Rewards

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Home : 2002 : July : 29

Rewards
By Colleen

I know I would get pretty fat if I got candy for being on task all day. What message are we sending kids by using candy as a reward? I feel like they are being delt with like trained animals when food is used for a reward.
My
parents taught me it isn't polite eat in front of someone without sharing. I just can't give out treats without giving one to everyone. Most of the primary teachers in my school give out candy as a bribe for being quiet or good. My class told me that their last year's teacher gave them M&M's for being quiet in the hall last year. I said, "I didn't know M&M's kept people quiet.

Are you sneaking M&M's because you are quiet in the hall?" They thought that was funny. I give out treats or stickers because I want to share. Because of this I think my class knows I like each and everyone of them not matter what (unconditional love?). When you have that kind of rapport you get can deal with the behaviors that are not acceptable on a one on one basis. Each child is unique so each problem needs to be handled accordingly. Blanket punishments and blanket rewards are something I don't subscribe to.

Class meetings or individual meetings can help iron out any wrinkles in classroom problems. The kids may shed some insight as to why they do what they do to drive you nuts. It may be as simple as changing a seat or allowing them to bring books to look at while waiting for their turn for the rest room. A quick call to a parent may help you come up with a plan to achieve the best for their child.