report card rewards? will you do it this year?

Michele - posted on 10/11/2011

I currently only have 1 child in school, but the other 2 (twins) are in preschool. My school age child gets $10.00 for a good report card not per grade. The other 2 children get rewards occasionally for good reports or progress in preschool. You must give them a reason to want to do the work, I get a paycheck every week to do my job and I always try to do more so I can get my annual raise.

Karen - posted on 10/10/2011

I think for me I will maybe get him something of medium sized Lego item from the Lego store here...giving him money would end up in the same result - him buying Lego so I mise well just get it myself :) As kids my brother and I never got money for a report card...so I don't really do it either...

Ursula - posted on 10/09/2011

My daughter is in grade 2 and doing extremely (always came 1st since grade R) well but has not received one certificate or reward to motivate her. Ive spoken to her class teacher and wish they could implement report card rewards at the school im assisting as a teacher. As a mother I believe of the importance of motivating and encouraging my children. Today my little girl read like a grade 3.

Teresa - posted on 10/05/2011

I thought for sure I responded to this post. Must've been another one like it though....

My 5th graders don't get letter grades yet, but I don't and won't reward grades. Their reward is learning and moving on to the next grade. It's been enough of a motivator so far. They know I am proud of them and they are also proud of themselves. Internal motivators like that work much better than the external ones. I suppose if I had a kid that didn't care about school, etc... I might be willing to try anything to get them interested, but that hasn't been the case here.

Alana - posted on 10/05/2011

I reward my baby either way it goes she's only in Pre-K but she still have to put up some kind of effort in school and I reward her....she love's going to chuck E.Cheese!

Sandra - posted on 09/26/2011

You adjust the reward system to fit the child. If the child works hard to get a "D" then start by offering a $1.00 reward to bring one of their grades up to a "C". When they move from a "D" to a "C" in a subject make a big deal out of it and give them the $1.00. One step at a time. It want happen over night. The object is to reward for improvement. This is incentive to gently get the child to push their self. It is just human nature to push ourselves more when we we know we're going to get something we want. The reward doesn't have to be money. If the clild collects ball cards you may want to offer a pack of cards for improvement. Be consistent. You base the system on your child.

Mindy - posted on 09/26/2011

Our kids are in 5th, 2nd, 1st. They all are the same pay scale. (4) A=1.00 (3) B= .75 (2) C= .50 (1) .25
The younger two operate on a number scale rather than a letter, but it works the same.
Our oldest can earn honor role ribbons at the end of each quarter. So in addition, he is able to earn extra for White Ribbon (Highest Honors) 20.00, Blue Ribbon (High Honors) 10.00, Red Ribbon (Honors) 5.00

Teresa - posted on 09/22/2011

I wasn't planning on giving monetary rewards, if any, but my son did so good on his first report card this year that my husband gave him $20! Then his grandpa gave him $10. I said, OK just remember this when he gets older and expects more money. I bought him a DSi when he finished 1st grade, only because it was such a hard year for him. After more than half the year of battling behaviour issues and learning disablity we (teacher and us) had him tested and he was diagnosed with ADD. He did so good the rest of the year on his meds that I thought he deserved something. He did do good but not enought to catch up so we're doing 1st grade again and it was a good choice. He loves school and actually wants to do the work. SO we'll see what I do at the end of this year, until then his daddy and grandpa are giving money for good reports cards.

Melanie - posted on 09/22/2011

We feel that as school is their job, being rewarded with a "bonus" for good report cards is advisable, with my youngest we only get a did he meet his goals report, he is autistic and does not recieve a traditional report card, and if he meets half or more of his yearly goals he gets to choose a new toy or book. For the older two they get 3 for an A and 2 for a B but lose 2 for a D and 3 for an F on their quarter report cards and on the semester ones they get 10 for an A and 5 for a B but owe 5 for a D and 10 for an F. It works better with the oldest than the middle child, but he has some issues he is still working out,

Kristina - posted on 09/22/2011

I think as a parent, you know your child and your childs capabilities. Personally, I think a report card reward is a great incentive... however, if I had a child who tried and tried and still could not pull off "As or Bs" then I would reward for effort...these kids are still kids and they should know we see their hard work. I believe kids should know we expect their best, but at the end of the day they are still kids and do not yet comprehend the real working world.

Ashley - posted on 09/21/2011

LOL! Our son's first grade teacher sends home an unofficial report card every week that details his behavior as well as his grades. At this point, I am watching his behavior. If he gets no unsatisfactory behavior notes, I reward him. We have a treasure box at home full of cheap toys and I let him pick one. He got notes sent home the first two weeks saying he's too busy socializing to finish his work on time, so we told him he couldn't play with any treasure box toys since he's too busy playing at school.

He got the point. On the third week he came home with glowing behavior notes. We did something like this last year too and it pretty much worked.

