religion, or other sensitive topics.

Using these tips can help you write awesome recognition speeches for those exceptional employees. Now all you have to do is make sure you have an exceptional recognition certificate or plaque to go with it. Shop PaperDirect for your office award needs.

December 7, 2017

22 Funny Office Superlatives to Give Out at Your Company Holiday Party

funny office superlatives

Every office is packed with people who stand out for one reason or another. Perhaps they’re the most likely to arrive early and stay late. Maybe they generate the most creative ideas during every brainstorm. Or maybe there’s a coworker who, no matter where you look, they can never be found. Honoring staff members with awards for their standout traits can be a fantastic way to boost morale, encourage teamwork, and have some fun at your company holiday party.

To get those creative ideas rolling, we’ve compiled a list of 22 funny office superlatives to award your coworkers.

22 Funny Office Superlatives Your Coworkers Will Love

Black Hole Award: Most Likely to Lose Things on Desk

Confetti Award: Most Likely to Find a Reason to Celebrate

Colorful Star Confetti Certificate Paper

Dewey Decimal Award: Most Organized

Fashion Week Award: Best Dressed

GPS Award: Most Likely to Know Where Anyone is at Any Given Time

Janitor Award: Best at Cleaning up Other People’s Messes

Lady Gaga Award: Most Likely to Push Dress Code Limits

Librarian Award: Most Likely to Keep Everyone in Line

Light at the End of the Tunnel Award: Most Likely to See the Positive

Torch Certificate Paper

Loch Ness Award: Least Likely to be Found

Mind-Blowing Award: Most Likely to Generate Creative Ideas

On the Dot Award: Best at Meeting Tight Deadlines

White and Gold Certificate Paper

Outer Orbit Award: Most Likely to Push all Limits

Page 6 Award: Most Up-to-Date on Office Gossip

Phone Tag Award: Least Likely to Answer Phone

Playground Award: Most Likely to Make Work Fun

Quarterback Award: Most Likely to Pass off Work

Racehorse Award: Always the First Out the Door at 5 p.m.

Skydiving Award: Most Likely to Take Risks

White and Gold Your Make A Difference Certificate Paper

Squirrel Award: Greatest Stash of Stuff in Desk

Vampire Award: Most Likely to Arrive Earliest and Leave Latest

White Knight Award: Most Likely to Save the Day

Once you’ve finalized your funny office superlative ideas, it’s time to order the award certificates. PaperDirect has a wide range of eye-catching certificates, whether you want to go formal, casual, or somewhere in between. Printing options for your funny officer superlatives are also available, or you can print them up yourself. We also offer a wide range of Certificate Jackets in lots of colors to protect and preserve your awards. Match them to your company or school colors!

Blue and Gold Torch Certificate Jacket

Whatever you have in mind, PaperDirect is a prime place to find the snazzy options that ensure everyone comes out a winner. Shop PaperDirect now

June 6, 2017

Certificates for Summer Camp Achievements

Filed under: Recognition & Motivation Ideas — Tags: , , — PDWriter @ 1:52 pm
summer camp certificate with kids camping

With tons of sun, fun, and friends, summer camp always gives kids something to remember. You can help make those memories even more meaningful, vivid, and long-lasting if you dole out summer camp certificates to attendees.

Not sure what type of summer camp certificate options to create? Read on for some fun ideas.

art award certificate paper

Best Lanyard Maker

Even if your arts and crafts sessions don’t have kids making any lanyards, you can certainly reward a job well done for any project. After each arts and crafts meeting, have children vote on the overall top project for the day’s creations. Then keep a running list of winners who can each go home with a summer camp certificate for the best lanyard, best friendship bracelet, best painted rock, and other projects you create.

athletic award certificate paper

Best Obstacle Course Runner

Excelling in sports can be another way your camp attendees can earn a summer camp certificate. Keep tabs on the winners of any running contest, obstacle course, rope climbing, and other sports activities, then present each winner with a summer camp certificate that proclaims their sporting superpowers.

Best Swimmer

Water activities are another summer camp staple, and they provide yet another way to reward attendees. A certificate for the best swimmer is a splashy option, and you can make additional waves with certificates for the best boater, best cannon baller, best windsurfer, or whatever else the kids end up doing in the water.

