How to Make a Token Board, Step by Step

A token board is simple to make, but the decisions you make before you print it decide whether it works. Here is the order that saves the most time, with the mistakes to watch for at each step.

Make a Token Board

Before You Start: Three Decisions

A token board is a visual system. The learner earns tokens for a specific behavior, and when the board is full they get a reward they have chosen. The board is the easy part. These three decisions come first:

What behavior earns a token? Pick one or two behaviors you can describe in a sentence and see clearly, like "hands down" or "finished one worksheet". "Be good" is too vague for a token to mean anything.
What is the reward? It has to be something the learner actually wants today, and that they only get through the board. A favorite item they can already reach for freely will not motivate.
How many tokens? Fewer than you think. Three to five is a common starting point, so the learner reaches the reward quickly and learns that tokens lead to something good.

Making the Board: 6 Steps

1.Write the rule in one line. For example: "Quiet hands = a star. 5 stars = iPad." If you cannot say it in one line, the learner cannot follow it.
2.Choose the tokens. Stars, hearts and circles are easy to recognize. Some learners respond better to a token that is their own interest, like a favorite character, so use a custom image when you can.
3.Set the number of tokens. Match it to how long the learner can work before they need the reward. If the first few boards take too long, lower the number.
4.Add the reward. Put a picture and a word for the reward at the end of the board so the learner can see what they are working toward. A reward menu lets them choose from two or three options.
5.Print, cut out and laminate. Print the board and the cut-out tokens, laminate them, and add velcro so tokens can be placed and removed. Keep a spare set.
6.Teach the system. Start by giving a token right after the behavior, with the board in view, and let the first few boards fill quickly. Pair every token with specific praise, then trade the full board for the reward straight away.

Mistakes That Make Token Boards Fail

The board is too hard to fill

If the learner rarely earns the reward, the board stops meaning anything. Make early boards easy and raise the requirement slowly.

Delaying the reward

When the board is full, the reward comes right away. A long gap between the last token and the reward weakens the whole system.

Changing the rules without saying so

If the number of tokens or the behavior changes, show the learner and explain it before the next session starts.

Never fading it

A token board is usually a support for a period, not forever. Work with your BCBA or teacher on increasing the number of tokens, lengthening the time, and moving toward natural rewards.

Making One in TokenBoards

In the editor, pick one of the templates (stars, hearts, circles, squares, a reward menu, or two rows) and then change anything you like. Set the token shape and color, add the learner's name, and add a reward with a picture from the image library or your own upload.

The preview is clickable, so you can tap tokens to see exactly how the board looks when it fills. When you are ready, print: page one is the board, and page two has cut-out tokens. It is free, and you do not need an account.

Make Your Token Board

Pick a template, add the reward, and print it. You can change any of it later.