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Using non-food rewards to motivate kids

Using non-food rewards to motivate kids

Giving students food rewards for good behaviour or completing tasks has been a common practice in schools and at home.  Rewarding kids with food items like candy, sweets and junk food is not good for their health.  It also causes kids to associate food rewards with feeling good, which can lead to unhealthy habits and obesity even into adulthood.  Here are some ideas for non-food rewards and why they work better for motivating students.

Examples of non-food rewards

There are plenty of things that can be used as rewards besides candy and junk food.  Little rewards for doing well on a school project or for completing chores could be special pencils, erasers, rubber band bracelets etc.  Another type of reward could be for your child to choose the location of a family outing.  Kids also love earning extra playtime, going to a friend’s house or having a friend over to play.  This blog has an extensive list of non-food rewards for the classroom and for using at home.

Kids can gain points that work toward earning a larger reward

If you want to endorse behaviours that can be developed over a longer period of time your child can work on earning a larger prize.   This might be practically carried out by using a chart of some sort to keep track of the child’s progress and once they reach the goal they will receive their special prize.  It’s best if the special prize is not food focused.  Before you begin you should decide what the prize will be with the child so they know what they are working toward.

Food should never be withheld as a punishment

Just as food shouldn’t be a motivator or a reward it should also not be used as a punishment.  Withholding food from children is considered as child abuse and can negatively affect their mental and physical wellbeing.

Physical activity should not be used as a punishment

Kids love recess and playing outside, and they need the physical exercise too.  It is easy to want to threaten to take away outdoor play time, but this can be more detrimental to student learning and their health.  Kids often focus better on schoolwork after getting some physical exercise.  Exercise is good for kids to stay healthy and battle against childhood obesity.

Create rewards that involve physical activity

One way to incorporate rewards into physical activity time is to let kids choose the type of activity they want to do.  At school this could mean that kids get to choose what games to play during P.E. or at home kids can choose to go on a family bike ride or to have a water balloon fight in the backyard.  This will give them a reward that is not only fun but is also good for their health.

Kids respond well to rewards and it is important to motivate learning and appropriate behaviours as long as the rewards are not causing problems of their own.  If you have some ideas for non-food rewards that have worked with your family please share them in the comments section.

How much is too much screen time?

How much is too much screen time?

Are your kids suffering from too much screen time?  Last week’s blog post featured 7 brain games for kids that can be played on computers, tablets and smartphones.  Although some apps are educational and they very well might help with brain development, children should not be spending all of their playtime on devices.

How do you determine what is too much screen time for kids?

Every family has a different situation and should set up screen time limits accordingly.  The Canadian Pediatric Society suggests that children should not be given any screen-time until after the age of two.  They also recommend that children between the ages of two and four should have a maximum of one hour of screen time each day.  For children between the ages of five and nine more than two hours is considered to be too much screen time.  Ultimately if screen time is taking away from daily physical activities then it becomes a problem and can be a major contributor to childhood obesity.

Is too much screen time stealing children’s creativity?

Because tablets and smartphones are relatively new “toys” for kids there is still not sufficient research to determine what the long-term effects will be.  A recent article from Readers Digest .ca expresses the concern that tablets may be robbing children of some of their creativity.  Even though apps can do things like coloring and doodling kids don’t need a tablet to do this.  Kids can be creative with a piece of good old-fashioned paper and a pencil or some crayons.

What are some alternatives to screen time?

There are plenty of activities for kids to do that do not involve technology.  Everyone over the age of ten has grown up without touch screens and Angry Birds.  Consider all of the children who have pretended to be dinosaurs, built forts, had make believe tea parties and set up lemonade stands.  All of the imaginary adventures kids throughout history have had are probably in part due to the fact that there were no tablets to keep them constantly occupied.  When kids experience some degree of boredom, it’s amazing to witness the creative things that come out of their imaginations.

Limiting screen time doesn’t mean eliminating it completely

Because we live in an age of constantly evolving technology children most definitely will be familiar with using tablets, and that’s okay.  This post is not intended to make parents feel guilty about letting their kids use tablets.  Tablets can be great tools for kids as long as there are set time limits for daily screen time.

7 brain games for kids

7 brain games for kids

Brain games for kids are a great way to get kids to work out their brains while having fun.  When we play sports we are distracted from the fact that our bodies are getting exercise.  In the same way, when kids play brain games they don’t even realize that their brain is getting some really good exercise.  Here are 7 top rated brain games for kids that are available on computers, tablets, and smartphones.

Challenging brain games for kids

These brain games are great for kids who like a challenge.  Bring these games with you during long road trips or plane rides.  They will stimulate you child’s brain and give them a fun way to pass the time.

1. Sudoku

The purpose of Sudoku is to fill in the missing numbers of the puzzle.  The tricky part is that there can only be one of each number in every row, column and quadrant of the puzzle.  Kids can play Sudoku on a tablet with the app or online and there is even a Sudoku site specifically for kids that has online and printable Sudoku puzzles.  Working on Sudoku is a great activity for kids to work on in class when they finish an assignment early.  It works out the brain and is a fun challenge for kids.