I will never offer punishments/incentives for academic grades until my children are in high school. Learning at a young age shouldn't have any pressure involved.

Sherri - posted on 09/21/2011

I am so thankful our schools do not even begin actual grading till middle school.
So that way no way to reward for grades (don't believe in it anyway and never would) since we don't have any.grades till much older.

EDIE - posted on 09/21/2011

i will always reward my son !!! he is in first grade and when he gets a good report card , he gets all my attention and a small not over priced toy and he picks what he wants for dinner, whether it means going out or cooking his favorite meal... i am proud of his effort.. and i will show him that i am... he knows the importance of good grades and he doesnt rewards for not trying... as long as he is giving his best... he will get rewarded... even at work , when you do a good job.. you wanna be recognized...we all like knowing we please someone... and its ok to reward your child for doing what is expected...it lets him know that you care about what hes doing , and yes you are paying attention to his grades and good grades get supported...show them you care and they will show you they care... fair play !!!

Kristina - posted on 09/16/2011

Absolutely! I think kids should be recognized for their hard work. School doesn't come easy for some and when those who put in the hard effort not only is their grade a reward it show's that the parents notice too.

Lily - posted on 09/15/2011

Nope. As long as they are working hard at school, they get to participate in extracurricular activities, but school is always first. The reward for their hard work is learning and a sense of accomplishment. I work to meet our physical needs and the kids go to school to develop the skills they need to one day be successful in the workplace and provide for themselves.

Angel - posted on 09/15/2011

never thought of this.sorry can not help you..

Janette - posted on 09/13/2011

Absolutely! Report card rewards were a huge incentive for me as a child. My son is young so I think I would do a dollar a grade. I loved getting money from the local banks and free tokens at Chucky Cheese! Money is always a great incentive!

Barbara - posted on 09/12/2011

I alwyas for report card rewards as a kid and continued with my own. Once my son said, several times, that he'd studied enough to get a B so he wasn't studying anymore, I realized that they really needed an extra incentive to excel. So now there's $10 for an A, $5 for a B, BUT straight As get $100 - that reallly was a challenge for my son allthrough high school. My daughter, however, managed straight As every quarter through 5th grade. I went ahead and gave her an extra $100 so her good grades cost me A LOT last year. LOL I hope Middle School this year is harder! (If not we'll need to rethink the rewards OR put her in more challenging classes)

Lorraine - posted on 09/12/2011

My Daughter just started 1st grade so I am waiting to see how that grading is done. But most likely She will get to go somewhere special for a good report card.

Zenovia - posted on 09/11/2011

Our school always has a book fair tied into report card and teacher conferences. We have told all three of our children that if they do their best and their teacher has no complaintds they get to pick out books from the book fair to a max dollar amt. This way they get rewarded with something educational, the school benefits and the kids were motivated. Worked for K-6 and then we changed it up for jr and sr high. The schools offered travel and we'd know a year in advance so they would need to get honors in all subjects if they wanted to go. My oldest has been to Greece, Spain and New York and is in IB high school. My middle one was not motivated this way and needs instant gratification rewards like itunes. Youngest is still excited by the book fair. You do what works for your children and each one is different.

Tracy - posted on 09/11/2011

I do various things for my daughter to reward her for her grades, Like weekly test she gets to stay up half hour to hour later on a school night if gets an A+ on a spelling test or math test, For midterms I take her to get a big Sunday from her favorite restaurant or books. (She into reading and if she has her eye on one she gets it for an A, B midterm) and for Report cards if it is A, B's she gets to go to Build_A-Bear (Her fav place) and build a bear. go to movie for girl day and go shopping for one thing she wants, Or once I gave her $1 dollar for each A and told her if she got straigh A's I would give her $2 for each. She did that last semester last year,

Hope that helps a little. Good luck

Rebecca - posted on 09/11/2011

We told my daughter when she started school that for each report card starting in forth grade, that if she got straight A's she got a hundred dollars. Lets just say she is now a rich little girl, wish I would have done this with my son......

Beth - posted on 09/11/2011

My oldest is only in 2nd grade. He never expects a reward at this point. I do try and make a big deal out of all good reports from school. I praise him and thank him and tell him I am so proud of his good reports. So far the only thing we have done to celebrate is ice cream at D.Q. and that is good enough for him. I am sure that when he is older I may have to change that up a little.

Suzanne - posted on 09/11/2011

I give my kids (age 7 and 5) choices. Such as going to the movies, a night with dad since he is always working he will take a night off for them, ice cream and McDonalds playland with their friends. I also like to ask them what they would like to do. Then they keep in mind to do well to get their reward.

Priscilla - posted on 09/11/2011

I believe good grades are the reward one gets for hard work, and no other incentives should be required. That said, I may choose to reward my daughter if she does particularly well but I won't feel compelled to do it.

