I'm noticing a trend lately at my children's grade school, and it really shouldn't come as a big shock really. Candy is being used as an incentive and reward!
This week in particular, my daughter has walked out of school almost everyday, chomping on some sort of candy or fruit roll-up or something similar. I ask, "What Are You Eating?" and she quickly replies candy. "Why Do You Have Candy?" The answer is that it is a reward for work. I seek clarification if everyone is getting a "reward" for finishing their work. She states it's just for students that get their projects and work done ahead of schedule.
I was glad to hear this. I get a little bothered by rewards given for work that is expected and a necessary part of school (or any other endeavor for that matter). For example, teachers that give out rewards for turning in your homework is a disturbing trend. To me, a reward is for something that goes up and beyond the normal expectation.
So, I have no issue with my daughter's teacher giving out a prize for something that does go up and beyond. My issue is with the prize. Why are we always using food as a reward? I truly believe this develops a relationship with food that is based too much on rules and expectations. Food should be nourishment and the occasional treat. That's not to say a celebratory meal out is not worthwhile. I believe the issue becomes amplified when it is direct cause and effect, like in my daughter's case. I don't want candy to be misunderstood as something good for you when it's used as an award for good work.
Furthermore, why is it always candy? I am attentive to the amount of sugar that my children intake. Cookies & candy are for special occasions. There are plenty of other options that are inexpensive, worthwhile prizes for students. What about pencils? A small notepad? Stickers? Candy comes and goes, but something my daughter might have for a little longer will remind her of her reward and the good job that she did.
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When I was teaching, I was told specifically not to give candy and stuck to stickers and such like you mentioned. I don't see the harm sometimes, but do agree it shouldn't be excessive either.
ReplyDeleteI agree, Janine. I am all for the occasional treat. But we are so addicted to sugar in this country and getting candy everyday at school doesn't help.
DeleteI work in child care, and I'm not a big fan of using candy as a reward, but unfortunately the kids I work with have already been conditioned to do what should be expected of them for candy by many teachers and parents. For instance: If I tell them to clean up after themselves after a popcorn party, I hear "Do I get candy for cleaning?" I tend to not give it to them unless they clean without asking, but it's still their only motivation to clean.
ReplyDeleteBecca, does the child care company you work for have any other options for prizes and rewards? I know part of it is cost, but in this age of dollar stores and the inexpensive part of Target, it seems like there could at least be a variety.
DeleteI don't think it is a good idea to reward candy, treats, or even general food. Rewarding with food can be psychological and can affect some children later on in life as adults. Like you, I limit sugar to my daughter. She is very sensitive and will have a sugar high along with the irritable sugar crash. Not because her body is not used to it. It has something to do with how the body digests it. I have the same issue. I do agreee that there is other alternatives to using food and Target or even the Dollar stores have great little things.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing! Great topic!
Joanne @ jmacreativemess.blogspot.com/
I totally agree. This is why we have so many health problems. I also don't believe in rewarding what is expected behaviour. What happened to giving out stickers?
ReplyDeleteAgi:)
vodkainfusedlemonade.com
My kindergartner only came home w/ candy once this year, and that was from the PTA. His teacher has stickers and small toys in the "prize jar" (earned through consecutive days of good behavior). With so many kids w/ allergies, it seems dangerous to give out candy - my kid can't even take a peanut butter sandwich for lunch.
ReplyDeleteMy kindergartener comes home with several pieces of candy every day. It drives me crazy! We don't keep candy in our house so the other kids don't have it. Not only does he not need the sugar but we don't need the fights. I'm anxious for school to be out so we can get a little break from it!
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