Best Insect Identifier

Connecting with nature provides another entire category of summer camp certificates. Keep an eye on the kids who seem to have a special knack for identifying insects, plants, wildlife, and scat. Compile another list of attendees that excel at finding paths, pitching tents, hand-washing socks in the stream, or otherwise thriving in an outdoor environment.

Best Smile

Is there a kid that lights up the entire room every time he or she smiles? Or perhaps there’s an attendee who is an excellent helper, a terrific friend, or goes out of his or her way to make sure everything is neat and tidy after every project or event.

By all means, give out a few more summer camp certificates that acknowledge the massive variety of greatness. Create certificates for the best smile, the best helper, the best pal, the best cleaner-upper, and additional stand-out traits campers exhibit.

Wording for Summer Camp Certificate Options

The exact wording you use on each summer camp certificate depends, of course, on what the certificate is honoring. But you will want to include certain details on every certificate you issue. These include:

  • Reason certificate is being awarded
  • Name of camp, program, counselor or facility awarding the certificate
  • Name of recipient
  • Official signature and date
intersections certificate paper

One more tip is to ensure the certificate is as sunny and fun as the camp experience itself. Take a peek at the PaperDirect specialty certificate options that serve up a wide range of colors and designs to match your own particular summer camp vibe.

August 30, 2016

Office Award Ideas for Sales Teams

office award ideas for sales

American Psychologist published a study where researchers found that top performers experienced a positive to negative emotions ratio at a minimum 3:1 and as high as 11:1. In other words, for a person to “thrive” he/she needs to experience at least 3 positive interactions for every 1 negative.”

In other words, for a person to “thrive” he/she needs to experience at least 3 positive interactions for every 1 negative.

Every employee in your business plays an invaluable role, but the sales team is the engine that feeds your company and keeps everyone on the payroll. Recognizing the efforts of your sales team allows you to motivate and inspire these individuals so they continue to close deals and build new business. Use some of these fun awards to recognize the hard work of your sales team.

The Pioneer Award

Award this certificate to the salesperson who spent the month/quarter trailblazing a new territory for your company, whether it was industrial or geographical. Maybe this salesperson closed a deal with someone in the retail vertical, which is a new market for your business. Or possibly a salesperson found a way to partner with a new regional distributor, opening your business up to new clients. This salesperson packed up his/her wagon and successfully ventured into new territory for your company. That’s impressive work that should be rewarded.

The Cold Call Award

This salesperson is always following up on leads, cold calling potential customers, and knocking on doors to find the next big sale. They leave no stone unturned when seeking out a new opportunity to increase your business. Encourage this dedication by awarding this individual for their efforts. Reward this salesperson with a phone-related award, like a Crystal Cell Phone Holder.

crystal cell phone holder award

The Closer Award

Regardless of season or economic shifts, this salesperson consistently makes sales. When everyone else has checked out during the holiday season, for example, this person is still closing deals. You can rely on this salesperson through thick and thin, so reward their hard work with The Closer Award.

The Alley-Oop Award

Some people have the gift of gab. They can schmooze just about anyone. Sometimes the hardest part of making a sale is getting in good with the potential lead, and this salesperson can always make a good impression and set a fellow sales colleague up to close the deal.

This is your sales team’s sixth max, the one you call in when you need to make in-roads with a possible new client. This individual greases the wheel so his peer can come in and score.

The Ahab Award

Once a month (or maybe once a quarter if that is more appropriate for your company), recognize the salesperson who landed the biggest whale. These big sales set the example for what your business wants its sales team to do on a regular basis– those white whales really bolster your bottom line.

Use any of the above ideas to reward your business’s outstanding sales teams. Start shopping for awards now.

May 2, 2016

Award Ideas for Teacher Appreciation Week

teacher appreciation awards

Revered, brilliant mathematician Albert Einstein said, “It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge.”

Teacher Appreciation Week is an important part of the school year–it’s when students, parents, and administrators recognize the hard work and dedication of educators. This year, have some fun during Teacher Appreciation Week with some award ideas for acknowledging the efforts of your educational staff. Awards don’t have to be fancy trophies. An elegant certificate is a thoughtful gesture on Teacher Appreciation Week that makes an impactful statement.

