So, today I volunteered in a local elementary school, which is something I've been meaning to do since we moved here 6 years ago. Since the hour I spent there today, I've been trying to not overthink about it, but I certainly left with observations and feelings. Also trying not to be too judgy+
Overly rewarding kids isn’t my jam, and I really don’t like food rewards. They aren’t dogs. Not to say people don’t deserve treats, but equating food and behavior is a slippery slope.
Yup.
+and keep the bar set low and open mind and hopeful see more positive every week with my visits. Just a couple of the things that made me pause today... The school(which is an old building) has 3 floors, with steps that felt like the steps my own elementary school had back in the 70s. And I am+
+really thinking there was no place for an elevator, which has me wondering if students with needs have to go to a different school, I'll be looking more closely at that-maybe they have ramps outside the building for each level? Kids getting rewarded for good behavior with mini marshmallows.😬 +
+Kids losing points, which then cause them to lose recess time, but since "there is a law that we can't take away recess," they have to play independently/alone on the blacktop while the rest of the class plays on the playground.😬 This just confirmed that it is good that I am not subbing, because+
+I know I would struggle with some of the things I would have to do or see. I'm going to keep looking for the positives though!
That is some carceral shit right there.
Yup.
Over FIFTEEN years ago, our late friend, Joe Bower, was writing and sharing work about how ineffective rewards and punishments in schools are… I would not be able to keep my mouth shut. You’re a better person than I am!
Trust me, it was not easy. It is definitely a challenging class, but I was biting my tongue a lot. Especially the recess part. I used the excuse that I am really rusty and like a deer in headlights at how quiet I was.😬
“I’ve heard that one of the best ways to improve kids’ behavior in class is to help them learn desirable behaviors with their peers at recess. I wonder if we could try that instead of taking away points and ISOLATING them where they can’t work on those skills.” 🤔