Here is some more information on 'Punishment by Reward' by Alfie Kohn.

http://www.educationworld.com/a_issues/chat/chat031.shtml

For me, the important thing to keep in mind is that rewards are sometimes necessary, and sometimes nice to give, but should be used sparingly, and that is why they are towards the top of the IY pyramid.
Also to keep in mind what we are teaching our children to value and work for - do we want them to work for a plastic trinket that is destined for the landfill? Or can we reward them with something socially meaningful - a special smile or hug, spending time with a senior friend, social games with peers?

Hope the term is going well for all of you. Claire & I won't be at the next session because of our teacher only day. So I have plenty of time to work on being a 'good' student at our next role playing time.
Kathryn

Yes, loving that way of starting the day!! What a commitment. 

My day starts a bit more sedately with a 'brain up' meditation led by our Kaitiaki student for the day, followed by a whakatauki. Some days it goes really well, other days it's a mission to get anyone to sit still for more than a second.  

All will change next week when we will start some of the boys off with half an hour of boot camp (I have 15 boys to 9 girls, and they are energetic). Thanks John for starting the ball rolling on that. I'm excited to see what difference this makes. Also I will be tailoring my programme to a more 'boy friendly' one. That is my job for the weekend, to work out what that means in practice for my 5 & 6 yr olds, and get some plans in place. Anyone got any ideas to share?

Kathryn

I really enjoyed being in your class Kathryn. I guess thats the nature of some of the students we teach its great that you can identify and adjust things so that they fit with needs. Well done and once again many thanks  John

Te Aroha in sign. A great way to finish our day.

What an amazing way to greet your students in the morning

Some great Attention Grabbers