Calling All Teachers K-8 : Need Your Professional Opinion

[shmoshus]

Calling all teachers k-8 : i want to ask you your opinion about the concept of a website for prizes/incentives for students?
hi, can't go into alot of detail, but im working on a website that would/could be of benefit to teachers who employ a prize/incentive system in the classroom for good performance and behavior.

In conjunction with the poll, your answers to these questions will be very helpful!!!

1) do you have a prize system in the classroom?
2) what format/technique do you use?
3) would you like an interactive online alternative to your current in class prize system?
4) what method do you use to get your prizes now?
5) how much do you spend monthly/annually for prizes per class?
6) what type of resources and sevices would you like to see on a website geared specifically for teachers?
7) what type of prizes are approproate for children of your grade level( pls indicate grade)?
8) what websites, bookstores etc. do you currently use for resources and career development?

THANKS FOR YOUR TIME!

[Chef Dave]

I am a high school chef instructor but previously spent 17 years working as an elementary teacher.

I'm sorry - but I don't see the point of having a reward website. Why? Rewards need to be immediate. This is why I gave students scratch and sniff stickers and had a grab jar on my desk. Other classroom rewards included extra computer time, the privilege of being line leader for a week, first choice of recess equipment etc.

[Boxcar]

I'm certified to work with children zero to eight. I currently am with preschoolers.

The rewards I use are things like verbal praise, more time at a favorite activity, a postive note home that will be shared with the child, ect.

I agree that rewards need to be immediate. If a teacher gives a child a one-time password to enter a website and select a prise, I suppose that could be immediate. To a certain degree, anyway... Not the optimal way though.

[Spectre]

I believe the rewards thing is overdone.

My current school uses something called "Positive based support" that gives out "bucks" for correct behavior. The bucks can be redeemed at the school store for goodies.

I don't think expected behavior should ever be rewarded. It sends the wrong message. if you need an illustration of how wrong, just come visit my current school....

I'm thinking of putting in for combat pay.:eek:

[greenfiremajick]

It drives me nuts when an adult raves and/or otherwise makes a huge deal out of a behavior that a child portrays, when it should simply be an expected behavior. I mean honestly, when these kids grow up, what's going to happen when they start working? When they do their simple day to day duties of working, will their supervisor jump up and down with glee, because they did what they were supposed to do? No! I agree that we should work on building a child's self esteem, etc but going into overload about rewarding every single thing? That's doing a child a huge disservice.....




I believe the rewards thing is overdone.

My current school uses something called "Positive based support" that gives out "bucks" for correct behavior. The bucks can be redeemed at the school store for goodies.

I don't think expected behavior should ever be rewarded. It sends the wrong message. if you need an illustration of how wrong, just come visit my current school....

I'm thinking of putting in for combat pay.:eek:

[clairbear111]

I am a kindergarten teacher, and I personally like the idea of rewarding students for good behavior. I think that especially at an early age, many students don't understand the importance of good behavior; many of my students don't have proper support systems at home. As a teacher, I work hard in my classroom to instill values in my students and encourage positive behavior. When students @ my school have recurring behavior issues they are praised and rewarded by principals for good behavior. I know life's not always fair, but I think young students who always show the right way should be rewarded as well; they don't always understand why other students with behavior issues are rewarded and they are not. I have a treasure box in my classroom that students are able to visit for good behavior. I also use stickers, verbal praise, phone calls, and notes to parents to encourage good behavior. I generally purchase prizes from the Dollar Store over the summer to fill the box and ask for donations throughout the year. Parents send in Happy Meal toys and other small items. It's amazing what excites young children.

[Chef Dave]

I am a kindergarten teacher, and I personally like the idea of rewarding students for good behavior.

But would you use a WEBSITE to do this? I don't see how a website dedicated to rewards or incentives could possibly be useful.

[teach4life]

I used the reward system as we adults are rewarded. The students earned their "paycheck" by abiding by the rules, coming to "work" on time, "working" in their jobs (subjects) and turning in their work, etc. Of course if they had bad behavior, fines came out of their check at the end of the week. Once a month, the "store" was opened where they could buy used books, replenish notebook paper, buy pencils and if available, "goodies". Or they could put their checks into a savings account and use later to turn in for a "bad day" grade they may have received or elect to use for extra points. If they went 9 weeks without any disciplinary issues overall (classroom, recess, extra classes or events) they would get paid a bonus.
I try to apply real world "rewards" just as we may get in our jobs.

[smithmt]

yeah, I confused.. how exactly does this website relate to day to day activities? Would it be like an online Oriental Trader catalog? if that's the case, then what-ever. It doesn't sway me one way or the other. I believe firmly in fairness and respect. I commend good behavior verbally, and either ignore or condemn bad behavior. Depending on the student, this works; especially when the climate at home is less than tolerable.

I think for me to take this survey, I need more info on the website... maybe even see it.

[shmoshus]

But would you use a WEBSITE to do this? I don't see how a website dedicated to rewards or incentives could possibly be useful.

This is a great give and take on the subject, as we see there are are strong opinions on both sides of the fence concerning rewarding good behavior and performance. I was a teacher of 6,7, and 8th grade boys. I found that the concept of reward and punishment is a very strong element in life and society starting from the very early years, and it is not prudent to sidestep this force but rather embrace it and harness its positive effects. With out going into detail, the website would be an interactive resource for teachers and students, not just an oriental trading site, that could be used as an additional exciting tool for the teacher, or primary tool. I'm working on the aspect that would take care of the 'immediate' affect of the reward as well. It would also increase exponentially what prizes the teacher could make available to the students.

[shmoshus]

Or they could put their checks into a savings account and use later

What interest rate is that savings account yielding right now?:D

jk- sounds like a great system!