Reward vs. Award: Recognising Children's Successes

In this blog, we explore the subtle differences between awards, rewards, and the broader concept of recognising children’s successes. Our goal is to understand how to establish a supportive framework that effectively honours our children’s achievements while nurturing their intrinsic motivation and fostering a growth mindset.

Understanding Awards

Awards are formal recognitions given to children for their accomplishments and typically come in the form of certificates, trophies, or medals. These tangible symbols are intended to celebrate milestones and significant achievements, offering a visible marker of success.

However, while awards can boost a child’s sense of pride and validation, there is a potential downside. If the focus shifts excessively towards the accumulation of awards, it can lead to a misplaced emphasis on winning rather than on the learning journey itself. This can result in a scenario where the pursuit of accolades becomes the primary motivator, overshadowing the value of the educational process and personal growth.

Exploring Rewards

Rewards, in contrast, are incentives given to encourage specific behaviours or achievements. These can include praise, privileges, material gifts, or treats. Rewards can be effective in providing immediate reinforcement for desired behaviours and can help motivate children to perform certain tasks or exhibit particular behaviours.

Nevertheless, there is a risk associated with over-reliance on external rewards. When children come to expect tangible benefits as compensation for every effort, their intrinsic motivation may suffer. They might begin to engage in activities solely for the external rewards rather than for the inherent satisfaction and joy of the activity itself.

Recognising Children's Successes

Balancing awards and rewards is essential in nurturing children’s successes. Awards are typically used to acknowledge outstanding achievements or contributions, while rewards aim to incentivise specific behaviours or actions. Both have their place, but it is crucial to use them in ways that promote a healthy balance between external recognition and internal motivation.

A focus on intrinsic motivation where children derive joy and satisfaction from the process of learning and self-improvement, is crucial. Encouraging a growth mindset, where challenges are viewed as opportunities for development rather than obstacles, can enhance children’s resilience and perseverance. This approach helps children to value their own growth and learning, rather than simply aiming for external validation.

Practical Tips for Effective Recognition

Specificity in Praise

Instead of offering generic compliments, provide specific feedback that details the child’s effort, progress, or demonstrated skills. For example, instead of saying “Great job,” you might say, “I noticed how carefully you worked on your science project, especially how you organised your data and drew conclusions. That attention to detail really made your project stand out.”

Setting Achievable Goals

Establish realistic, attainable goals that allow children to experience a sense of accomplishment. Breaking down large tasks into smaller, manageable steps helps provide opportunities for success along the way. This approach not only keeps children motivated but also builds their confidence as they reach each milestone.

Encouraging Self-Reflection

Promote a habit of self-assessment where children reflect on their achievements, challenges, and areas for improvement. Encourage them to set personal goals and track their own progress. Self-reflection helps children to internalise their learning experiences and understand their growth process, fostering a sense of ownership over their development.

Celebrating Effort

Shift the focus from merely celebrating outcomes to recognising the effort and dedication invested by children. Acknowledge perseverance, resilience, and the willingness to tackle challenges, irrespective of the final result. This approach reinforces the value of hard work and dedication, encouraging children to continue striving towards their goals.

Encouraging Collaboration

Highlight and celebrate instances where children work collaboratively with their peers to achieve common goals. Recognise the importance of teamwork, communication, respect, and cooperation in reaching shared objectives. This not only reinforces the value of collaboration but also fosters a sense of community and belonging among children.

Promoting Self-Efficacy

Empower children by acknowledging their ability to overcome challenges and obstacles on their own. Recognise moments where they demonstrate self-confidence, initiative, and problem-solving skills. Reinforcing their belief in their own capabilities helps build self-efficacy, encouraging them to tackle future challenges with confidence.

Emphasising Character Development

Recognise and reward positive character traits such as empathy, kindness, honesty, and resilience. Encourage children to exhibit integrity, compassion, and perseverance in their interactions with others. Fostering strong moral values and ethical behaviour helps children to develop into well-rounded individuals with a strong sense of right and wrong.

Fostering Lifelong Learning

Celebrate curiosity, interest, creativity, and a thirst for knowledge by recognising children’s efforts to explore new interests and engage in independent learning activities beyond the classroom. Encouraging a love for learning that extends beyond academic achievement nurtures a passion for discovery and intellectual growth.

Cultivating Positive Environments

Creating an environment where children feel valued and encouraged is vital for their overall success. A positive environment supports children in embracing challenges and pursuing their passions with enthusiasm and resilience. It is important to emphasise that true success lies not just in receiving awards or rewards, but in the journey of self-discovery and personal growth.

Fostering a supportive atmosphere both at home and in educational settings involves more than just recognising achievements. It requires offering guidance, advice, encouragement, and emotional support as children navigate their challenges and pursue their goals. This comprehensive support system is essential for their well-being and success.

Additionally, it’s crucial to consider individual differences when recognising children’s successes. What motivates and resonates with one child may not be as effective for another. Flexibility and sensitivity to each child’s unique needs and preferences are key to ensuring that recognition efforts are meaningful and impactful.

While awards and material rewards can be valuable tools for acknowledging children’s achievements, the primary focus should be on fostering intrinsic motivation, resilience, and a growth mindset. By providing meaningful recognition, setting achievable goals, promoting collaboration, and emphasising character development and lifelong learning, we can empower children to reach their full potential and lead fulfilling lives.

Ultimately, the goal is to create an environment where children are motivated not solely by external rewards, but by a deep-seated passion for learning and personal growth. By striking this balance, we can help children thrive academically, socially, and emotionally, preparing them for a successful and meaningful future.

At NumberWorks’nWords, we are dedicated to nurturing growth and instilling a sense of pride in achieving learning milestones and success. Our tutors provide a combination of verbal praise, encouragement, and constructive feedback, along with physical awards and certificates for children to cherish. If you believe our approach to learning could benefit your child, we’d love to hear from you. Contact us today to arrange a free assessment and discover how we can support your child’s educational journey.