Character of the Month

Five Lakes just might be onto something. They are encouraging students to practice good character traits by quietly slipping the names of kids they see doing them in a box. At the end of the month, names are drawn and prizes are awarded. This method strikes a chord with me. It is similar to the one and only reward method that has ever worked for my kids. I randomly award them stickers when I see something they are doing that I like. They put them on a chart and when the chart is filled, they get a prize. My son offers his screaming sister a pickle to make her feel better -- sticker. My daughter carries my son's backpack to the car -- sticker. My sons stays in his bed past 5:30 a.m. on a Saturday -- sticker, maybe even two for that one. I was hesitant to try this method, my gut feeling said they should have specific chores. But specific chores always led to battles, and I always gave up. You can lead a boy to broom, but you can't make him sweep. This method has the added benefit that the kids never know when it is coming, and has enouraged helpful behavior throughout the day. I hope this works just as well at 5 Lakes, helping students develop a habit of honesty, fairness, courage, and other character traits.