I'm back!

So, my first entry in way too long, for to many reasons.

One of the first things we are told as teacher candidates is that coercion gets you nowhere with a student.  Therefore, a system of punishments to get students to work and follow class rules is at best only marginally effective.  This is because a student will begin to see the teacher, the one one delivering the punishments, as an enemy, especially one that have trouble staying settled down (and are therefore getting in trouble more often). A system of rewards however, gives students something to work for, and they will often work harder at classwork and to stay 'in line'. 

This is not a universal solution however.  Some students will still not behave or do work for various reasons, and these are often the students that need to have individual plans created for them. Also, certain violations of the rules do merit punishment, even on the first offense, hitting or fighting for instance.

The type of reward is also important.  I recently read an article in a magazine from my honor society, and it reccomended that teachers not use food or food parties as rewards.  This stems from the weight problems that many Americans, including many children, are facing.  Food rewards do not do much to help the problem, and may even encourage it.  I say this because I think it is important for parents to apply this at home (no, I don't have kids, but I work them).  Classroom alternatives include sitting in the 'special chair', getting to eat lunch in the classroom with friends, homework passes, and extra recess or computer time.  Anyone interested should reply with alternatives for use at home.