Motivation .... the sucker/lollipop reward system .... bribing .... post 34

The 'reward system' or 'bribery' to motivate a child to attempt to learn swimming skills and their progressions work every time

Somehow a sucker/lollipop is a greater inspiration to work for than a tiny chocolate or sweetie. The sucker/lollipop earned at the end of a swimming lesson becomes quite magical in its effect. Praise is always given to the achievement of a short term goal. The sucker/lollipop is the 'prize' for all the achievements, completes each lesson session, stimulates a sense of pride and well-being

When setting the parameters to earn this 'reward' we set achievable goals according to an individual level either when learning/teaching one-on-one or in a group. Each child is treated as an individual, achieves as an individual, senses pride as an individual. Within a group we stimulate each individual to motivate each other to copy or compete to participate. We are fair yet firm and kind about the intention to achieve

We learn/teach to ask 'please may I have a sucker/lollipop'? Direct eye contact is individual, full attention, being spoken to, being heard, waiting for a reply, good manners, respect

All pupils, regardless of their age enjoy this 'symbolic' ritual ....