Elementary teachers. Do you ever give something like a "super star" to a student and take it back later?

Question

Please give examples of what would cause you to take away a super star that you had given a student earlier that made you take it away later on during the day.

Answer 1

It's pointless to offer rewards and not take them away IF a child misbehaves.  What does that teach the child then...that he/she can behave just long enough to be rewarded then do whatever he/she wants?  Kids test...that's what they do.  They NEED those boundaries to know what is and isn't acceptable.  Just like parents, teachers are responsible for teaching children right from wrong, and that includes boundaries for acceptable behavior.  

Edit:  You're right.  I woudn't give them, say, a toy and take it back, but if they won "super star status" and their reward was maybe to be helper for the day, or line leader or just to stay the 'super star' then yes, that can and should be able to be taken away if bad behavior warrants it.  I don't mean if he/she talks in class, but behavior with several warnings.  And I don't really think you can compare Oscar awards to behavior...it's lke comparing apples and oranges.

Answer 2

In situations like this, I outline the "responsibilities" that come with being the "student of the day" or whatever you would call it.  Up front, right at the start of the year, the children are all aware of the responsibilities and rights of the role, and are aware that if they don't keep up with the responsibilities, they can lose the title for the day.

Again, this all depends on the age group.  This is feasible for say, 2nd - 4th grade.  For Kindergarten and first grade, it would be a little trickier.

Answer 3

I have been teaching for 16 years at every grade from K to 5. The Super Star status can be recalled at anytime in my class. I call it being fired from their job. Of course they get two warnings and the third strike you are out rule applies. Yes , it may hurt feeling, but things need to be earned and maintained. I usually ask them what would happen if my Principal came in my room and told me to change something twice  and if I didn't do it the thrid time she would tell me to go home. Same rules apply to all. Yes Kindergarteners will cry. I find that their tears can be part of the learning process that they are not the only person in the room and everyone must follow rules. It is not easy to do, but you must be consistent and caring and fair to all.

Answer 4

sounds really mean, but teachers don't have a lot to work with like parents.  SO this star or whatever encourages the child to keep up the behavior they are displaying when they are given the Star or whatever it may be.  taking it away tells them what they are doing is not acceptable and they do not deserve the star.  teachers let them know whats going on and usually give a few warnings, and even let them know what they need to do to get the star again.  it just reinforces good behavior.

Answer 5

I am not a teacher, but the only reason for revoking any award was that it was earned fraudulently, i.e. plagiarism.

Answer 6

If you're talking about a prize or treat or something, I would never do that.  I don't think it teaches the child anything when they work hard to earn something then later get it taken away for something unrelated.  That only confuses them.  Once my kiddos earn something, that is the end of that 'round'!  We start over.

I feel the same way if it's "Star of the Day" or something similar.  I have my expectations for the star of the day and I lay them out at the beginning of the year and at the beginning of that star's day.  If my star isn't exhibiting star behavior he/she may lose a certain star privilege, but they are still my star all day.  That is their day and I don't think it teaches them anything to take it away.