Case
Offering Children Candy or Sweets as a reward

In our classroom we have many behaviors and I want to say something but the CT is not receptive of advice. I feel like what she is doing is a disaster waiting to happen, but by the same token I respect her position in the classroom. Now I have worked with this situation on so many occasions where if you want the student to do something that is causing disruption you offer them candy or cookies, to me behaviors are learned and I feel like these children know if they disrupt the class to get them to stop the behavior they are offered a treat. What I see is the child getting more aggressive when they want the treat so they start doing more disturbing behaviors to get it, while she makes the excuse that their meds are making them like that. What should be done so she can see the bigger picture?

Posted on: 10/13/19 | Views: 460
Solution #1
I would tell your CT that you appreciate her trying to offer students a treat in order to stop misbehavior. However, candy is a short term fix and it is sending the wrong message to students. I would suggest trying something else like tokens or anything else besides candy. These tokens can be tangible for a reward of some sort at the end of the week or whatever you choose.

I think that this is a better approach to the situation.

I like how direct this approach is. The only caveat here is that the CT may not be willing to discuss this with you either due to pride or stubbornness, in which case you may need to talk with your superiors.

I think this might be more of a daring thing to do and if you personally do not feel comfortable doing that, maybe just go to a supervisor

10 0
Solution #2
I would first consult your supervisor about this situation. He/she would be able to help you figure out your next steps. Maybe you could ask your CT why they offer candy or cookies, or if they've tried a different approach.
12 3
Solution #3
As an intern, there is only so much you can do to change this teacher's mind. However, it's great that you want to help her and the students. That's the sign of a great teacher! You can introduce the teacher (if she has not used them before) a first-then visual schedule. These schedules identify tasks that the students must complete. It is only AFTER these tasks are completed correctly that the student can get a reward. These rewards can be quiet time, reading a book, a snack, or computer time.
6 0
Solution #4
I am a big fan of incentives, especially working with problem behaviors. I go to work so I can get paid, so I don't expect my students to work without some type of reward. However, food is not the best answer. I recommend using desired activities as incentives for students, but they first must complete the desired task. "First you do this, then you can do that." You have to be consistent in your rewards and consequences. You also should not reward students for following rules and expectations.
2 0
Solution #5
Sweets can cause other issues. Obesity is one epidemic that children are dealing with in today's society. I have seen teachers give out dollars/ stickers to earn a prize. This gives them the chance for a reinforcer. Once they earn enough to "shop" they can do at the end of the day and take home. It is difficult to get along with others in the room at times. You can sit down and talk with the teacher may help you both to come to a reasonable choice.
1 0
Solution #6
I agree that using this reward system is not a great way to promote good behavior in the classroom. I think you can have a ice conversation with your teacher and just explain that the idea of a reward system is great, explain your point of view and say that maybe they should use "______" as a reward instead. This could be the students wanting to get a "good job" stamp on their paper or a sticker. With my students, they would push themselves to work extra hard on their work just so I would use my sparkle marker to grade their papers. So sometimes it isn't about winning but find a good balance, even if that means half the time the student receives the reward your teacher wants and the other half of the time the students get the reward you find to be valuable, it's just not worth ruining a relationship over so if they become upset, just give it some time.
1 0
Solution #7
I would talk to the CT about rewarding the students when there is no negative behavior present at all in the day. Instead of giving students a reward after stopping the behavior, let them know that they will only receive the reward when there has been no misbehavior at all that day. I would also view away from rewards such as sweets as you do not want to be giving these to students often. If the CT will not listen to advice then I would speak to your supervisor.
0 0
Solution #8
I am not sure that approaching her would be a good idea, but I think talking to your supervisor might give you a better idea of what you should do. As it is her classroom, she does get the final say but I agree with what you are saying about this being a dangerous behavior management method.
0 0
Solution #9
I would explain that not every child can eat those snacks/candy. I would acknowledge her teaching strategy but the state you will not be using this in your own classroom
0 0
Solution #10
Although this is a tough situation, I think the best thing to do would be to slowly stop rewarding the child for acting out. It seems like the rewarding good behavior system is not being implemented properly. I would sit down with the student and CT and discuss the reason the rewards are being taken away and that possibly in the future we can discuss them coming back.
0 0
Solution #11
I would implement a positive behavior reward system. You would reward a student with a treat when they do something positive over negative. You would clearly state the positive they have done to make it clear and hopefully set up a future system. For example, thank a student for following directions and give them the candy.
0 0