The incentive tables in the education of children

The incentive tables are a system of extrinsic motivation based on positive reinforcement . That is, when emotions, both pleasant and unpleasant, can be generated by the reward received after an action has been taken. Appear as an alternative to the constant punishment that is resorted to by their b

The incentive tables are a system of extrinsic motivation based on positive reinforcement. That is, when emotions, both pleasant and unpleasant, can be generated by the reward received after an action has been taken.

Appear as an alternative to the constant punishment that is resorted to by their bad behavior. Thanks to the system of prizes that is proposed with this type of paintings, it is a matter of positively reinforcing actions such as behaving well, carrying out their tasks, obeying, etc.

When and how to use the incentive tables with the children

This type of tables is usually used when the child is around 6 years old onwards. They are very effective in changing specific behaviors, although they must be used appropriately and not abused. You must choose well the behavior you want to change. It must be something that can be controlled and where:

- What we ask is not too ambitious.

- That the message we want to give is clear.

- Formulate what is asked in a positive manner.

It should be placed in a visible place in the house. And using images is much better than words. Once this incentive system is put in place, we must bear in mind that:

1. The gratification must be as immediate as possible. Hay 2. We must keep the commitment: it does not work if one day we complete the picture and another does not. Or one day we give the prize and another no.

3. Only positive reinforcements are given. Therefore, only points are obtained when the desired behavior is achieved, we will not give you "negative points" when you do not do it or remove stickers when you behave badly for something else.

4. This system works if used exceptionally. If we do not get the child to change his behavior and it has been around for 15 days, it is better to leave it and wait until it is ready.

Types of incentive tables for children

1. Simple table. On a poster, we draw a table with a single row (the behavior to change) and columns with the days of the week (Monday to Friday).

2. Table with three behaviors. We only want to change one, but we use the other two to reinforce. For example, we will put two behaviors that you like to do to children together with the one you do not like, including the three behaviors in the form of rows. By getting rewards and approval for behaviors that do not cost you, it will be easier to change the one with which you have more difficulties. Tabla 3. Table for special situations: it is the one that is used when there is a behavior to change in a specific situation and place.

Why incentive tables do not work in childhood sometimes

Many parents and teachers do not work this incentive system because

they do not manage it properly

. There are mistakes like: - Parents and teachers aim to eliminate negative behaviors instead of increasing positive behaviors.- Setting an initial objective unattainable or that the picture is difficult to maintain for parents. Que - That the prizes are difficult to obtain for the child.