Do you think incentives are a good idea?

I've recently read a few conflicting articles about when teaching a child you should either use incentives (stickers, candy, etc.) or definately NOT use them! Now I'm a little unsure of which is right (for us, anyway).

When I'm teaching Maggie something new, like, maybe something that includes memorization I would never use a reward to TEACH the stuff but I might use one when reviewing material to see how much she knows. Like if she had flash cards of some sort I would say "O.k. for every one you get right you get a mini M & M." You think that's o.k.?

When would you or would not use incentives when teaching?

I'm not sure
I wouldnt do it bc when they get to school they will expect it and when they dont get it that could be a problem.
reward with a hug or kind words

This post has been edited by gr33n3y3z on Feb 11 2005, 05:04 AM

I see nothing wrong with postive reinforcement, as long as it's under control. Think of report cards... aren't those A's a form of incentive?? Aren't Honor Roll and the National Honor Society a form of reward?? lAnd, as adults, the raises and promotions... again, aren't they the same thing?

(I do have a problem when it gets out of control-- the 16 year olds who get a car if they avoid flunking out. I don't think you reward barely minimal competance with the responsibility of a car.)

I think that we as parents have to be careful that we don't get carried away. But m&m's or stickers-- they can add fun to what can be some dreary memorization.

I'm homeschooling her so that won't be a problem. And I use it sparingly, never doing it for the same review more than once.

Oh then in that case its up to you
Like if they have a good month or so maybe I would then but do it sparingly