So, what is a "Reverse Reward Program"? 

After years of working with often difficult students I have found that it is important to give them incentives. For example: I have a student in first grade that has discipline problems in school. He refused to be still, participate or pay attention and was always distracting the other students.

I brought in something I call my "Magic Bag". It has all sorts of candy, or stickers, etc... My students love the theory of the "Magic Bag." I also pass out child size plastic sunglasses I remove the lenses and they can wear them when they are in my class. My current set of glasses are from "Minecraft." They come in various colors and the students thoroughly enjoy both of these rewards.

The first time I used the glasses and "Magic Bag" with one of my difficult students I told him that he could only wear the glasses if he did his work, kept a good attitude and did not distract, I also told him that if he did his work with a good attitude he would be able to take something out of "Magic Bag". This bag is simply a shiny gift bag. They are not allowed to look into the bag and whatever they touch is theirs.

His behavior improved immediately. He wanted the privileges that came from the behavior I was requesting of him. The reverse reward system kicked in if he did not follow the rules, keep a good (cooperative) attitude or distracts the other students. I gave him a first warning. I told him up front that if I had to continually correct him then he would not get to participate in "Magic Bag." If he continued to disrupt the class he lost the second privilege and he had to surrender the glasses. If he persisted in negative behavior then I asked him to be removed from the classroom.

 I motivate my students to learn by giving them the opportunity to participate.  The reward is given to them prior to the behavioral change, and the reward is withdrawn it if the student chooses the negative behavior over the reward.

My Reverse Reward Program  has nothing to do with the child's ability to learn. Learning is a process, behavior is a choice (for most students). and I am merely giving them the joy of the reward and the loss of the reward if they choose negative behavior.

The student I spoke of earlier has gone from refusing to be still, drawing attention to himself and misbehaving and now he is one of my better students.

Feel free to contact me at Frog Tutoring if you'd like further information on this program.