The very first day, I came up with an obstacle course that…
““The very first day, I came up with an obstacle course that everyone could do. The kids had to pick their way through five hula hoops lying on the ground; cross a mat by stepping on four giant, brightly colored "feet" that I'd cut out of felt; and then pick up an extra-large beanbag (actually a buckwheat neck and shoulder pillow) and bring it back to the group. I'd bought bags of cheap gold medals at Walmart, the kind you'd put in a little kid's birthday part goody bag. I made sure I had enough for everyone. So even when a child stepped on every single hula hoop and none of the giant feet, he or she got a medal. A few weeks in, I noticed that Adam, a nonverbal thirteen-year-old, was always clutching that medal in whichever hand his mom wasn't holding. The medals weren't very study to begin with, and his was beginning to look a bit worse for wear, so after class I slipped a couple of spares into his mom's purse. Turning to thank me, she had tears in her eyes. "You can't imagine how much it means to him to have a medal," she said. "He sleeps with it.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Creating inclusive, rewarding activities builds confidence and belonging, especially for children with special needs.
In simple terms: Inclusive games and rewards boost confidence and belonging.
Key Takeaway
Design simple, inclusive activities with tangible recognition.
Themes
inclusion
education
confidence
special needs
motivation
Mood
encouraging
practical
Type
inspirational
educational
When to use this quote
- classroom activities
- special education programs
- team‑building exercises
- reward distribution
Key Concepts
behavioral psychology
reward systems
inclusive design
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we balance extrinsic rewards with intrinsic motivation?
- What other symbols of achievement can be used?
A Different Perspective
Rewards may become expected, reducing intrinsic motivation.