Skip to content 
- S: Set Specific Goals with Your Student
- C: Co-Create the System
- O: Organize a Tracking Tool Together
- R: Review Progress Together
- E: Earn Rewards
- How This Helps Build Executive Function Skills
When students start falling behind, it’s usually not a matter of laziness. More often, they’re overwhelmed, unmotivated, or unsure where to even start. A reward system that’s thoughtful, consistent, and student-led can completely shift the tone from frustration to momentum.
In our latest video, we walk through the SCORE Method. This is a five-step reward system that helps students stay focused, motivated, and proud of their effort. We will break down each part of the SCORE Method so you can build a reward system at home that actually sticks.
If your student or child is struggling to juggle tasks, organize their time, or keep up with school demands, this approach can make a huge difference.
S: Set Specific Goals with Your Student
Pick one or two clear goals to focus on.
Try to avoid the urge to fix everything at once. Is your student struggling to turn in assignments? Or maybe they’re having trouble staying prepared for class?
Choose a specific area to focus on together.
“The more specific you are with your student, the easier it is to track progress and the more meaningful the rewards become.”
A few ideas:
- Submit assignments by the due date
- Study 10 minutes each day for quizzes
- Pack their backpack the night before
This step sets the foundation. A clear target helps students know what success looks like and why it matters.
If you need help in choosing goals that feel doable, here are 5 executive function hacks to help students get unstuck.
C: Co-Create the System
Build the plan with your student, not for them.
This is where most reward systems fall flat. Instead of handing down rules, ask your student what motivates them. Then build the system together.
“Some students love boba or snacks. Others are all about screen time, social time with friends, or even something as simple as verbal praise.”
By involving students in the process, they’re more likely to follow rough. The system becomes theirs and that makes all the difference.
O: Organize a Tracking Tool Together
Organize progress so it’s easy to see.
Whether it’s a whiteboard, journal, or app, organizing a simple tracking tool helps keep the reward system visible and consistent.
“Let them score themselves.”
Use a weekly rating system like:
- 10 = met all the goals
- 5 = did some of the goals
- 0 = didn’t meet the goal, but can try again next week
This isn’t about perfection. It’s about helping students see their own patterns and feel more in control of their outcomes.
Also, this guide breaks down how to support students with executive function tutoring.
R: Review Progress Together
Check in weekly to see what’s working
Once a week, sit down with your student and look at their tracker. Ask questions like:
- What went well this week?
- What didn’t go as planned?
- What can we try next time?
And don’t forget to celebrate even the smallest wins. Did they turn in three out of five assignments? That counts. Did they show up with a better attitude? That matters too.
Acknowledging progress helps students feel seen, capable, and motivated to keep going.
E: Earn Rewards
Give rewards when they’re earned.
The reward part of the system only works if it’s consistent. If your student meets the goals, give the agreed reward, whether it’s a sweet treat, more screen time, or letting them pick what’s for dinner.
“When students see that effort leads to something positive… they start connecting the dots.”
Over time, small external rewards build habits that lead to real internal motivation.
How This Helps Build Executive Function Skills
A reward system isn’t just about motivation. It teaches planning, self-monitoring, and persistence, all core parts of executive function.
With an executive function tutor, students don’t just focus on getting things done. They learn how to organize their time, reflect on their progress, and build confidence along the way.
The SCORE Method is a simple framework families can use at home to strengthen those same skills.
What reward would actually motivate your student this week? Try the SCORE Method and let us know in the comments.
