While working with young children, it’s important to stay flexible and in tune with each child in your care. Some children respond well to the use of stickers and external awards temporarily. As long as you are helping the child connect to the greater reward of doing a job well done, it’s okay to use stickers if a child enjoys them.
Helping children feel competent by accomplishing small tasks is important in supporting the development of their self-esteem over time. As children have positive experiences and see that their actions make a difference, they will need fewer and fewer outside rewards since the inside feeling of using their own power in a positive way is the best reward.
