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Motivating Kids Tip #21

Rewards... Students are supposed to be intrinsically motivated, of course, but a reward now and then never hurt anyone. And if it helps them to do a better job, it's worth it. Our PTA offers an Ice Cream Party for every student who reads more than 1,000 pages during the summer. Students who get to go to the party miss 1/2 hour of class, get to make their own sundae, and eat it with the principal. It is a reward, but the disadvantages don't compare to the educational advantages the students get by participating in the reading program.

For more about the judicious use of classroom rewards, read Reward Systems that Work: What to Give and When to Give It.

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07/06/2006