Would you pay $ for grades earned?

Re: Would you pay $ for grades earned?

• goldenprincess

  December 2010

  I see nothing wrong with it, especially at that age.  If it is a motivating factor then I say do whatever works for that child.  Once that child grows up and enters the work force, the better job she does, the more money she will make, so isn't it basically the same idea??

  Report0 Reply
• Loading the player...
• neverblushed member

  December 2010

  I feel pretty strongly about this topic, based on my experience as a middle school teacher, a mom, and a tutor who has worked with struggling kids.  

  Ultimately, I think it's best for kids to be intrinsically motivated to do well in school.  So, if my child was already conscientious about grades and school performance, I would probably not offer a "cash for A's" scenario as described in the article.  After report cards come out, I might surprise a child who excelled with a congratulatory present.  But this would strictly be a "Hey, I'm proud of you" gift, not offered ahead of time.

  However, if my child was struggling in school, and I felt that offering a cash incentive would give the child the motivation to work harder in school, I would do it.  Sometimes kids will initially work hard to get a reward, then develop the work habits and confidence through practice.  Once they've tasted school success, the good feeling they get from doing well becomes a reward that's more powerful than money or presents.  My goal would always be to work toward more intrinsic motivation, though.

  I have a DD who is a very good student.  I try to de-emphasize grades because she attends a very competitive magnet program.  When she does well (either in terms of actual grades, or in terms of study skills or work habits) we will often take her out to dinner to celebrate.  

  Instead of offering cash for grades, I will give both my kids chances to earn money toward a coveted item by doing chores around the house.  They have to have all their regular chores done to accept an extra job (bedroom, playroom, and bathroom clean).  I'll offer a range of extra jobs and they can choose whether to do them or not.  My son plucked a zillion dandelions from the yard last spring at a nickel apiece, and earned $35 toward a Wii game he wanted.  My DD has dusted and washed all the wine and champagne glasses for $ toward a hardcover book I wouldn't buy her. 

  High School English teacher and mom of 2 kids:

  
  

  DD, born 9/06/00 -- 12th grade

  DS, born 8/25/04 -- 7th grade

  Report0 Reply
• ValAndRyan

  December 2010

  neverblushed:

  I feel pretty strongly about this topic, based on my experience as a middle school teacher, a mom, and a tutor who has worked with struggling kids.  

  Ultimately, I think it's best for kids to be intrinsically motivated to do well in school.  So, if my child was already conscientious about grades and school performance, I would probably not offer a "cash for A's" scenario as described in the article.  After report cards come out, I might surprise a child who excelled with a congratulatory present.  But this would strictly be a "Hey, I'm proud of you" gift, not offered ahead of time.

  However, if my child was struggling in school, and I felt that offering a cash incentive would give the child the motivation to work harder in school, I would do it.  Sometimes kids will initially work hard to get a reward, then develop the work habits and confidence through practice.  Once they've tasted school success, the good feeling they get from doing well becomes a reward that's more powerful than money or presents.  My goal would always be to work toward more intrinsic motivation, though.

  I have a DD who is a very good student.  I try to de-emphasize grades because she attends a very competitive magnet program.  When she does well (either in terms of actual grades, or in terms of study skills or work habits) we will often take her out to dinner to celebrate.  

  Instead of offering cash for grades, I will give both my kids chances to earn money toward a coveted item by doing chores around the house.  They have to have all their regular chores done to accept an extra job (bedroom, playroom, and bathroom clean).  I'll offer a range of extra jobs and they can choose whether to do them or not.  My son plucked a zillion dandelions from the yard last spring at a nickel apiece, and earned $35 toward a Wii game he wanted.  My DD has dusted and washed all the wine and champagne glasses for $ toward a hardcover book I wouldn't buy her. 

  100% agree with this.

  Report0 Reply