How to Use Desk Pets for Behavior Management in the Classroom
- kindlittleexplorer
- 7 days ago
- 4 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
Looking for a classroom behavior system that’s effective, fun, and easy to manage? Desk Pets are a game-changing tool for K–3 teachers. They combine positive reinforcement, imaginative play, and classroom routines in a way that students love.
Whether you’re just starting or ready to level up your classroom rewards, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know—including what to use and how to get started quickly.
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Quick Start Guide for Teachers
Here’s a simple step-by-step breakdown of how the Desk Pet system works:
1. Start with Paw Points (Behavior-Based)
Students earn Paw Points for demonstrating positive behavior in accordance with classroom expectations. This includes respectful actions, teamwork, and following routines—essential behaviors that help keep your classroom running smoothly.
Paw Points are typically earned once per day and tracked using punch cards or a daily log.
Students can earn a Paw Point when they:
Use kind words and actions (respectful behavior)
Work well with classmates (teamwork & cooperation)
Follow classroom rules and routines (self-control & responsibility)
Once a student earns 5 Paw Points, they can adopt a Desk Pet and start participating in the full reward system!
2. Adopt a Desk Pet
Once a student earns enough Paw Points, they get to adopt their first Desk Pet (mini eraser, paper pet, or tiny toy) and receive an adoption certificate. This creates excitement, ownership, and a sense of accomplishment.
3. Earn Desk Pet Dollars
Students earn Desk Pet Dollars ($1 or $5 printable bills) for:
Completing academic work
Participating in class
Going above and beyond with effort or attitude
They can save their dollars and use them during Pet Shop Day to buy fun pet items!
4. Shop for Rewards
On a designated day (like Fun Friday), students can visit the Pet Shop to purchase items for their pet:
Accessories
Pet homes
Food or treats
Classroom privileges
5. Track and Reflect
Students use a Behavior Journal to respond to short prompts about their choices and goals. This supports daily reflection, writing practice, and social-emotional growth.
The Deluxe Bundle includes two printable options for behavior tracking:
One sheet acts as a Paw Point tracker, Desk Pet Dollar tracker, and reflection journal all in one. It’s ideal for teachers who don’t want to use punch cards or printed dollars. Students can either color in paw or dollar icons as they earn them, or teachers can sign or initial each one.
The second is a daily reflection sheet with different behavior-focused prompts for each day of the week.
What Can Be Used as Desk Pets?
Any toy or figure under 2" can fit into our 3D Desk Pet homes. Teachers often use:
Students can name their pets, decorate their homes (Color-Your-Own Home), and even write stories or reflections about them!
Pet Food, Toys & Fun Add-Ons
Some can find bulk 3D animal erasers that come with food and accessories, such as these: Click Here. Add excitement to the Desk Pet system with simple, budget-friendly accessories:
Pet food: pom-poms, printed food bowls, tiny stickers
Toys: buttons, mini LEGO pieces, pipe cleaner shapes
Accessories: mini beds, blankets, or paper hats
Desk Pet Homes: Cut, Fold & Display
The bundle includes 54 colorful, printable Desk Pet homes that fold into 3D-style habitats.
Teachers can choose to:
Pre-cut and assemble homes ahead of time for younger students
Or let students cut and build their own homes as part of the reward process
Home styles include castles, tents, igloos, gardens, and space stations!
Why It Works:
Encourages positive choices all week long
Teaches goal setting, saving, and delayed gratification
Builds classroom community with shared routines
Easy to adapt to your teaching style and grade level
What's Included in the Deluxe Bundle?
The Desk Pet Deluxe Behavior Management Bundle includes everything you need to launch your system with confidence:
Adoption Certificates (2 styles)
Desk Pet Dollars ($1 & $5 printables)
Paw Point Punch Cards
Behavior Tracker + Weekly Reflection Journal
Desk Pet Rules Poster
Desk Pet Shop Menu (non-editable)
Printable Labels
Teacher Quick-Start Guide
Ready to Launch Desk Pets in Your Classroom?
This printable PDF bundle gives you a fun, structured, and low-prep behavior management system that students will love. It builds routines, encourages reflection, and makes positive behavior something to celebrate.
Let your students earn, care for, and celebrate their Desk Pets while staying on track all year long!
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