I don't have a problem with rewards

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Home : 2001 : November : 18

I don't have a problem with rewards
By Mariella

First, I see a huge difference between rewards and bribery. With a reward, you are pre-determining the conditions and you are the one basically in control of the situation (I don't much like that word, "control" - it seems
to have become a dirty word, but as adults and as teachers, we must have the control). Bribery is "after the fact" - after you have lost control and it is an act of desperation - "Please, please be quiet and I'll give you all stickers". Children value the approval and praise of their regular teacher because they have a bond and connection with that teacher which they simply don't have

with a sub - many kids don't care if Mrs. X is pleased with them because who the heck is Mrs. X anyway and she'll be gone tomorrow and we may never see her again. This isn't true for all children - many have internalized concepts like respect and manners and the value of education. But as a sub, I'll go with what works for me. Making it clear to kids that there may be some sort of extra reward for the students who put in their best effort (to do the work, to obey classroom rules, to show respect to me and their classmates) is not the same as a bribe - it's a reward; an additional goal to work towards. I do make it clear that anyone who asks "Will I win a sticker/pencil/certificate?" is automatically out of the running. But for the most part, this technique works for the short term (which is what we have to deal with). And, really, how many of us would work and work hard if it weren't for the dual rewards of (a) our salaries and (b) the fact that doing a good job will probably mean we get called back by the teacher?