Attendance Certificate Paper

Perfect Attendance Award

A Perfect Attendance Award is a classic recognition award in any school. A teacher who receives this awards shows up for class in rain, sleet, or snow. The award recipient sets an example for students and fellow teachers, making his/her way into school regardless of the weather or any nasty illnesses circulating in the hallways.

Coolest Classroom Award

This award recognizes the teacher who transformed his/her classroom into an inspirational haven for learning and creativity. Taking the time and dedicating energy to turning a plain room filled with desks into an educational escape is an effort that should absolutely be celebrated.

No-Nonsense Nurturer Award

This teacher is known for his/her tough love approach to teaching. At first, this person might seem gruff or uncaring but on closer inspection, it becomes quite clear that this educator is dedicated to nurturing students and encouraging them to achieve at their highest level.

Luxury Certificate Paper

Walking Wikipedia Award

Ms. Smith teaches biology but everyone knows they can go to her with questions on a wide variety of topics and receive a thorough explanation. This particular teacher dedicates him/herself to educating people whenever s/he is presented with the opportunity to do so.

Top First-Year Teacher

Teaching can sometimes be treacherous and grueling, and surviving the first year of it is truly an accomplishment. Acknowledge the first year triumphs of this newbie teacher with an award they’ll cherish for decades to come.

School Spirit Award

This award goes to any teacher who attends every school play, supports each fundraiser, and cheers from the sidelines of every game. This teacher represents the heart and soul of your school. Both in and out of the classroom, this person goes above and beyond to set the example for school spirit and that should be rewarded.

Humanitarian Award

You would use the words “kind” and “generous” to describe this teacher because s/he is always there to lend a helping hand to another person, whether it’s a student, parent, colleague, or otherwise. This teacher puts others before him/herself and is probably an educator because s/he wanted a career where they could focus on helping others.

Traditional Green Standard Certificate

Green Guru Award

From setting up a recycling program for the school to composting lunchroom waste, this teacher is driven to educating the world, while also making it a greener place. Say “thank you” for all of the environmentally-conscious efforts this teacher has dedicated to the school and its students.

Tech Whiz Award

Busted laptop or malfunctioning tablet, this teacher can fix any tech gadget with just a few taps. Like a magician pulling rabbits from a hat, s/he can easily resolve vexing technical issues and doesn’t mind lending their digital expertise to students and colleagues alike.

Spotlight and Star Certificate

Class Clown Award

This title isn’t reserved for students. Some teachers have that incredible ability to teach through comedy, allowing students to learn and laugh at the same. Of course in the faculty lounge, this teacher is surrounded by his/her peers, cracking jokes and make everyone smile.

The [School Name] Peace Prize

Schools can be hotbeds for conflict, but luckily yours has one teacher that always knows how to keep the peace and work out the issues. Recognize the hard work it requires to have the patience, understanding, and talent to cool tensions between people at odds.

Say thank you to your teaching staff this year with these inspiring awards. Shop for the perfect certificate to accompany their new title on PaperDirect today!

September 12, 2014

10 Simple Ways to Cheer up Your Staff

Stacked Stars Certificates by PaperDirect

It’s common knowledge that the happier the worker, the more productive they become. Therefore, as an employer, you will likely appreciate these 10 ways to cheer up your employees:

Acknowledge Accomplishments

Sometimes, all it takes to lift someone’s spirits is a simple thank you or acknowledgment of the hard work that they do. You can accomplish this by saying it person-to-person, or you can write a thank you note.

Create a Certificate or Award

Have a mini award ceremony and award an employee who has worked overtime or went above and beyond with a mini certificate. Or choose one of the many options standard size certificates at Paper Direct.

Give Bonuses

Awards and thank you notes are great, but if your company can afford it, offering dedicated employees bonuses is an even more effective way to increase morale.

Consider a Raise

Today, the cost of virtually everything is increasing. Therefore, if you can, raising an employee’s income is a great way to increase their happiness.

