Whether child or adult, the concept of rewards has always proved to be a source of significant motivation. It is a marker of achievement for a desired act. Rewards can be given in many different forms. It may be privileges, tangible items like gifts, praises and acknowledgement, or other positive outcomes. Receiving a reward for a particular achievement motivates people in general, and children in particular. It is the easiest way to help a child achieve and learn something positively.
Many schools have now adopted a reward system for preschoolers when they achieve a particular milestone in their learning journey, or master a new skill. These rewards could be in the form of stickers, extra playtime, praises and acknowledgement, toys or even small prizes. This system not only motivates the child towards learning goals, but also allows teachers and parents to monitor a child’s progress.
At home, parents should create a reward system for toddlers which encourages them to follow rules. A reward system for toddlers could be anything that they like or enjoy – for example, engaging in their favourite activities, or treating them to their favourite snacks. Other reward ideas could include a new toy, colouring books, biking activities, or even a fun bath-time game. In this blog, we’ll discover the efficacy of the reward system for young children.
The Concept of the Reward System
Children are always excited by the idea of receiving a reward or gift, as it gives them a sense of accomplishment. When a child receives a reward for a particular act or behaviour, they are more likely to repeat them in the future. Interestingly, the reward system not only helps children complete a task or lesson, but also helps them understand why they are being rewarded. As a result, they begin to understand why they should be behaving or acting in a particular way. A reward system for kids is an excellent tool to help them develop good habits and behaviours. This could include completing homework, learning to share with others, following household rules, brushing their teeth at night, washing hands before meals, and finishing their food – to name a few.
How the Reward System Functions
The reward system operates on the principles of positive build-up. In other words, it aims to increase the likelihood of specific behaviours by offering rewards when they are performed or exhibited. Reward systems have gained much ground as a positive enforcement system. For example, schools, colleges, workplaces, sports, restaurants and competitions all follow the reward system. Here’s an in-depth look at how a reward system for kids functions:
- Identification of Desired Behaviours:
- Setting Goals:
- Selection of Rewards:
- Tracking Progress:
- Consistency and Timing:
- Adjustment and Flexibility:
- Gradual Fading:
The first and foremost step is to identify and define the behaviours that are desired to be achieved. These behaviours should be precise, observable, and measurable.
Establish clear and reachable goals for the child. These goals should be reasonable and time-bound. It should be easy for the child to understand and achieve them.
Choose motivating and encouraging rewards that are age-appropriate and interesting for the child.
Put methods in place like a reward chart to track the child’s progress toward their short and long-term goals. Visual tracking helps the child see their progress and stay motivated.
Consistency is crucial for the reward system to be effective. Rewards should be given immediately after the desired behaviour is displayed. It helps the child connect the behaviour and the positive reinforcement.
Be prepared to readjust the reward system if it is not working as planned. Add interesting or larger incentives to grab the child’s interest.
Over time, the frequency or size of rewards should be gradually reduced. This is when the desired behaviour becomes more habitual. It will ensure the child’s transition from relying on external rewards to an internal motivation.
Benefits of a Reward System for Kids
A reward system works particularly well with preschoolers and younger children. At that age, children are still developing their understanding of their emotions and the world around them. The reward system helps them associate positively with good behaviour and actions, and help them understand what they are expected to do.
In school, the reward system motivates children to achieve learning-related tasks, and creates an understanding of how efforts are linked to outcomes. It also encourages children to participate actively in the learning process, resulting in better academic performance.
- Encourages Positive Behaviour: Children are encouraged when they are rewarded for good behaviour, and most often, tend to continue to act in a similar manner in the future.
- Build Good Habits: Regular rewards help children develop good habits.
- Enhances Motivation: Rewards motivate kids to achieve their goals.
- Improves Self-Esteem: Rewards and acknowledgments boost a child’s self-confidence.
- Teaches Goal Setting: Children learn to set and achieve goals by themselves. This will serve as a skill that is valuable throughout life.
The Reward System for Preschoolers and School kids
A reward system for school kids or preschoolers must begin at home and continue at school. The primary principle is that when an act or behaviour is immediately followed by positive reinforcement – in this case, the reward – they are more likely to be repeated in the future. Within the home, this could be following household rules. Within the school, it could be achieving more points for classroom tasks and behaviours. Here are some tips to help you create an effective reward system for your child:
- Track Multiple Behaviours:
- Monitor Constantly:
- Deduct points:
- Ask for inputs from kids themselves:
Define your expectations clearly for their learning. This includes giving them more points and rewards when they do important or complicated tasks. It may also include other tasks than the one assigned.
Reward systems need constant monitoring to ensure they are working, and that children are responding to them. If the reward system is not achieving its goal, course correct by altering the type of reward, or lower expectations of the task.
Just as positive acts and behaviour earn rewards, misbehaviour should result in the loss of rewards. Be specific about Do’s and Don’ts, so that children have a guideline to what is expected of them. This helps children discern between right and wrong.
Involving kids in the process of setting up a reward system is more likely to increase the effectiveness of the system. Kids will feel a greater sense of ownership and involvement, and will therefore adhere to the process more willingly.
Implementing a reward system for children can be an extremely effective way to encourage good behaviour and habits. It also helps build self-esteem and confidence in children. A well-structured reward system is one where children with different talents and interests all have a chance to showcase their abilities, while also establishing standards of behaviour.
We at Kangaroo Kids International Preschool understand the need to cultivate good habits, confidence, and desired behaviours in young children. Our curriculum and activities are designed with integrated reward systems for effective learning outcomes. To enrol your child with us, visit our website or contact our admissions office today.