2. Blue Block

This is a brain game for kids and adults.  The focus is to maneuver the blue block out of a small opening by rearranging the blocks on the screen.  The levels start out relatively simple but they do get progressively more challenging.  This is definitely a game that will make kids put on their thinking caps!

Brain games for kids that develop a sense of logic and concentration

Exercising certain parts of the brain can help increase the brains capacity.  By playing games that require kids to use logic this will benefit them when it comes to future learning.  Developing the memory when kids are young can also help increase their memory as they grow older.

3. Color Code Mastermind and Guess the Code

These brain games for kids both have the same goal, to figure out the correct placement and color of dots in a sequence.  Kids begin by randomly guessing the colors and location of the dots.  The computer then provides a clue that reveals how many of the dots chosen were the right color and/or in the right place.  Based on this information the player then adjusts their guess until they come up with the correct sequence. These games are available as apps and similar games can also be played online.

4. Memory

The classic game of memory teaches kids to focus and concentrate in order to uncover matching pairs of cards.  This memory game app allows kids to play memory on a tablet or phone.  Young children can begin by playing on a smaller playing board and older children can play with a larger grid.  This game is great for increasing kids’ memory.

Games that give kids’ brains a work out

Some brain games for kids have been specifically designed to give the brain a good work out.  These activities may seem random, but they have been developed to work out particular parts of the brain. Help you kids get a complete brain work out with these games.

5. Brain Fitness

This app combines number knowledge, logic, memory and concentration.   It is a fun and challenging game that can be played by all ages.  This is not like the other number games available.  Also, reviews claim that this app can be quite addictive so there may be the need to set a time limit for how long kids can play.

6. Simply smarter kids

Simply smarter kids developed an app that helps improve kids’ memories.  There are a variety of categories for kids to choose from.  Kids will be able to either listen to a sequence or be shown visuals of a sequence and then asked to duplicate the sequence from memory.  There is also an option that allows kids to have both audio and visual prompts.  This helps the brain get different types of exercise while using the same app!

7. Lumosity

Lumosity was created for adults, but even kids can enjoy doing the Lumosity activities that help give your brain a good work out.

These brain games for kids are inexpensive and they provide an electronic activity that is good for the brain.  Instead of trying to keep kids off of mobile devices you can encourage them to play these fun and challenging brain games.

5 study skills for high school students

5 study skills for high school students

Establishing study skills for high school classes is important for student success. Students should try to establish study skills especially when taking multiple school subjects. Students may feel overwhelmed with the amount of assignments they have and end up procrastinating and not finishing assignments in time.  Here are some tips and study skills for high school students doing homework for multiple subjects.  Implementing these study skills should help reduce stress and allow students to learn more effectively.

1.  Begin by making a homework schedule

Assign a certain day and time that is allotted to studying a particular subject.  This will help students learn how to organize their schedule, which is a practical skill for the future as well.  If you have a personal tutor then you can schedule tutoring sessions during the time set aside for that particular subject.  By keeping a schedule the student will be able to spend a balanced amount of time on each subject.  Here are some tips for planning a homework schedule.

2.  Teach someone else the information you are studying

We learn best by teaching others.  One way to make sure you know something is to teach it to someone else.  Students can teach a younger sibling or a parent what they are learning.  By talking through the material and explaining it in detail this will help the information become more ingrained in the long-term memory.

3.  Don’t multi-task while trying to do school work

Limit yourself to working on one assignment at a time.  If you move back and forth between working on a science project, writing an English paper, making a snack, cleaning your room and doing the dishes all at the same time you probably aren’t making substantial progress on any of the above tasks.   Choose one task and complete it before moving on to the next task.

4.  Don’t listen to distracting music

Some people listen to music while studying.  If you are listening to music and you find yourself singing along to the song instead of reading your history book then the music has becomes a distraction.  Some people find that classical music is beneficial or even heavy metal.  Make sure that whatever music you end up listening to it does not distract you from studying.  If music becomes a distraction then it is best to turn it off.

5.  Turn off social media and cell phones

When it is homework time cell phones and social media should be turned off.  Not all high school students have the self control or discipline to refrain from texting their friends or getting distracted with social media.  Parents should help enforce this rule and can hold onto their children’s phones and laptops until after schoolwork has been completed.  If the Internet is needed for a school assignment then the rules should be clear that social media sites are off limits during homework time.

Study skills for high school students can be used for all ages

These study skills for high school students can also be applied to students in junior high and for those in higher education.  By approaching studying with the proper attitude and with a healthy set of study skills it is possible to do keep schoolwork under control.

The Importance of Interest in Learning

The Importance of Interest in Learning

The necessity of interest in learning does not only mean that someone has an interest in learning about something.  It also means that when someone has an interest in something it becomes easy and even enjoyable to learn about that topic.  An example from a 1990s movie features a girl who is struggling to understand a math concept.  When her brainy sister explains the math problems to her and substitutes nail polish into the story problem instead of construction materials she becomes interested in learning how to solve the math problems.  This is a comical example, but it can be applied to the way all people learn.  Here are some more examples of why it is important to have interest in learning. 