Carol - posted on 09/11/2011

I whole heartedly agree with what Jodi Abrams said. In my house I have 3 kids. 2 have learning difficulties and struggle with school. one is a straight B student. It is an expectation that everyone do their best. We all sit back at the table after dinner has been cleared and everyone is expected to do homework. If the teacher didn't assign any then I give them something. Whether its writing out their spelling words or doing math problems or whatever. For me the comments on the report card and updates from the teacher are better indicator than grades.

Sandra - posted on 09/09/2011

Hi Jill, Yes I give report card rewards and progress report rewards. Here is what I do for progress reports: I give $I.00 for every A. I don't give anything for B's and I take $1.00 away for C's and below. For report cards I do the same but give $2.00 for A's and if there is a subject that they really hate I give $2.00 for an A in that subject on the report card. If the report card has all A's I give a $5.00 bonus. Every child is different so this system can be adjusted to be fair to the child that works hard to get a B or C. Just don't make it to easy, remember the purpose of the reward is to get them to push their self, but don,t make it impossible for them either. I did it for my son and now I do it for my daughter she is in 6th grade. It has worked for us so far. I started this when they started receiving letter grades in school about 2nd grade. Both children stayed on the principal's list all through school. My daughter made the president's list last year. My son is now 21. He is in college and the Army Reserve. While in college he has made the Deans list every semester so far. Did they do so well because of the reward system? I don't know,but it didn't hurt.

Sarah - posted on 09/08/2011

well it depends on the grade a = 8 b=5 c=1 d of f none if straight a's or honor roll trip to fav. place to go and they get 2nd = 15 3rd and on = 20 $

June - posted on 09/08/2011

I think I will do it t his year because I have a Middle Schooler now and he's already started off on the wrong foot with his progress report. So I think if I give him some incentives for getting into the studying habit may he will do it and I guess maybe he won't but I think it's worth a try.

Iris - posted on 09/07/2011

I do it every year both my girls have had honor roll each time since first grade... :) my youngest just started kindergarten and my oldest just started junior high ... not sure how junior high will go my oldest had so many plans but i think she is going to run herself out of energy, she has set up a lot on her plate we will see if she pulls honor roll off this year.. I am crossing my fingers ♥ How i do rewards is I always ask them if there is anything they want or want to do threw out the year... I keep it in my little notebook.. and then I choose one of those things so its always a surprise but also always something they wanted in some way, so far its always been a lot of fun..

Sherri - posted on 09/07/2011

You can tell you only have 1 child Lana. LOL!! Even if I believe in rewards for grades which I don't with 3 kids and one on the way I would be in the poor house with payments like that.

Ronnae - posted on 09/06/2011

I like I said earlier I reward my daughter's at the end of the year with the final report card. 20 for an A, 15 for a B, 10 for a C, and 5 for a D. One is a junior this year and the other is in the 7th grade. This system has been working well for the last 5 years. It even made my youngest change her whole outlook on grades when she entered middle school last year. She went from an average kid to an A&B kid w/out me forcing the issue. I said nothing and I did nothing and she rewarded herself with the good grades. It even help with her getting placed in pre-algebra this year by her math teacher recommending her for it.

Sharon - posted on 09/06/2011

I agree with Anne as well as Jessica as the end reward is built on a lot of things, citizenship, doing homework, putting forth an effort every week should be rewarded at the end of the year with something special. Kids do have a a short attention span and planning those little rewards on the way is a good thing.
I think it helps kids to look at the papers in the Friday folder and give praise for papers that are looking good and positive/constructive feedback for the papers that look sloppy. You can set little goals for the child, give words of encouragement to "take their time", "recheck work", etc. Mistakes happen, we learn from our mistakes.

Ronnae - posted on 09/06/2011

I don't reward until the end of the year. My kids know it so therefore they try to keep up their grades all year long.

Lana - posted on 09/06/2011

Yes we are and or do. We give $20 for each A, 0$ for anything else. This works well for our daughter who is capable of A's and in an appropriate class/ learning level in her school. This worked well for her last year and we are on the second year using the same reward system. Each day we go over her graded schoolwork that is returned and rework any problems she got wrong until she not only understands the problem but the concept behind it and is able to do similar problems as well. Usually if she has something wrong it is due to not following directions completely so part of what we work on is following verbal instructions and part of it is looking for if the directions require you to answer multiple portions etc. Hope this helps :) We do not punish for bad grades on school work, we only work on improving in that/those areas.

Ariana - posted on 09/06/2011

No, it is her responsibility to be a good student that is her job. She does get rewards for chores and other activities that are done well and with out restraint. School is a definate no that is a must try your hardest and you must do what is needed. If you can not complete a task you must ask for help/tutoring. I am tough but in the real world sometimes we have to do things because it has to be done not because I get extra money or a prize. I do congratulate her and High Fives are in order for straight A's.