Offer Extra Vacation Days

If your budget does not allow for an increase in income, offer more vacation days as a way to show your employees you appreciate all their hard work.

Fix Up Your Office

Make the office a place that is positive for employees. For example, comfy couches, a TV in the break room, or a free drink and snack day are all great ways to improve employee morale.

free vending machine snacks

Listen

Many times, your employees will have a good idea for how to accomplish any given task–sometimes it may even better than your idea. Therefore, listen to your employees and recognize a good idea when you hear it, and be sure to give them the credit.

Have Fun, and Encourage Them to Have Fun

Every so often, have a “Goof-off Day.” Allow your employees to wear shorts and sandals, and encourage them to play some games for a few hours, such as darts or even go disc golfing as a group.

Fire a Problem-maker

It is your job as the boss to cut the dead-weight and fire an employee who is not doing their job adequately, or at the very least give them a warning. Cutting out the unproductive person and replacing them with someone who will pull their weight will help those employees who work hard each and every day.

Be Aware

Contempo Modern Certificates by PaperDirect

Finally, be aware of the morale levels in your office. After all, if you never gauge your employees morale levels, you can never seek to improve working conditions and overall employee happiness.

Follow the 10 tips listed above to raise your employees’ morale and in turn make your workplace more productive.

March 17, 2014

9 Ways to Boost Student Morale

Perfect Attendance Award Casual Certificates by PaperDirect

Spring is nearly here, which means the end of school is nearly here. With summer so close, you might notice that your students are starting to get daydream in the classroom. From elementary schools to high schools, finding ways to boost student morale will help them reach the end of the academic year without a drop in grades or a loss of interest.

1. Plan a Field Trip

One way to get students excited about learning again is to get them out of the classroom. Plan a field trip to a museum or historical site that is relevant to what your students are studying.

If you have a tight budget, visit a public park and learn about the native plants and animals.

Athletic Award Casual Certificates by PaperDirect

2. Hold an Awards Ceremony

Create award certificates that recognize student’s achievements each week or month. Hold a short awards ceremony at the end of certain days or weeks to hand out the certificates. Giving out an award for perfect attendance, top test scores, or most creative essay will encourage students to keep working hard, even as spring fever sets in.

3. Get Interactive

Think of ways to get students involved in what they are learning. If you’re studying an historical event, have students act it out. Some popular activities include: The Oregon Trail and Student Government.

4. Focus on Interests

Students are more likely to pay attention if what they are learning interests them. Try to tie the lessons into contemporary students’ interests or assign projects that relate to their individual interests.

encourage students to set goals

5. Set Goals Everyday

Keep students going through each school day by asking them to set a small, achievable goal at the beginning of each lesson. The students can share their goals with others or keep them private if they prefer.

6. Offer Extra Credit

Some students love the sound of extra credit. Offer the chance to earn a few extra points on a test or essay by asking a particularly challenging question. If the students answer correctly, they get a bonus. If they don’t, it doesn’t hurt their score.

7. Ask Students How They Are Doing

Get a read on your students by asking them how they feel at the start of class. If students are having a bad day, they can give you a thumbs down sign. If they’re having a good day, they can give a thumbs up.

8. Add a Game

Games make class time go faster. Students learn while having fun. One of our favorite ideas is to have a Jeopardy! style contest in which students have to answer class-relevant questions in the form of a question.

Citizenship Award Casual Certificates by PaperDirect

9. Be Encouraging

Always have a kind word to say to your students. They might not get the answers right all of the time, but keep in mind that they are trying.

When student morale is high, your students are more likely to engage with you and to do his/her best. And when everyone is getting involved and doing their best, grades will soar–giving you more opportunities to recognize their success. Implement any or all of the above ideas to boost student morale at your school.

November 27, 2013

The 15 Most Creative Employee Recognition Categories

creative employee recognition categories

Creative employee recognition categories make the people who work for your organization feel truly appreciated. They show that you have thought about each person’s contributions and chosen to recognize the unique benefit they bring to the company. Awards are also a great way to boost morale among your employees. Here are 15 creative employee recognition categories for your next awards ceremony:

Creative employee recognition categories

Excellence in Humor and Entertainment
An award for the person who keeps morale high and makes people look forward to a day at the office.

