Teacher gave out candy and certificates...

[Hixski]

When I was in high school in the 70's you not only had to have grades for honor roll you had to be voted in. Thats right if you had a teacher that did not like you too bad. I had a 3.8,4.0 and 3.9 average through high school and I was not on the honor roll. All because of one teacher my sophomore year. There were quite a few kids that should have been on the honor roll but were not because of this one teacher. Talk about unfair. I am an adult now and it makes me mad but we learned back then that life is unfair.

 

[ilovepooh]

As a teacher, I never hand out treats if I don't have something for everyone. We aren't allowed to give out candy, but I do have stickers, prizes, etc.

I think it's terrible to make any child feel singled out, especially a child with a disability as OP described. Again, I always gives prizes for completing a certain number of homework assignments, or for reading at home, etc. I never make children feel bad for not getting all A's. I'm sorry that happened to your child.

 

[mickeysgal]

As a teacher, I never hand out treats if I don't have something for everyone. We aren't allowed to give out candy, but I do have stickers, prizes, etc.

I think it's terrible to make any child feel singled out, especially a child with a disability as OP described. Again, I always gives prizes for completing a certain number of homework assignments, or for reading at home, etc. I never make children feel bad for not getting all A's. I'm sorry that happened to your child.

Whats the difference between rewarding a child for completing a certain number of homework assignments, reading at home, or... getting A's? In each case, you're not rewarding every child in the class at the same time. Aren't you technically leaving those out that haven't achieved the criteria necessary to win that prize?

I remember many a time I didn't get my Jolly Rancher (yes, in class and in front of the other kids) for not completing my times tables test in the allotted time at 100% correct. Thats the way it went. I just worked harder next time. Simple as that. I can't imagine the response I would have gotten from my mother if I came home and told her that I didn't get my candy but others did and then told her why I didn't get my candy. I'm sure her response wouldn't have been to complain about candy equality.

For those kids that have learning disabilities or for those that just are never going to be a straight A kid but have truly worked their fingers to the bone, again, I think that there should be an outstanding effort award given at the same time the honor roll kids are handed their awards. If your school doesn't have such a reward recognition, then this may be something you can suggest to them. My kids have been in three school systems in two different states (due to work related moves) and all three systems have always done this. I can't believe in this day and age that other schools aren't doing the same.

 

[ThreeMusketeers]

That is terriable! I am so sorry! You are right, everyone should have been rewarded for SOMETHING! I mean, they are only 4th graders!
I am bothered right now, b/c my dd's preschool teacher gives candy as a reward for "listening" EVERYDAY! And this is in the public school system. Which we too are NOT ALLOWED to bring Candy as snack and so on. But the teacher gives it out every day for behavior. First, its wrong to reward kids with food, second...why candy EVERYDAY! DH and I had to tell her that we are proud of her, but she needs to wait to eat it until after lunch. I mean, if it was every once in a while..but everyday is just too much!

 

[BuckNaked]

For those kids that have learning disabilities or for those that just are never going to be a straight A kid but have truly worked their fingers to the bone, again, I think that there should be an outstanding effort award given at the same time the honor roll kids are handed their awards. If your school doesn't have such a reward recognition, then this may be something you can suggest to them. My kids have been in three school systems in two different states (due to work related moves) and all three systems have always done this. I can't believe in this day and age that other schools aren't doing the same.

Then you'll have the parents whose kids didn't try and didn't get good grades complaining because their child didn't get anything. Other than giving out an award for staying awake during class, I don't see any to keep everyone happy.

To me, excellent performance should be rewarded. Our kids have the opportunity to earn a little cash for their report cards, based on our notion that school is their "job", and if they are excelling at that "job", they should be rewarded. It's not much, $2/A, $1/B $0/C with a good effort, -$1/C with bad effort, and a D in any subject voids all plays and pays. $20 for straight A's (8 subjects, so there is a small incentive to make straight A's).

DD had made straight A's for the last 8 grading periods until last week - one B. DS has never made straight A's, but always made a little coin until last week's D in Social Studies. Sure, he is always a little put out that his sister gets more money than him, but that's the way real life is, high achievement is rewarded.

 

[ThreeMusketeers]

Then you'll have the parents whose kids didn't try and didn't get good grades complaining because their child didn't get anything. Other than giving out an award for staying awake during class, I don't see any to keep everyone happy.

