Warmest greetings,
On the ever topical theme of behaviour management I have witnessed an awesome, creative and easily actioned idea that really works! At a big, busy and diverse holiday programme recently I saw a table full of all sorts of cool toys, games and craft resources with prices attached.
Of course, the first thing I did was ask a staff member "What's this?" I was thinking maybe these things are for sale to raise funds for the programme, then I noticed the prices were high!I was so impressed to hear that children there are earning money (monopoly or home-made) for offering to help staff, helping other children with projects, homework etc, making good choices, sorting out their own issues by co-operating with each other - just about anything positive staff see happening. Once they have earned and saved a certain amount, they can then approach the table and purchase one of the great things on offer.
What a wonderful way to promote happy and healthy relations. While initially children may be on their best and most considerate behaviour to get something they want, in the long term this behaviour will become second nature having an extremely positive impact, not only on the programme but also in the positive development of the child.
It is important to remember that the children self instigate these acts of goodwill, staff do not offer them money to pack up or do the dishes. Children can easily work out the benefits of offering assistance or just behaving really well, knowing one of the staff are going to see and reward them for it. It was a real pleasure to see 40 plus children and youth in one space all doing their thing without incident and to see staff enjoying their time in the programme.
Kapai for this outside the box, creative thinking!
Sally
This sounds like a fantastic idea to both promote postive behaviour and teach skills such as saving and budgeting!
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