Outside the Box Thinker: 
Recognize the people who look at a problem and see a different solution.

Sanitizer award for healthy employee
Use sanitizer as a funny healthy prize!

Healthy Living Promoter: 
Got an employee who encourages walks during lunch and morning stretches? Give an award certificate to recognize their contribution to employees’ health.

Outstanding Innovator: 
Have someone on your team who comes up with great new ideas? Make it known with an innovator award.

Clipboards help you stay organized

Excellence in Organization: 
This worker knows where everything is and keeps it where you can find it, saving you time and money.

Outstanding Memory Award: 
An award for the person who always knows where to find little-used tools and files and saves your organization time.

Food-themed stationery paper

Office Lunch Expert: 
For the one who knows the best places to eat and enriches the working day.

Outstanding Philanthropist: 
Show your appreciation for the charitable work he or she does.

Motivational cards for employees

The Risk Taker: 
Reward those fearless enough to take your team in a new direction.

The Asker of Good Questions: 
Those who seek clarity help us all become more effective.

The Human Handbook: 
Is there one person who always seems to be up on policy, style guides, and rules? Reward this employee’s diligence.

Marvelous Multitasker: 
Show how much you value their abilities to keep the plates spinning!

Calm in the Eye of the Storm: 
Show how much you appreciate this person’s resilience when things are hectic.

The Behind the Scenes Wonder: 
Recognize someone whose quiet daily management makes everything go smoothly for everyone else.

Motivational Certificates for Employees

The Encouraging Word Award: 
This is for the employee who recognizes others’ strengths and lets them know when they are doing a great job.

Rookie of the Year: 
Have an outstanding new addition to your team? Reward them with Rookie of the Year.

Mr/Ms. Congeniality: 
If there is someone in the office that deserves recognition for being kind, reward them.

Pop Culture Pro: 
This award is for the person that is always up to date on the latest shows, trends, and technology.

Last Words

While some categories are fanciful and others more serious, all are heartfelt and sure to be appreciated. Make your recognition awards count with certificates from PaperDirect that your employees will be proud to display.

September 25, 2013

5 Awards Ideas for Students that Say “Keep Up the Good Work!”

When it comes to students, a little award can go a long way. Whether you’re emphasizing behavior or trying to motivate students to be good friends, awards for students should be part of your day-to-day teaching, outside of the awards for academic achievement that are built into the school year. As you consider creative ways to award your students, consider these five award ideas for students:

Stacked Stars Casual Certificates by PaperDirect

The “Faithful Friend” Award

Reward your more social students with their very own “Faithful Friend” award. When you see students going above and beyond for friends, consider awarding them. This is behavior you want to encourage, as being a good friend is a valuable life skill, so have a stash of “Faithful Friend” awards to hand out.

The “Happy Helper” Award

Confetti Stars Casual Certificates by PaperDirect

Teachers and educators want to foster a sense of community in the classroom, and one way to do this is to encourage your students to help in the classroom. Rewarding those who help with an eager attitude will create a community of helpers. Add some “Happy Helper” student awards to your stash.

The “Excellent Effort” Award

If you’ve been teaching for long, you know that all your students are different, and they all learn differently. Sometimes, a simple “good job” or “excellent effort” goes a long way to boosting a student’s confidence in the classroom. When you catch them giving their all, they should be awarded for this, even if you can’t give them an “A” on the grade card. Reward them for their effort with an “Excellent Effort” certificate showing them that you noticed.

Paint Drops Casual Certificates by PaperDirec

The “Classroom Creativity” Award

Creativity is sometimes stifled in the midst of the daily grind of the school year, but you want to foster it in your students. Purchase some “Classroom Creativity” award certificates to give out to those students who show superior creativity in art, imaginative play, or writing activities. The more you reward creativity, the more it will grow.

The “Class Citizen” Award

Do you have a student who is careful to follow the rules? This student may not get much positive reinforcement from peers, especially if he is apt to tattle. Reward the good behavior, while working on the tattling at another time, with the “Class Citizen” award. This will show that you value a student who pays attention to the rules and tries to follow them, and it might encourage other students to follow.