To me, excellent performance should be rewarded. Our kids have the opportunity to earn a little cash for their report cards, based on our notion that school is their "job", and if they are excelling at that "job", they should be rewarded. It's not much, $2/A, $1/B $0/C with a good effort, -$1/C with bad effort, and a D in any subject voids all plays and pays. $20 for straight A's (8 subjects, so there is a small incentive to make straight A's).

DD had made straight A's for the last 8 grading periods until last week - one B. DS has never made straight A's, but always made a little coin until last week's D in Social Studies. Sure, he is always a little put out that his sister gets more money than him, but that's the way real life is, high achievement is rewarded.

At Home, kids should be rewarded, this is differnt than at school. So many kids have different situations . These kids are only in the 4th grade! I mean, they are still building self esteem and so on. Some of them can't help being sick. So attendance is a huge load of crap to me. Would they rather like my daughter with the stomach bug to come and infect the class?? She should get a reward for wanting to stay home and not give it to everyone else! Esp. Candy!!! No way, kids should NEVER be rewarded with candy. Food is not a reward. Its a neccesity. A certificate or at home an allowance, thats great! As for acheving high grades, than yes, they should be rewarded in some way at school. But those kids that are TRYING should be rewarded somehow as well. I mean, again thse are 4th graders, not high level executives working somewhere in the corporate world. At that age, shouldn't we lift our kids up and give them credit for the TRYING they are doing as well as the work that was done??

 

[BuckNaked]

Sorry, I don't know if I posted this earlier or not, but I'm pretty neutral on the attendance awards. I can see the point, yet I don't like encouraging kids to come to school if they are sick.

 

[Aidensmom]

I am not a real big fan of the perfect attendance awards, I think it encourages people to go to school sick (and later in life, to go to work sick), and I don't see the point. I do understand there are some children who rarely get sick and so easily get perfect attendance, but IMO, it doesn't seem right to reward for something that you have no control over.

However, I completely agree with rewarding kids who may do better academically. Many kids are not self-motivated, and rewards are a great way to get them to excel. My son's kindergarten class rewards for good behavior - they get a small piece of candy (I personally wish it was something besides candy, but it is not a big enough issue for me to really worry about) if they are on the "smiley board" for the day, and if they have good behavior all week, they are in a drawing for a gift from the "treasure box" on Friday. My son doesn't always get the reward. However, he is MOTIVATED to, and that is what the point is.

I don't believe in making sure everyone gets a reward. IMO, that teaches that you never need to work harder at something, because people will just find something else to make you feel good about. That theory may work in school, but it doesn't work in the adult world. I am one of those mean parents who will beat my child at games, sports, etc so that he learns how to lose.

My son doesn't have any disabilities, and I can see how that can influence people's opinions on this issue, but there is nothing to stop a parent from doing their own rewards at home if they feel that their child needs encouragement for their accomplishments. I honestly believe that to a child, a parent's pride is much more important than a school reward.

 

[ThreeMusketeers]

I am not a real big fan of the perfect attendance awards, I think it encourages people to go to school sick (and later in life, to go to work sick), and I don't see the point. I do understand there are some children who rarely get sick and so easily get perfect attendance, but IMO, it doesn't seem right to reward for something that you have no control over.

However, I completely agree with rewarding kids who may do better academically. Many kids are not self-motivated, and rewards are a great way to get them to excel. My son's kindergarten class rewards for good behavior - they get a small piece of candy (I personally wish it was something besides candy, but it is not a big enough issue for me to really worry about) if they are on the "smiley board" for the day, and if they have good behavior all week, they are in a drawing for a gift from the "treasure box" on Friday. My son doesn't always get the reward. However, he is MOTIVATED to, and that is what the point is.

I don't believe in making sure everyone gets a reward. IMO, that teaches that you never need to work harder at something, because people will just find something else to make you feel good about. That theory may work in school, but it doesn't work in the adult world. I am one of those mean parents who will beat my child at games, sports, etc so that he learns how to lose.

My son doesn't have any disabilities, and I can see how that can influence people's opinions on this issue, but there is nothing to stop a parent from doing their own rewards at home if they feel that their child needs encouragement for their accomplishments. I honestly believe that to a child, a parent's pride is much more important than a school reward.

Well put, I agree.

