Children getting overlooked
It’s not even just about giving a gold star to a child, but praise is also an equivalent reward. Sometimes material rewards will cause envy for others. Stars mean a lot to children in school. How about for those who don’t receive them? Give them at least a half moon for motivation or something.
From Ms Cora Virola Tarcena
Dubai
Not a long term solution
Personally, as a teacher, I start students off on the reward system to encourage them to ‘grow’ and to be motivated. I gradually wean them off the reward system and teach them about doing things for themselves, building their confidence and independence. It teaches them to better themselves without physical rewards such as stickers (or worse, sweets). Their reward comes from within and seeing the effort they can put into their work.
From Ms Maxene Dodds
UAE
Means a lot to children!
I believe that it is helpful to give children rewards and gold stars for tasks and achievements as it encourages them to do more good tasks and complete them neatly for a gold star. When I was young, a star meant a lot to me!
From Ms Rabia Ahmad
UAE
Encouraging
It’s part of motivation. If children feel that they are appreciated for what they did, they will strive for more.
From Ms Bai Jade Palagawad
Dubai
Inspires children
Rewarding children at all ages is helpful. Rewarding with stars, medals or any kind of such creative ideas is a mode of inspiration and motivation. It’s a way to see them smile. The entire world works on the rewards system and we do good things because we want good things. So why not children for their achievements? This may be through a sticker or ink mark star. Whoever guides them must not ignore their achievements and gift them in time for their work. Cheering them up may inspire them to follow their dreams and reach that cherry at the top.
From Ms Mamata Mohapatra
UAE
Treat them equally
Children need motivation so giving them stars, stickers and praise will motivate them to do better. It’s always good to boost their confidence, but they should be treated equally.
From Mr Yas Karim Esmail
Dubai
Rewards don’t come easy
For me, it is a must to be inculcated in the mind of the children that rewards are not easy to be earned, but rather requires a great effort to gain it. Rewards become more meaningful if it comes from hardships. Still, expressing an appreciation through praising is a good motivational tool for them to do well in whatever task they do.
From Ms Lizzie Gamboa
UAE
Helps self-esteem
I am a mother of a four-year-old and from my experience, rewards are a means of reinforcement and encouragement. I feel children should be rewarded for their effort. It improves their self-esteem.
From Ms Sheena Elizabeth John
UAE
Sets their mind to it
Without rewards we can’t get their attention even! There is doubt always in this method, because it could corrupt minds in a way. But human beings are made like that. To achieve something, they will do it.
From Mr Tilahun Chane
UAE
Learning is a gift
Essentially, children must be trained to think that a job well done is in itself a reward. A task that relates to learning shouldn’t be rewarded as learning itself is the reward.
From learning, what they do with that information is what may deserve some incentive. For example, if you teach words to a child and they learn, that’s a reward. When they create their own story or poetry out of those words, that deserves appreciation as it is their creation.
From Mr C. Thakur
Dubai
Why shouldn’t they be?
Rewards are the best! As adults we expect to be paid for our work, so why shouldn’t children be rewarded for good grades? It’s a simple way to boost their confidence and make them earn more. Rewards can be in the form of praising, a simple ice cream cone or the new game console they’ve wanted for a long time. As we apply punishments, we should apply in equal manner rewards.
From Ms Nikki Caz
UAE
It’s motivation
To reward children for accomplishing something is a great way to keep their morale up. As a common rule, we all work for rewards. This leads to healthy competition amongst children who in turn strive harder to complete assigned tasks. Rewards are the best way to keep people motivated and on track. However, it is very wrong of an individual to do something only for the sake of being rewarded. Rewards should be used as an encouragement to children, not as the sole purpose for doing good.
From Ms Fatima Suhail
Ajman
Healthy competition
Every good thing done should be rewarded. It creates healthy competition and motivates us to give the best. It’s good to give stars.
From Ms Rubina Mohammed Ansar Choudhury
UAE
It’s needed for everyone
It is fair to reward a child when he does something good and at the same time helps him to realise that he will be punished if he does something bad. That goes hand in hand! A small reward or star mean a lot to a child. Even adults need to be motivated and hence award ceremonies are held at organisations. Even a certificate is so motivating. It recognises your efforts. Same goes with a child.
From Ms Mala Anil
UAE
Don’t compare children
The use of praise or reward does not make children feel supported. It makes them evacuated and judged. Let them realise that it’s not a bribe because there will always be an expectation. Sometimes reward turns into a jealousy or envy within siblings and students. But most of the time, small rewards like silver or golden stars helps them as encouragement. They love to achieve more stars. As a result we observe children paying more attention and efforts in their studies. Parents and teachers should be very careful how and when they will use rewards. Rewards should not be misused. Rewards are always the best choice rather than a comparison with others.
From Ms Archana Sen
Abu Dhabi
Encourages goals
The gold star is something that teaches them to achieve their goals. Just like getting paid is an achievement for doing a good job!
From Ms Diane Monet
UAE
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