Bribing

[franceslievens]

Smarty Pants (8 yo) is the only kid in his school taking the morality class. We've established an uncommon teacher-pupil relationship where we talk about everything in between the actual lessons. It helps that S.P. is a tad quicker than my other pupils, hence I have time for shallow conversations, and openly bribing.

Me: You did that very well S.P. You are entitled to choose a sticker.
S.P.: Cool! (After some long and thoughtful deliberation) Can I choose two?
Me: No, you can't.
S.P.: Pity.

Some time later...

Me: Well done again, S.P.
S.P.: Does this mean I get another sticker?
Me: No.
S.P.: I have no reason to work so well, if I don't get a sticker in return.
Me: And now I was just bragging to your form teacher about how well you were working today. Seems you only respond to bribes.
S.P.: Oh, but in that case I'm also happy with compliments.

Comments

[frenchani.livejournal.com]

Remind me how old he is?

[frances-lievens.livejournal.com]

He turned 8 in July.

[sister-luck.livejournal.com]

Having a teacher all of his own is going to spoil him. But then he sounds like he'd stand out in any class.

[frances-lievens.livejournal.com]

I don't think he stands out that much in his own classgroup. Having me for himself spoils him -- I think you got that correct. I never quite understood how I had to describe it. He is one of the only pupils I have who loves being on his own with me and getting all the attention. I've got other kids that are on their own, but most of them don't like it that much.
Fortunately he has a very nice mum and dad. I've met them both and they are quite strict. He knows when he stands out and he likes to stand out, but he also knows when not to brag, and that it's important to be humble as well.
And of course he loves teasing me by doing things he would never do in a bigger group, or would never be allowed to do.