Students who do well academically are rewarded many times throughout the school year. You can ensure that others get awarded for their strengths as well with these creative award ideas for students. Ordering them couldn’t be easier with the help of PaperDirect. Simply find the award you love, customize it for your specific category and order conveniently online!

January 31, 2013

Creative Recognition Awards for Your Students

Filed under: Student Recognition Ideas — Tags: , , , — PDWriter @ 10:58 am
Perfect Attendance Award Casual Certificates by PaperDirect

Teachers, are you running out of ideas for student recognition awards? PaperDirect has you covered! While Student of the Month, Most Improved, and Highest Grade Point Average are wonderful award certificates to hand out, there are a lot of creative ideas out there for recognition awards for students of all ages.

Most teachers have such busy schedules that the thought of having to come up with one more creative task can be daunting. PaperDirect is here to help. We have award certificates that can be customized to award anything you choose. Our huge variety of styles will allow you to find certificates you really love. Just fill in the name and date and you have creative recognition awards the students will really appreciate!

Reading Award Casual Certificates by PaperDirect

Academic Award Ideas

Instead of awarding students for good grades or most improved classroom performance, try these unique award ideas and make any changes necessary to fit the age of the student:

  • The Albert Einstein Award (future brilliant scientist)
  • The Lewis and Clark Award (most excited to try explore something new)
  • The Deep Thinker Award (best problem solver in the class)
  • The Survivor (the one who never gives up)
  • The Emily Dickinson or Robert Frost Award (the best poet in the class)
  • The William Shakespeare Award (best playwright in the class)

Candy Bar Student Awards

  • The Butterfinger Award (the kid most likely to drop things or break things)
  • The Payday Award (the kid who forgets his lunch money)
  • The Three Musketeer Award (always surrounded by friends and supportive of others)
  • The Almond Joy Award (always happy and optimistic)
  • The Snickers Award (the class clown always making others laugh)
  • The Milky Way Award (the student who loves astronomy)
  • The Watchmacallit Award (the student who forgets the names of things)
  • The $100,000 Bar Award (the student most likely to be a millionaire)
On the Spot Casual Certificates by PaperDirect

Other Creative Recognition Awards

  • The Dale Earnhardt Award (the student who speeds through the hallways and is always told to slow down!)
  • The Emily Post Award (the most well-mannered student)
  • The American Idol Award (the kid who loves to sing)
  • The Bobby Flay Award (the future chef in the class)
  • The Edgar Allan Poe Award (the kid who loves a good horror story)
  • The Rolex Award (the student who is always asking what time it is or who watches the clock)
  • The Patrick Mahomes Award (future football star)
  • The Dr. Phil Award (the kid always giving advice)
  • The Anderson Cooper Award (the student who loves current events)
  • The Barbara Walters Award (for the student who loves asking personal questions)
  • The Justin Bieber Award (for the student who just loves to perform)
  • The Joe Biden Award (for the kid who wants to be President)
  • The Florence Nightingale Award (for the student who loves taking care of others)
Festive Streamers Casual Certificates by PaperDirect

This is just a short list to get your creative juices flowing. PaperDirect has hundreds of recognition award certificates for kids. With our “Print Right Now” option, simply customize your certificate and print them out on 8 1/2″ x 11″ paper in any color you like. PaperDirect certificates are designed to print on our Perfectly Plain 28lb paper.

July 25, 2012

How to Design a Certificate for Student Achievements

Excellence Specialty Certificates

With the new school year just a few weeks away for many students in the United States, it’s time for teachers, other school personnel, and parents to begin thinking of ways to reward students for good grades, improved behavior, better attendance, a more positive attitude, and increased effort, just to name a few. There are a number of student achievements that can be acknowledged with a certificate that you can design and print (with a little  help from PaperDirect) in no time at all. Whether you want to print a single certificate or a large number at once, PaperDirect can help you produce lovely, professional-looking student award certificates for all types of school achievements for children of all ages!

