In our school, and in my class, we sometimes give students certificates recognizing them for a serious (or silly) accomplishment.  I think there’s a major difference between recognizing what students have done and, on the other hand, offering rewards as an incentive to have them do something.

I have links to free online applications that allow you to create attractive certificates.  They are on my Teacher’s Page under the Certificate-Maker section.

These links include ones to Certificate Creator and Certificate Center.