Everyone Loves Rewards: A Guide for Parents and Teachers
Everyone Loves Rewards: A Guide for Parents and Teachers: Everyone enjoys being rewarded for a job well done or a noteworthy accomplishment. What do you enjoy giving as a reward? Is it a science fair ribbon, a soccer tournament medal, or an ice cream sundae for getting a good grade on a test? We frequently utilise food or drink as a reward. Reward foods are typically high in sugar and/or fat, low in nutrients, and high in calories. While eating these is fine once in a while, doing so on a regular basis might lead to undesired weight gain. Although physical exercise burns calories, we often consume more calories than we expend. Here are a few healthier alternatives to use as non-food rewards.
Rewarding Techniques
- Reward levels should be appropriate for the child’s age, interests, and abilities.
- A simple grin, hug, kiss, or words of encouragement are frequently enough. Make frequent and sincere use of them. “Wow, you put a lot of effort into that project.” I’m so proud of you!”
- The optimal time to provide a reward to a young child (under the age of 5) is when the behaviour or event occurs. Children under that age do not have the patience to wait for reinforcement.
- A popular reward is just spending more time with mom, dad or siblings doing fun things, such as a board game, taking a walk, playing catch, reading a story, building with blocks, etc. You open the door for conversation and create lasting memories.
Children under the age of five: (Make sure the item is safe and acceptable for your child’s age.)
- Stickers, a homemade or purchased card
- Allow the child to choose the family movie or narrative.
- Stuffed animals of various sizes
- Healthy meals, nuts, and beverages, such as lemonade, are all good choices. can prepare a healthy drink out of fresh fruits for them.
Children ages 5 to 12: (Make sure the item is safe and acceptable for your child’s age.)
- A handcrafted or store-bought card for a little more fun, throw in some confetti.
- Gratitude or encouragement notes on mirrors, pillows, lunch bags, or the front door
- A star with their name and accomplishment on the door or refrigerator
- Allow your youngster to choose the family story, movie, or TV show.
- Toys such as balls, baseball bats, table tennis rackets, etc
Teens:
- Cards or notes
- Magnets for lockers
- Pencils, pens & markers
- Pay for downloading 1 or 2 songs
- Inexpensive jewellery
Teachers’ Reward Ideas
Find something each student may be rewarded for throughout the month or semester, such as improved grades, assisting another student, or displaying kindness to others. Everyone desires to be treated as a unique individual. As a reward you can make them class monitor for a week, incharge of discipline, etc. You might be surprised by the good outcomes of frequent praising or other forms of reward.
Preschool:
- Stickers or stamps on papers
- Award winners pick the story of the day or lead the line to the playground
- Homemade or purchased certificates or ribbons
Elementary School, Middle and High School:
- Celebration jar – deposit one or more marbles or beans for individual or group good behavior, kindness or achievements. When jar is full, hold a party.
- Behavior charts with stars and long-term rewards
- Stickers or stamps on papers or to take home
Treats or Snacks?
Snacks provide us with the nutrients and calories we require throughout the day. This is especially true for energetic, young children who cannot meet their entire calorie requirement in three meals. Snacks also prevent us from being overly hungry at meals. Foods or beverages served on special occasions are known as treats. Fried meals, French fries, cake, cookies, candy, and soda are all possible treats. Treats should not be consumed on a daily basis, but just once in a while.
Make your own “grab & go” snacks. Examples:
- Keep washed fruit (apples, bananas, berries, grapes, oranges, pears) in a bowl on the counter or in the refrigerator.
- Purchase or prepare bite size veggies and fruits such as carrots, jicama, peppers, grape tomatoes, mango, or pineapple. Store in individual plastic bags in the refrigerator.
- Bag your own portion size popcorn, low fat crackers, granola or pretzels.
- Insert a wooden stick into ½ a banana, roll in chopped nuts or coconut (optional), wrap in foil and freeze. Thaw slightly before eating.
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