Megan - posted on 09/06/2011

With my 1st i did rewards - I'd give her $ for a good report - I have 4 now and need to be a bit more frugal so on report card night we order pizza or whatever their favorite meal is. It's a treat for them and a break from cooking for me so no one can complain (although, now that I think of it, it would probably be cheaper to just hand them each $5). It's a concrete reward that gives us some dinner time fun.

Juliet - posted on 09/06/2011

we also give allowance for a few chores my 9 yr. old is able to do. I think it really helps when u reward for grades because they not only get the reward its self but they feel good about them selfs and this shows when they can go to the store and buy something themselfs and tell the clerk they made good grades so they get to buy themselfs something, I know my boys feels proud,you can tell by his big smile!:)

Juliet - posted on 09/06/2011

yes, we do reprot card rewards. we give our son a dollar for every A he gets and my parents give him about 5 bucks every A. he made straight A's twice now and also A and B honor roll, so I think it helps.

Brenda - posted on 09/06/2011

I gave up on giving rewards to my girls last year. Schooling is a responsibility that they will have with them for a lot of years and I want to stay away from the "if you do this for me, I'll do this for you" scenario. I also found it hard draw the line on what is a good/bad report card. Ultimately it is all good if they tried their best but it is an awful feeling when you have to put down their efforts. Keep rewarding throughout the year with words of encouragement and save the bribery for another time...lol

Melissa - posted on 09/06/2011

We usually take the kids out to dinner for their good report cards. We let one choose that night and the other choose on another night. We expect them to work hard at school and do their best. We never say if you get all 4's (the highest they can get) you will get a reward. That, to me, is more pressure on top of all the pressure they already have.

Lori - posted on 09/06/2011

Read the Book Nurture Shock- it is a collection of all the latest data on raising kids. The evidence show that only hard work be praised (versus being smart) and that incentives don't work.

Jeri - posted on 09/05/2011

Our school has a book fair at the same time as conferences/report card. If my kids get a good report card then they get to choose any new book they want from the book fair...we have been doing this for the past 5 years and they look forward to it...they usually have a special book picked out ahead of time. Since they really enjoy reading, this works very well for us. Plus they each do THEIR best...no competition with each other or resentment if one child happens to do better in school. Hope that helps.

Tina - posted on 09/05/2011

I do not reward for grades, although I do let them know I am proud of their efforts. I do punish for poor grades if they are a result of laziness. If they get a bad score despite trying their best they are still praised for hard work, but not rewarded. I want them to know I am paying attention and have high expectations in so much as I expect them to give 100% in everything that they do. I don't judge that based solely on reports though. I am not interested in training them to perform for rewards/bonuses. I am not training them to necessarily fit into the current wage slave mentality that seems to be the goal of education these days. Instead I hope to instill in them a love of learning, so that they will be lifelong learners and will create their own place in this world. One that hopefully allows them to follow their bliss.

Ellen - posted on 09/05/2011

Son is 17 a little tuff love.

Ellen - posted on 09/05/2011

Each child is diff if their a c d student try to get them to get all c if c b try to same. But remember the more u give alot of kids get brattie . Expect much from ur kids I have a hard time with my kids. My son I give nothing because he does nothing. My daughter does alot more an I give what she needs. Kids must learn how to make their own money with hard work.

Carolyn - posted on 09/05/2011

Rewards lead to more and more. Best way is random rewards and setting high expectations. It worked for my son K -12 and with majority of special needs students I taught in pre K - 8

Jari - posted on 09/05/2011

I encourage my daughters to improve every grade,or mark, on their report cards throughout the course of the year. From the first term to the final report they make a year long effort to improve overall. It doesn't matter if it's a c- to a c or a B to an A, they've worked on all their academics, not just what's preferred.

Nayan - posted on 09/05/2011

I always gift my daughter with her favorite thing when she performs well in school...she prefers to buy loads of books when she does well.

Julia - posted on 09/05/2011

My kids get A's pretty easily for the most part so it's not such an issue, but we have a bedtime reward system. A straight A report card allows them to stay up 15 minutes later than usual, and if grades go down the bedtime gets moved up 15 min. I think this is fair because a good student usually has the sense to get enough sleep and will sleep if tired. I only do it for the quarterly report cards, obviously. This rewards them for being mature and responsible and teaches them to balance work and play. In addition, I will take them out for a special treat or have a party at home to celebrate a triumph in a difficult subject or improvement in spite of a difficult teacher. I try to make the reward appropriate and something the child will really enjoy. It might even be a new toy or video game instead. I think this method fosters determination and self-respect without rewarding a child just for being naturally bright or punishing them for having a hard time.