April 23, 2013

• Rewards

  Somewhere in a galaxy far far away from actual classroom teaching, someone made standardized tests to measure learning, and deemed it important.  In an effort to get cooperation from students, schools began using “rewards” (read bribery) to  encourage students to do well on these tests.  The display case at RMS is full of items students might “win” if they show up to take the MAP tests this week.  Not do well on them.  Just be present.  

  I was never rewarded for my grades.  I did not reward my children for good grades.  I expected them to do their best.  You don’t get rewards for doing what is expected. None of my children are rocket scientists, but all of them have jobs and work hard…do what is expected of them, and even more.  I have a job.  I do what is expected of me, and when I see a chance to do more, I do it.  It is what we are supposed to do. I think we are doing a disservice  to children when we tell them they are great…for doing the minimum.  The Beatles said it so well:  And in the end, the love (reward) you take is equal to the love (effort) you make.  Fortunately, in spite of seeing others rewarded for doing the minimum, there are still those who go above and beyond what is expected.

  I blame part of my gloomy mood on the weather.  It rained most of the day.  The temperatures have been dropping all day.  There might be snow tonight. A good chance of freezing temperatures.  Fortunately I didn’t get all my winter sweaters packed away…and my winter coat still hasn’t made it to the cleaners.  I need some sunshine!

  • 11:33 pm
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