Amazing wrote on Jun 13, 2007 11:10 PM:
" These 3rd graders are AMAZING! If you don't agree with their stance, that's OK (though you should probably lighten up). The real point is, these kids saw a problem, and did something more than complain about it. The cared enough about an issue to figure out the proper way to pursue change, and they saw it through to the end. Furthermore, Vice President Avery made a campaign promise to address this issue, and she kept her word even when it became difficult. I can think of allot of adults that should be taking notes. There's a whole lot to admire in this story! "
Outstanding wrote on Jun 10, 2007 8:32 PM:
" From a thrid grade teacher's standpoint what Avery and her friends have done is amazing. It takes most people until college to recognize a passion for an issue, organize, and pursue the proper avenues to make a statement on it. Just as impressive is how clued into how the world works Avery appears to be. To many students grades are meaningless, and in an education system growing more tedious and trivial by the minute she recognizes the need for extrinsic motivation in the classroom, not to mention the fun that seems to be so lacking in school nowadays. "
Life Skills wrote on Jun 8, 2007 12:53 AM:
" If the focus here is teaching kids, then it's important to focus on the great experience that Avery and her friends have just endured. They've learned about organizing themselves to work together to fight for something they believe in...and they received no reward to do so. They were motivated and in turn demonstrated that, while they may find candy to be motivating for the small things, when they have a vested interested in something they can and will initiate a challenging task on their own and follow through with it. These kids are intelligent, hard working, and resourceful and should be praised for their efforts. I don't know many other 9 year olds that would take on such a challenge. "
A proud big sister wrote on Jun 7, 2007 7:08 PM:
" I am a fourth grade teacher and Avery's older sister, and I am proud of her for taking a stand and expressing her views. I don't think the issue here is whether candy should be allowed in school. It seems to me that the intention of the article was to show the accomplishments of a bright, high-achieving young student. Avery is a leader for mobilizing her peers and presenting her case before the school board. I applaud her for her efforts, and I will continue to encourage her to speak up for what she believes in. Today it is the issue of candy in school, but who can guess what other causes she will stand up for in the future? "
Back in the day.. wrote on Jun 7, 2007 5:19 PM:
" ... when I was in third grade,(1970),we were "rewarded" with A,B,C,D and F. On days when someone had a birthday,a treat was brought for the class,by,the birthday person. (candy,cake,cupcakes etc.) Once a month,we would have a party (at the end of the month),for the class as a whole and each month,2or3 students and the teacher brought something. So,we all got an "EXTRA REWARD".But,it was the "rewarded" grades,that got us to the next grade and on to graduation,where the scholarships,were the ultimate "REWARDS". Plus,we had healthy teeth and bodies,and still felt honored and that we accomplished something great! "
re: Alfie Kohn wrote on Jun 7, 2007 3:50 PM:
" Thanks to the 8:02 AM poster for bringing up Alfie Kohn's work. Kohn's books are excellent, readable, and, unlike almost every other parenting book I've seen, very thoroughly researched. Most of the research done on this subject indicates that it is counterproductive to reward kids for good behavior. That's why it's disappointing to me to see educators engaging in this debate with children about HOW to reward, instead of looking for other ways to foster considerate, moral behavior in our children. "
Re: 11:47 wrote on Jun 7, 2007 3:09 PM:
" I couldn't have said it better! "
Children Should be Seen and Not Heard wrote on Jun 7, 2007 2:39 PM:
" Children these days should strive to do well in school for their own personal satisfaction. If you reward them now they are socialized to expect something in return for everything they do. Nowdays nobody will help anybody else unless they get something in return. (Not to mention the liability of lawsuits.) Helping hands are few an far between. Besides rewarding the "goody-two-shoes" behavior only created resentment toward those kids when I was in school. I know, I beat a few of them up when I was a kid. "
Power to the Kids wrote on Jun 7, 2007 2:23 PM:
" It's amazing for 3rd graders to appeal to the school board on any cause. I didn't know what a school board was, let alone have a cause I felt strongly enough about to confront them on.
The students at West Salem Elementary school aren't promoting unhealthy eating habits. They didn't suggest consumption in mass quantities. Healthy eating means eating all foods in moderation.
Good grades alone aren't enough motivation. Different kids are motivated by different things; candy's something most kids enthusiastically get behind. This doesn't imply irresponsible parenting or lack of sound eating habits. I think it's the general make up of a 9 year old's mind.
Any kind of positive reinforcement is conditioned learning, be it candy, stickers, or verbal praise. It's a moot point.
