Never Too Old for Treats -Summer Reading Made Easy

As a teacher, I was always amazed at the lengths to which my students would go for a dime store treat from my "bucket of rewards." Students would read aloud, offer their opinions and even volunteer to perform in front of their classmates all for the possibility of a treat from the bucket. No amount of threats or silent wait time was more effective. In thinking about the simplicity of this motivator, I am inclined to believe the concept holds true no matter the age or learning environment. Shown a "bucket of rewards", tangible and real, students are more inclined to work towards those goals. Good grades, and even college admission are concepts and goals too abstract for many students to consider as their own reward. Instead, why not offer an itunes card or time together or whatever small rewards motivate your child to reach their academic potential. This summer, as many parents will be working on motivating their kids to complete the required summer reading, why not try literally putting out a "treat box" filled with desired items for your child? Let them know that you are not going to be responsible for them completing the reading, but rather, you have these items for them if they live up to your expectations. They don't have to be huge rewards or even rewards that have a financial worth, just things that your child might enjoy. If you set up the expectation that your child can earn a reward when they reach a manageable goal and give them all the tools possible to reach this goal you are setting them up for success and making the summer a whole lot more enjoyable for everyone!