We are only into our 2nd week of school and this momentum might not last but I am trying to figure out how to reward my boys (or decide if I even SHOULD reward them) for completing their school work early.
It started with one of my middle boys last week - he was done with everything by Tuesday. He said he wanted a long weekend . Honestly, I was very proud of him. He has struggled with school in the past but really taken off this past year or two. I wanted to reward him in a small way so I bought him one of his favorite treats - a pack of juicy fruit gum.
The other boys were completing some of their work early too - not because they are perfect little children - don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to brag about them - they were motivated because they just want to get it done! Now that their brother got special recognition and a treat, they are ALL motivated to finish early! They younger ones for the treats and the older ones for the praise and days off. They will all be done with all of their assignments today (Wednesday) except for our senior and his math - math always bogs him down. I have been quizzing and discussing topics with them to ensure they are retaining what they learn and not just speed reading and so far so good. Each one has been able to discuss their history and literature subject matter and pass spelling and math quizzes.
So that leads me to my question. Do any of you reward your children for completing their school work quickly? This is sort of funny to think about because hubby and I were just steaming over a recent news report that some DC schools will start paying students to do well in school!
I want to encourage them to do well, and reward them for going above and beyond but on the other hand I don't want to bribe them (and I don't just want to give them candy either). I would love to hear what you all think about the subject!
Thanks for visiting my blog. I know that my oldest son would really love the time off. Maybe I could try giving him all his assignments at the beginning of the week. He might do really well but on the other hand, he might be overwhelmed with everything he has to do. I might ask him what he thinks about the idea. Your co-op looks great. I might use it to get some ideas for our co-op. We're all new to TOG.
It IS a dilemma -- I had the same misgivings over rewarding for chores and have since changed my mind and just said chores are required -- no reward, it's expected.
As for school, though...
In previous years we've had "school snack" (a candy treat of some kind) after every day's work of school was finished...
This year (after not having money to keep buying candy, for one thing!!!), I decided to reward the boys for telling me their memory verse at the end of the week (with candy) AND they received candy WHENEVER they finished their work for the week (early or not) -- PLUS, if they DIDN'T finish their work for the week, they were not allowed to play their turn at video games the following week (ie., they had to "earn" their game time by completing the previous week's school assignments). This was added because Trevor made a comment that if he didn't care to get a lollipop at the end of the week, he didn't have to finish...so...more "incentive" in form of a reward AND a punishment...
Maybe rewarding for a "job well done" is better than rewarding for "early" completion? Just a thought, girl... Every year my "system" changes, too!!! Did our moms have it this hard? I guess they didn't have to face this if they weren't homeschooling!!!
The "natural" reward for their effort would be extra time off. Around here (and your house, too, I'm sure) the standard is "work done well, not just done."
If this kind of motivation continues, perhaps you could permit them to pursue a hobby or interest that also fits the family budget (i.e. art lessons, horse riding, hunting, fishing, etc.) This would also give your older fellas an opportunity to look into apprenticing or simply shadowing some interesting careers.
The world is their oyster! Don't you just love the freedom that comes with homeschooling!
We are a homeschooling family raising 4 boys in Virginia. This blog is mostly about anything relevant to raising boys or homeschooling in general - but every once in a while I can't help but add some nonsense from our daily life.
. Honestly, I was very proud of him. He has struggled with school in the past but really taken off this past year or two. I wanted to reward him in a small way so I bought him one of his favorite treats - a pack of juicy fruit gum.
Posted by
Lori :) 
Aug. 27, 2008 - Untitled Comment