How to Create Certificates for Children

Certificates are a fun way to motivate kids.

A homemade award or gift certificate may just be the incentive some kids need to get them to finish their homework, clean their room, or take out the garbage. Awarding children for excellent achievement may build their self-esteem and encourage them to strive to perform even better. You can also create a special certificate for your young athlete who fell a little short of winning an award in his favorite sport. There are websites with free certificate templates you can print out; or you can create your own.

Things You'll Need

• Plain white paper or stationary paper
• Computer with word processing software
• Gold star stickers (any stickers are OK)

Instructions

Homemade Award Certificate

1. Choose the theme of your certificate. Design the gift certificate according to the reason you're awarding it. Maybe it's for your child's birthday, washing the dishes without complaining for a week, or making an "A" on a math exam.

2. Begin designing your certificate in your word processing software. If you are using Microsoft Word 2007, go to the "Office" button in the top left corner of the screen and click on "New" and "Awards" certificates. This takes you immediately to a list of certificates on Microsoft Office online. Select your template and insert a name. If you do not have Microsoft word, you can still create the certificate by going to the "Format" section of your word processing software and choosing a border style for the outline of the certificate. You can paste clip art or pictures within the borders to decorate the award and add background color.

3. Type in the text on the certificate, including the name and the reason for giving the award. Choosing a fancy font, like Script, will make the certificate appear more authentic.

4. Print out the certificate on plain white paper or nice stationary paper, depending on your preference.

5. Place a large gold star or other colorful sticker on the front of the certificate.

References

• Doityourself: How to Make Homemade Gift Certificates
• Computer Companion: Create a Certificate in Microsoft Word