REWARDING THE EFFORT OF SCHOOL STUDENTS

Children owe it to themselves to do their best work in class. Sometimes they may think their work being done for teachers and parents. There are ways of helping children realise teachers and parents are supports, with the work being done ultimately for their benefit.

While ownership of work is vested in children, applauding their efforts helps when it comes to building pride in product and learning outcomes. It is discouraging for children who are trying their best, to be minimally recognised by teachers. Handwritten comments of praise, stamps, stars and stickers mean a lot. They are small tangibles that go a long way toward building justified pride in the hearts of children who have done their best. These small tokens of recognition are boosting for children. They love sharing their successes with parents, relations and friends.

Recognition of work and effort through merit certificates awarded at class or school assemblies is boosting for children. Classroom wall charts which track star awards are constant reminders of student success. Mention in school newsletters might be an option. Letting parents know about the efforts of their children by work of mouth, phone call or note might be an option. Rewards policies are often established by particular schools but a great deal of praising opportunity is left to the discretion of teachers.

Don’t overlook recognising effort by encouragement awards. It is nice to let children know their efforts at improvement are not going unnoticed.

Some schools allow teachers to purchase stickers and other reward tangibles from classroom allowances. If not, purchases of teaching aids and requisites are tax deductible. It is wise to keep receipts.

Recognising and rewarding the efforts of children, goes toward creating a positively happy classroom. Children are made to feel good about work outcomes while praising is uplifting for teachers.