 

[epcotfan]

Back in the 70s/early 80s my primary school had annual awards. Prizes were given to students for achieving various things. There were kids who got awards and those that didn't. That's just the way it was. If you excelled in a particular subject you were acknowledged. It was great incentive to do well. I don't believe in rewarding every student when they haven't done anything out of the ordinary, just because it diminishes those that went above and beyond expectations. Sometimes life isn't fair.

 

[Hixski]

Back in the 70s/early 80s my primary school had annual awards. Prizes were given to students for achieving various things. There were kids who got awards and those that didn't. That's just the way it was. If you excelled in a particular subject you were acknowledged. It was great incentive to do well. I don't believe in rewarding every student when they haven't done anything out of the ordinary, just because it diminishes those that went above and beyond expectations. Sometimes life isn't fair.

Rewarding every student reminds me of Presidential Fitness Awards. When I was in grade school and junior high you could earn these. This was the late 60's, early 70's. You had to be in the 80% and above in every category to win one. I got one for every year that you could get one. I have 6 of them. I worked very hard for them. Almost didn't make it a couple of years but I did. It was a very big deal to get them. Now I see that anyone can get them. They have the one I got. Then they have different levels for kids that do not do as well. And they have one for trying. I just don't get that. We had to learn that not everyone was an athlete, just as everyone was not Einstein. I don't think the kids today even get a chance to learn that. My friend whose daughter is not athletic was telling me about these awards. She said if the kids didn't even want to try they still got the award for "trying". They did not do a thing and got an award anyway. What is this teaching the children of today??? Go ahead flame away.

 

[LindsayDunn228]

Hey--I learned in First Grade that if I don't come in first, second, or third..I don't get a ribbon on field day.

I seemed to have escaped trauma from the experience.

Seriously. Imagine being a paraplegic as a kid and having to watch Field Day from the sidelines. Not even a chance at a ribbon. I got over it, too.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

At Home, kids should be rewarded, this is differnt than at school. So many kids have different situations . These kids are only in the 4th grade! I mean, they are still building self esteem and so on. Some of them can't help being sick. So attendance is a huge load of crap to me. Would they rather like my daughter with the stomach bug to come and infect the class?? She should get a reward for wanting to stay home and not give it to everyone else! Esp. Candy!!! No way, kids should NEVER be rewarded with candy. Food is not a reward. Its a neccesity. A certificate or at home an allowance, thats great! As for acheving high grades, than yes, they should be rewarded in some way at school. But those kids that are TRYING should be rewarded somehow as well. I mean, again thse are 4th graders, not high level executives working somewhere in the corporate world. At that age, shouldn't we lift our kids up and give them credit for the TRYING they are doing as well as the work that was done??

I guess your sweet pea woudln't like my daughter's dance class.

They give out perfect attendance awards. She's learned since age 3 if she doesn't go everyday...she doesn't get one. No biggie.

I don't think she will be scarred for life.

I'm sorry but that building self esteem crap is nothing but garbage.

Part of building a positive self esteem is learning that you don't get everythign in life and you do not get rewarded for not achieving a goal.

Now I have heard everything.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Seriously. Imagine being a paraplegic as a kid and having to watch Field Day from the sidelines. Not even a change at a ribbon. I got over it, too.

OT--did you not even get to participate???

We had a girl that was an amputee (not sure if she was born that way...or if it was something necessary when she was little to have done)...

Her mother was the PE teacher even.

I can't remember if she could participate or not--but I know her mom didn't give her ribbons so her self esteem wouldn't be damaged.

Heck--all of us kids after field day (including me who NEVER wins anything) made our own field day and we had her...and then another boy with a full cast b/c he broke his leg...and we had our own field day.

And of course the kids with the crutches always one some of the events b/c their crutches got them farther. But hey--we figured it out and had LOTS of fun (ETA: ,meaning we didn't care).

 

[LindsayDunn228]

OT--did you not even get to participate???

We had a girl that was an amputee (not sure if she was born that way...or if it was something necessary when she was little to have done)...

Her mother was the PE teacher even.

I can't remember if she could participate or not--but I know her mom didn't give her ribbons so her self esteem wouldn't be damaged.

Heck--all of us kids after field day (including me who NEVER wins anything) made our own field day and we had her...and then another boy with a full cast b/c he broke his leg...and we had our own field day.

And of course the kids with the crutches always one some of the events b/c their crutches got them farther. But hey--we figured it out and had LOTS of fun.

