Stamps and Stickers
I used to bring stickers and stamps to all and any classes; often to placate students and, of course, to brighten up their day.
They would ask for a stamp or sticker in a full sentence, beginning with "May I....".
Then something changed.
Parents started to buy online. In bulk.
This brought change in the way I could dole out pleasantries.
Whereas before I'd give an extra sticker for good behavior, or withheld one as a way to discipline a cheeky student; suddenly children would say "No need, thank you. I have many stickers at home."
In fact, children as young as 6 years old, would now refuse stickers, stamps, or even candy.
In my opinion, a little of the charm of old-fashioned teaching was lost.
I understand hard-working parents try and keep their children happy to make up for all the parent-child time they lose, but I don't think this is the way.
Merely giving children anything they want, will make for spoiled adults. Going into detail on that would require a new blog post, so I won't do that here, but I think this is already resonating in society.
I also did not go with the trend to bring an IPad or a similar device to classes, to placate the children. most kids have one at home anyway, and it's not what the parents pay for.
Private tuition is expensive, and so I feel I must put in the effort, not leave it to some device.
Old-fashioned drawing, interactive (not digital!) worksheets, lots of games, conversation, and help with writing, reading, etc.
That's teaching.
#Behavior #Reinforcement #PrivateTuition #Stamps #Stickers #OnlinePurchases