Third grade activism. Look out future, here they come. "
I bet you got candy when your were a kid! wrote on Jun 7, 2007 1:17 PM:
" Kids love candy. I love candy for that matter. But most scientists agree that sugar consumption does NOT effect the behavior of kids.
"
School day blues...... wrote on Jun 7, 2007 12:02 PM:
" Let the kids have candy....school sucks enough and it keeps going down hill from there. Let them have some joy while they're young and can still enjoy it. "
How 'bout this idea? wrote on Jun 7, 2007 11:47 AM:
" Let's reward the kids with good grades? For example, a student does a good job, then the boy or girl gets a good grade? It sure sounds fair. Then little Johnny can take his good grades home to his sedentary and obese parents. All of them, in turn, can sit around and eat cups full of processed sugar to celebrate the good grades. They'll all benefit from the "burst of energy"! What parent would ever endorse/ approve/ participate in letting their kids become activists for unhealthy diets?! "
YES!! wrote on Jun 7, 2007 10:58 AM:
" Kudos to the girls for standing up for what they believe in--I hope one day they will be sucessful in accomplishing big things for our community. Go girls! And if you want to protest, I believe you should bring in your own bags of candy and give it to each other as rewards...no ban against that now is there? "
Wendy S wrote on Jun 7, 2007 10:26 AM:
" I think that banning candy in vending machines is a good idea- but banning teachers from rewarding students with something such as lifesavers and jolly ranchers is ridiculuos! Kids will work harder and do better work if they are working for a sweet reward. A piece of candy a day will do no harm to a child's teeth. Why not have parents decide if candy can be used as an award in the classroom? Permission slip? (maybe use sugarless gum?) "
WOW wrote on Jun 7, 2007 9:53 AM:
" to the students to put the effort into what they believe in and to do it in a respectful manner. Sorry, however, I agree with the school. Parents appear to have a difficult time teaching their children to eat healthy as the statistics show in childhood obesity. The schools need to help the children learn better eating habits. Now I would like a push for healthier lunches than the "fast food" that many schools serve. "
Re: Read Alfie Kohn wrote on Jun 7, 2007 9:36 AM:
" People do get carried away with rewarding. So much that in some cases they even start rewarding when children do expected behaviors like closing the door behind them or saying Thank You. That is not right. But some of Alfie Kohn's criticisms of grading systems are questionable. Kids need to be taught about failure, how to fail, how to lose, how to win, how to strive to do better. "
Agreed but... wrote on Jun 7, 2007 9:01 AM:
" I think candy adds to the atmosphere of learning in a FUN environment. Fruit is boring. "
Mc Pee Pants wrote on Jun 7, 2007 8:45 AM:
" I want candy, bubblegum and taffy.
Skip to the sweet shop with my sweet heart Sandy. Got my pennies saved, so I'm her sugar daddy. I'm her Hume Cronyn and she's my Jessica Tandy, I want candy. Put it in a pile
Split it wit my biddy, 50-50 down the line. Kinda like close encounters of the cavity kind. Talkin' licorice kisses, talkin' chocolate dowsed smiles, I want candy! "
Other District wrote on Jun 7, 2007 8:30 AM:
" The state required all the schools in Wisconsin to adopt a wellness policy. This is not only a West Salem policy. It is statewide!
"
Give them candy! wrote on Jun 7, 2007 8:28 AM:
" A jolly rancher will hardly rot their teeth out! A bag of them probably will, but what kid does SO good on something that they get a bag?? Let them have the candy. "
Read Alfie Kohn wrote on Jun 7, 2007 8:02 AM:
" The candy/no candy debate is irrelevant.
Rewarding kids to learn is horrible and counterproductive. Heck even the 9 year old compared it to dog training, is that really the best we can do with kids?
www.alfiekohn.org "
On the fence wrote on Jun 7, 2007 6:55 AM:
" I see both sides and can agree with both. How about a compromise? Kids want to be rewarded with something that tastes good for their hard work. 100% juice boxes, dried fruit leather or dried fruit, fresh fruit and other things are available. These are yummy too! A win win situation? "
A Mom wrote on Jun 7, 2007 6:55 AM:
" While I do agree to much candy is not a good thing. I do not agree with the West Salem policy. Teachers are not going to be handing out candy left and right. Kids need a reward when they done something to be proud of. Praise is a wonderful tool to use, but the piece of candy will give them and burst of energy. I know Avery, she is a smart well mannered young lady. I'm am proud that she and her friends are standing up for something they believe in. "
Stupid wrote on Jun 6, 2007 11:30 PM:
" What a stupid ban. No candy in school. What a joke. Parents need to have responsibility and so do their kids. Make some good choices. Have a piece of candy. Don't overdue it, that's all. "
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