Infants and pre-school aged children choose what they are interested in learning

If a toddler is interested in trucks and cars they will spend hours playing with their toy vehicles.  Some children’s first words include the names of these things that they are interested in.  Before they are able to speak in complete sentences they may be able to identify a dump truck or the names of different car models.  It is amazing how children are able to learn so much about the things that interest them.

Primary school aged children are interested in learning about specific subjects

Most kids in elementary school develop an extreme interest in a certain subject like horses or dinosaurs.  Because they are interested in that subject they automatically have an interest in learning more about those things.  Some kids can recite the complicated names of dinosaurs before they can even read or write and they may even be motivated to practice reading books about dinosaurs.  This shows us that our brains are capable of learning, especially when there is an interest in learning about something.

Maintaining the interest in learning into high school and adulthood

We know that it is natural for people to soak up all sorts of information when they have an interest in learning about that particular subject.  When students enter junior high and high school they are expected to memorize information and learn mathematical equations that can be frankly uninteresting.  If it is beneficial for teachers to use student interest to motivate learning in elementary school why not apply the same principle when teaching older students.  Like the movie example of the girl who didn’t understand the math equation until it involved nail polish, older students and even adults still learn better when they are interested in what they are learning about.

How can educators help students develop an interest in learning new things?

Since people learn better when they have an interest in the subject material it seems that educators should begin by helping students develop interest.  If a student already has an interest in a certain subject, perhaps that topic can be referred to when teaching math concepts.  On the other hand when learning about events in history the challenge is for the teacher to present the information in a way that sparks the students’ interests.  Here are some ways to help generate student interest.

For students who seem to lack an interest in learning new things it may be beneficial to provide more personalized instruction.  This can be done by a parent spending time working with the student at home or by having a personal tutor.  When working with students in a one-on-one setting it is easier to incorporate the student’s interests into learning new subjects and to help instill an interest based on knowing the individual student.  Adults can also apply this principle as well.  By developing a level of interest in something, learning can continue far beyond the school years.

5 benefits related to pets and child development

5 benefits related to pets and child development

Pets are fun, cuddly playmates for kids, but have you heard anything about pets and child development? Most children love animals and at some point they desire to have a pet of their own. Now, before you say, “no way are we getting a pet!” there are actually some major benefits that pets provide for children.  Here are five things to consider related to pets and child development.

1. Pets are good for kids with autism

Studies have shown that children with autism have made substantial progress related to social interaction when they spend time with a pet.  This article emphasizes that it is the most beneficial to introduce a new pet into the family when the child with autism is around 5 years old. There are even some charity groups in Canada that have programs that provide service dogs for children with autism who qualify for services.  Pets are not only good for kids with autism, they can help all children develop proper social skills that can then be translated to human interaction.

2. Pets and child development, social development and responsibility

Pets are good for child development, social and emotional development and they help teach kids about responsibility. Pets can be a lot of work, and unless the child is given at least some of the responsibility to care for their pet the bulk of the work often falls on the parents. By giving your child the responsibility for their pet this will help them take care of other responsibilities like homework and prepare them for a future job. It is very important that you discuss responsibilities of having a pet before you get a pet.  The child should be clear that they would be expected to do their part to care for the pet and not rely on the parents to do all the work!

3. Pets can be used as therapy aids

Pets provide comfort and security for children dealing with family crises or depression.  Therapy animals are used in rehabilitation centers, hospitals, retirement homes, support groups and can be a wonderful therapy aid for kids as well.  For children who have gone through a traumatic experience or lost a loved one, a pet can be a wonderful comforter and companion.  Kids can even open up and share their deepest feelings with their pets that they might not be comfortable sharing with anyone else.  Pets can help them through the healing process and remain a solid and secure part of their lives.

4. Pets facilitate reading practice

Pets make great reading buddies at home and at school. Some schools have reading programs that encourage families to bring in their dog during reading time so that the children can practice reading to a dog buddy.  This can be a fun experience for kids especially if they get nervous reading in front of other kids and adults.  Kids can read to their pets at home as well, or even to a stuffed animal.

5. Pets encourage more physical activities

When kids are interacting with their pets this means that they are not glued to the television or computer screens.  Plus an added bonus to having pets is that it gets kids outside more!  Whether it is to walk the dog, bring the rabbit out to munch on some fresh greens or to push the guinea pig around in a toy stroller, pets get kids outside to exercise. Any kind of physical exercise is good for learning and the brain and it is good for kids’ overall health!

There are a lot of big things to consider when making the decision to get a pet. If you decide that the benefits of pets and child development outweigh the time and energy commitment then you may be looking for a new pet soon! There are so many different kinds of pets to choose from, so take your time in deciding what type of pet is the best for your child and your whole family.