More on rewards: "Supertaktika"
My 10.5 year-old son has been raving about a board game, Supertaktika. A two-player war game similar to Stratego, the kids in his class play during recess according to a strict schedule. He anxiously awaits his turn and has asked me to buy it for him.
Yesterday he arrived home from school wielding a big box, along with a sheepish look on his face. His teacher had gotten him his own set! Only after a few hours did he tell me the circumstances, involving a fight between two boys during which one of them kicked something. He was too embarrassed to tell me his role in resolving the dispute, and I didn’t push, but his teacher wanted to reward him for his actions and use them as a role model for the rest of the class.
Even my oldest son asked me whether I felt this gift was appropriate. Wouldn’t it have been enough to tell him privately? By buying him a gift (I presume this was from the class fund and not the teacher’s pocket–at least I hope!) he attached a material value to something that can’t and shouldn’t be measured. I’m glad my son had the sensitivity to be embarrassed by the attention. I also can’t help but feel such rewards could provoke jealousy among the other boys (unless they are all angels?).
I think I’ll give my husband the privilege of calling to thank him.
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SephardiLady Said,
June 1, 2007 - 16 Sivan 5767 @ 9:36 PM
Interesting that the teacher rewarded him with such a significant gift. I’d say it is sure to cause jealousy. I know I spent most of 4th grade jealous that one of my best friends always was chose to run to the office on errands or help the teacher. Everyone whispered about her being a teacher’s pet which is probably one of the worst insults in grade school and middle school.
Rafi G Said,
June 3, 2007 - 17 Sivan 5767 @ 8:24 AM
that is unusual to get such a serious prize…. either the school/teacher is loaded or your son did somethign really big.. kol hakavod to him, but I hope he does not now expect something like that every time he does something good…
Alan Levin Said,
October 6, 2007 - 25 Tishre 5768 @ 10:02 PM
I love your blog. It’s kept me interested for over 45 minutes of reading and links. As a frum South African that’s spent an extended time in Israel, I can so closely relate. You’re great.
So did you find out what your son did to get this reward, I’m sure it was another big mitzvah!
mominisrael Said,
October 6, 2007 - 25 Tishre 5768 @ 10:24 PM
Alan, thank you! I think he cleaned up a garbage can that two other boys overturned during a fight.
Alan Levin Said,
October 7, 2007 - 25 Tishre 5768 @ 11:19 AM
Sounds like good training
I just realised what good tips these are for board games. Anything to keep the kids busy on Shabbos is well worth noting. Risk is one of our favourites so Stratego is already in our shopping basket. Any tips on what the English name is for Supertaktika? Is it good?
mominisrael Said,
October 7, 2007 - 25 Tishre 5768 @ 1:02 PM
No one else in hte family wants to play with him. I don’t know the English name; sorry I can’t be more help.