Nope, nothing for me to do there. I just sat and watched. It was really boring. But if they had given me a ribbon or something for just "being there" I would have been really embarrassed.

That was the way of P.E. until my sophomore year of high school. My gym teacher's best friend in high school was a quad. When I mentioned to him I had never gotten to do anything in gym but keep score, he laughed and said "You haven't had me as a teacher yet!"

He rocked.

I did EVERYTHING all the other kids did. Racquetball, badminton, when they did laps on the track I did too (and he wasn't easy on me, I sweated as much or more than the rest of the kids). When it came time for the aerobics/weight lifting 6 weeks, he had other plans for me. The workout room was packed tighter than a drum so I couldn't get around in there, and I couldn't do the aerobics. You know what I did?

I learned how to juggle. I had 6 weeks to learn. And I did it!! He let one of my friends do it with me and we had a blast.

I miss that teacher. He was a really hottie, too.

 

[Disney Doll]

Trust me- I could take up page one of the Dis with what is going on.

We gave him his reward for being "on track" all week last night.

I HATE the thought of retaining an attorney. I'm going to call the state capital and speak with an education advocate first.

I don't doubt it. We have friends who have a special needs child, and the issues go on and on with regard to plans that are not adhered to etc.

The education advocate sounds like a good palce to start.

Good luck.

 

[lg3]

That is terriable! I am so sorry! You are right, everyone should have been rewarded for SOMETHING! I mean, they are only 4th graders!
I am bothered right now, b/c my dd's preschool teacher gives candy as a reward for "listening" EVERYDAY! And this is in the public school system. Which we too are NOT ALLOWED to bring Candy as snack and so on. But the teacher gives it out every day for behavior. First, its wrong to reward kids with food, second...why candy EVERYDAY! DH and I had to tell her that we are proud of her, but she needs to wait to eat it until after lunch. I mean, if it was every once in a while..but everyday is just too much!

I read this thread with interest, because in our our dd's pre-k class the teacher gives them each a piece of candy at the end of the day if they have had good behavior. I don't know if it is just because it was the first week of school, or if she plans on continuing it, but I plan on asking her about it. I don't like anyone giving my child candy without asking us first. While she has no weight problems (nor anyone in her class based on outward observation) I don't like the idea of rewarding with candy, but I can see how it might "work" for that age level. If I asked the teacher not to do it for our dd, she would get upset that others got it and she didn't. Maybe I can suggest they use sugar-free candy? Am I making a mountain out of a molehill?

 

[paigevz]

Wow, you found a thread from February that interested you? Cool. How far back was it?

Giving out candy is against the new federal guidelines. Teachers shouldn't be giving any foods of minimal nutritional value. If your child's teacher does, ask her the official policy about foods of minimal nutritional value. If she gives you a blank stare, write it down and tell her to ask her principal and you'll talk to her about it tomorrow.

HOWEVER, that is only for public schools. Otherwise, ask what the center/school's policy is. You may have to deal with it, move your child, or speak with the director and change it for all kids (be prepared for them to refuse in which case go back to options one and two).

Asking for sugar free candy won't support your goal. It's not that that amount of sugar will cause a weight problem, it is the idea of sugar being a reward. Sugar free candy is still sweet. The children don't know the difference.

 

[JPN4265]

... my son who is in fourth grade told me that Monday his teacher gave out Crunch Bars and certificates to the kids who made honor roll and also to those who had perfect attendance. First of all, I'm not allowed to put candy in his lunch box so what's up with that? Second, I think perfect attendance awards should be outlawed (not really, but KWIM?) at some point during the year, a kid ought to stay home and not spread whatever he/she has. Third- my son has a disability and no matter how hard he tries, he will most likely NEVER make honor roll. You can't tell me that she couldn't think of SOMETHING to award each child in the room. My son said he started to cry when he received nothing.

I feel like making cupcakes for his birthday and only making enough for the kids who are nice to him. Of course I wouldn't do that, but I don't see it as any different than what she did.

Life isn't fair, it's oh so true.

I say we string up all of the children who make good grades and attend class. How dare them apply themselves and work hard.

 

[MM27]

I say we string up all of the children who make good grades and attend class. How dare them apply themselves and work hard.

We've turned into a society in which it's not okay to reward the kids that do well because it might hurt someone's feelings.