What is a star chart?
A star chart is a visual tool that helps tamariki learn and grow in positive ways. It highlights clear goals like using the toilet, washing hands, or brushing teeth. The chart lets you and your child track progress, helping them stay motivated and proud of what they achieve.
Every time your child reaches their goal, they get a star. When they collect enough stars, they get a small treat or special recognition. Star charts work best for tamariki aged 3 to 8 years. They help them build good habits in a fun and supportive way.
A KidsHealth star chart to print
Source: KidsHealth
Preview
KidsHealth star chart for downloading and printing to help your child track their goals and progress.
Source: KidsHealth
How star charts work
Star charts help tamariki build good habits by linking positive behaviour with instant recognition. Each time your child does the behaviour you’re focusing on, they earn a star. Over time, these stars add up to a reward, making the process fun and motivating.
Steps for using your star chart
Choose a behaviour – pick one clear, positive goal.
Choose a reward to work towards – agree on something with your child before you start.
Set a goal of how many stars your child needs before they get their first reward.
Acknowledge the behaviour when it happens – give praise straight away.
Note it on the chart – add a sticker, use a stamp or let your child mark it off. You can get stickers and stamps from most supermarkets, stationery shops or $2 shops.
Celebrate progress with every star – notice their effort as they go.
Reward your child – when they earn enough stars, give the treat you agreed on.
Tips for using a star chart with your child
Choose one clear behaviour
Pick a single, positive goal such as ‘sit on the toilet’ or ‘clean your teeth’. Describe it in a positive and clear way.
For example, if tamariki have constipation, it can help to get them to sit on the toilet in the morning. It can help them build a habit, even if they don’t feel the urge to poo. So the star chart goal would be ‘sit on the toilet in the morning for 5 to 10 minutes’, which is clearer than ‘use the toilet’.
Another example is for tamariki who resist going to bed. A helpful star chart goal might be ‘be in bed by 7.30 pm every night’ instead of ‘go to bed without arguing’.
Don’t try to tackle too many things at once. Stick to one goal until it becomes a habit, then move on to the next.
Give stars immediately
Give the star right away, either at the moment or straight after the behaviour. This helps your child connect the action with the reward.
You can let your child add a sticker or stamp to their chart or mark it off with a pen.
Give praise
Star charts can give tamariki a boost. But, tamariki also benefit from understanding why the behaviour matters. Pair each star with warm praise to show why the behaviour matters.
For example:
Well done for sitting on the toilet this morning.
Great job brushing your teeth all by yourself.
I’m proud of you for getting into bed on time tonight.
I love how hard you’re trying — you should be proud of yourself.
This helps your tamariki enjoy the good habit itself as well as the reward.
Keep it simple
Build your child’s confidence with small wins. Start with simple, realistic goals so your child feels success early. Make sure your child is ready, especially with milestones like toilet training, before starting a chart.
Let your child choose their reward
Offer choices that feel meaningful, even simple ones like ‘play a game together’ or ‘a trip to the park’. Let your child decide what they’d like to aim for. Rewards don’t have to cost money.
Fun and easy reward ideas that don’t need to cost much include:
- picking the story for bedtime
- staying up 10 to 15 minutes later at bedtime on the weekend
- extra playtime outside
- a trip to the playground
- having a movie night at home
- choosing a TV show to watch
- baking something together
- having a friend over for a playdate
- doing a special activity with you, like painting
- getting to choose what’s for dinner one night
- a certificate, stickers, or homemade badge
Build up to the reward
Set a clear goal for how many stars your child needs to earn before receiving a reward. For younger tamariki, it’s best to start with a smaller, more achievable number, such as 7 stars. Larger numbers can feel overwhelming. You can gradually encourage your child to work toward their reward by building up over time. For example, in the first week they might aim for 5 stars, then 6 stars in the second week, and finally 7 stars in the third week. This gradual approach allows room for a few wobbles as they get started.
Stay consistent
Consistency is key. Always follow through when your child earns a star, and avoid taking stars away. If your child didn’t earn a star on a certain day explain to them why not and encourage them to have another try the next day.
Get others involved
Whānau can join in too. Sharing praise and celebrating progress together make star charts even more encouraging. A great way to share this experience is by putting your star chart on the fridge, or somewhere the whole whānau can see it. This helps keep everyone on track.
Stick with it
New habits don’t happen overnight. Using your star chart for several weeks gives tamariki the chance to practise the behaviour often enough for it to become part of their routine. Every child is different. Some tamariki will need longer than others, but keeping at it helps the habit stick.
What to do if your star chart isn’t working
Sometimes star charts don’t go as planned, and that’s OK. Here are a few things you can try if it isn’t working for your child.
Check if it’s too much
If your child isn’t earning stars, maybe the goal is too hard. Try scaling back or simplifying it. If your child isn’t ready, it’s best to pause and try again later.
Refresh the rewards
Once your child has completed their star chart, start a new one. Even if you are continuing with the same behaviour, let your child pick a new reward. Ask your child what would feel fun or motivating.
Make sure to follow through
If tamariki don’t get their stars or rewards straight away, this may make them lose trust and motivation. Make sure you add to their star chart as soon as possible after the behaviour.
Involve them in problem solving
If your child isn’t getting any stars, talk about what’s getting in the way. Maybe your child finds the behaviour hard, or there’s something else going on. Adjust the plan together.
Try a different behaviour
If you’ve been focusing on one goal for a while, consider shifting to something fresh. Try something that your child is more ready to tackle and feels capable of trying.
Star charts are just one tool
Star charts can be helpful, but they’re not the only way to encourage positive behaviour. Daily praise, clear routines, and modelling the behaviour yourself are also powerful ways to support tamariki. Star charts work best when they’re used alongside these other strategies.
How to phase out using a star chart
Star charts are best used as a short-term tool. Once your child has learned the new habit, you can gradually reduce how often they get a star or reward. Keep giving warm, specific praise so your child still feels recognised. Celebrate when the behaviour becomes part of their daily routine.
When they no longer need the chart, finish on a positive note and let them know how proud you are of their progress. You can always bring the chart back for a short time if your child needs extra support again in the future.
Star charts should always be fun and encouraging, not stressful for your child.
