reward systems can backfire

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reward systems can backfire
By Katherine Hanna

Sue-
I'm not crazy about token reward systems where the teacher is handing out or taking away the goodies. (I'm especially opposed to food treats being given or withheld.)
One of the more proactive things I have done
is a thing I call Respect Tree.
I have a fake potted tree in my room and once/week (or more often at the beginning) we sit as a group and anyone who wants to can describe something someone else has done that has been respectful, kind or generous. Then they give that person a paper leaf with their name on it which can be hung with a paper clip from the tree. The kids love to see the

tree "grow" as their awareness of their behavior grows too.
Of course, there have to be a lot of discussions about what respect, kindness or generosity means before hand. But before you know it, everyone is trying their best to get or give a leaf. Teachers can give out leaves too (especially for the children who may be overlooked by others,) but this is mainly a kid to kid activity and nobody loses!