Design Your Own Student Achievement Certificates

Festive Streamers Casual Certificates

Standard certificates are inexpensive, and PaperDirect has student achievement templates available to download allowing you to print certificates in a matter of minutes because the layout and wording have already been done for you. All you have to do is put the recipient’s name and date on the certificate and print it out! With the ease and convenience of designing and printing your own student award certificates, what, at first, may have seemed like a daunting task, is a breeze!

Templates for Student Certificates

PaperDirect has templates for virtually every occasion, and if you have a student achievement that requires a certificate of appreciation template that is not featured on our website, making changes to templates is easy. And the certificate design templates are  to the exact specifications of the paper so there they will come out perfectly every time.

Festive Starlight Specialty Certificates

To really jazz up student achievement certificates, you can order certificate frames for them. Not only do the frames look great, but they will preserve the quality of the certificate, so it can last forever. Low cost, ease of production and flexibility with the student achievements templates make giving student award certificates one of the best parts of a very challenging job!

PaperDirect is your one-stop online shopping source for all your student (and employee) recognition needs. If you need ideas on how to recognize students for a job well done, check out these PaperDirect blogs:

March 7, 2012

Honor Roll Certificates for Student Recognition

Filed under: Student Recognition Ideas — Tags: , , , — PDWriter @ 8:00 am
Honor Roll Award Casual Certificates

An honor roll certificate provides students of all ages a sense of accomplishment, and awards can be great motivators to continue to do good work. Honor roll certificates for student recognition are inexpensive, easy to create, and greatly appreciated by the recipient. PaperDirect has an extensive line of casual certificates that can be used for all types of student recognition including honor roll lists, citizenship awards, attendance awards, and improved behavior recognition.

PaperDirect has everything you need to create unique certificate awards for students of all ages. You will find exactly what you’re looking for in our huge selection of designs from traditional and subdued to vibrant and festive. Choose from several high-quality stock papers in standard 8.5″ x 11″ size and use our FREE downloadable templates to customize them on your own computer and printer AND on your own time. We also offer Custom-Made Certificates–imagine the time and money you will save by having PaperDirect create your honor roll and other student recognition certificates for you.

PaperDirect also has certificate “accessories” to jazz up your wonderful student recognition awards. For instance, certificate jackets in a variety of designs, embossing and sizes, will keep your certificates safe from wear and tear. Certificate seals add a glimmering finishing touch to your honor roll certificate and come in a variety of styles to match your award and/or school mascot.

PaperDirect is your online shopping source for honor roll certificates and other forms of student recognition like plaques, trophies and motivational gifts. Need more student recognition ideas? Read “Thoughtful Student Recognition Ideas” and “School Certificate Templates Help Appreciate Students’ Achievements.”

November 9, 2011

The Importance of Student Recognition

importance of student recognition

If you’re a teacher, you know that positive student recognition is a great incentive and motivator of continued student progress and good behavior. Here is why it’s so important to recognize students, and some fun ways to honor their accomplishments.

Why is Student Recognition Important?

When students are given nothing but negative feedback, they may feel beaten down and may lack any desire to put forth effort in the classroom. They know their efforts will only be met with criticism, so why bother trying?

When students are given positive feedback and are rewarded for a job well done, it’s only natural for them to continue to work hard and do their very best. Even the slightest positive student recognition does wonders for a child’s morale and enthusiasm about school work and their outlook on school, in general.

Here are some very easy ways to give student recognition awards that are inexpensive (or free) and take very little effort on the teacher or parent’s part. Even the smallest student recognition gesture will mean a lot to the recipient.

Ideas for Student Recognition

  • Certificates and plaques
  • Special with his/her teacher of choice and his/her parents
  • Positive notes/phone calls home to the parents (a phone call works especially well because phone calls to the home are almost always associated with bad behavior or poor grades)
  • Line leader
  • Lead the Pledge of Alliance over the intercom
  • Inexpensive personalized pens, paper, notebooks, etc.
  • Announcement of achievement in school newspaper or newsletter home to parents
  • Class party
  • Class-wide recess extension
  • Office errand person
  • Achievement board in the classroom or hallway with weekly or monthly student recognition
  • Popsicle Day
  • Trophies
smiley face trophy for students

For more student recognition ideas, please check out PaperDirect, your online source for certificates, plaques and other awards.

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