REWARD AND PUNISHMENT SYSTEM
As with any youth program, an excellent reward and punishment system must be present, and our program is no different. Aside from the embedded rewards system of our martial arts rank system in which hard work earns new ranks and new opportunities, we also have multiple other ways to motivate our students to work hard and stay on their best behavior, both in and out of our program!
Much like many area schools, we place students on Red or Green depending on how they are behaving that day. If a student has exhibited bad behavior, their name will go on Red. If the behavior continues, “X”s will be placed behind their name (up to 3). Names on red result in 5 minutes off of play time for every mark. At 3 “X”s, the student loses all of their playtime for the day and only 1 mark is erased per day that the child sits out of play time, meaning that the red marks will last for multiple days. Students who exhibit exceptional and consistent behavior will have their name placed on Green. Names on Green are allowed to do free play out in the main room with padded equipment, toys and mats. A third options is that the students name is not on the board at all. This student has no punishment and may play during play time in the study room but not out on the main floor. Generally, students in this category are here as they were just released from Red and are attempting to prove they can handle free play. Therefore, these students generally are not in this category for very long.
Earning Coins
Another way we reward hard work and good behavior during our After School Program are BMA coins. These coins are handed out to students throughout the day for various reasons how any instructor may see fit. This may be due to good behavior that is above the norm, such as helping another student without even being told. Another way to earn coins are through winning events during class time or accomplishing difficult tasks that the instructors and staff may set. The student may collect as many coins as they like and turn them in when they seem fit for numerous benefits and rewards. For example, a student may use a coin in our Claw Machine to try and win a small toy or piece of candy that is in the machine. Or, some students may use the coin to play a handheld video game for a specific amount of time per coin during play time.
Star Students
Aside from belt rank, we also have a star rank system in which students may earn up to 5 stars (known as my Star Generals). These 5 stars represent the Tenets of Taekwondo: Courtesy, Integrity, Perseverance, Self-Control, and Indomitable Spirit. If a student demonstrates on a consistent basis that they embody one of these tenets as well as shows leadership during the After School Program, they will receive the corresponding Star that represents that Tenet. This is the most difficult reward system to earn at our school, aside from our belt ranks. With good reason, too, as my Star Generals are team leaders for our responsibilities, games, group events as well as students I turn too to help assist me when I am in need. I only give out these Stars to the best of the best in my program. Aside from being a team leader, these Star students also get additional rewards and considerable more leniency and freedom. For example, on the last day of school in June of 2017, I took all of my Star students to play Laser Tag at Battlehouse Laser Tag facility.
