Adults Quote by Mildred Armstrong Kalish
““Without knowing it, the adults in our lives practiced a most productive kind of behavior modification. After our chores and household duties were done we were give "permission" to read. In other words, our elders positioned reading as a privilege - a much sought-after prize, granted only to those goodhardworkers who earned it. How clever of them.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: Reflection on Childhood Reading Habits, 1990s
Adults subtly conditioned children to value reading by linking it to earned privileges, making books a reward for work.
In simple terms: Reading became a reward for hard work.
Key Takeaway
Use rewards wisely to foster lifelong learning.
Themes
motivation
learning
parenting
habits
Mood
reflective
thoughtful
Type
advice
observational
When to use this quote
- homework completion
- after‑school routines
- library visits
- parent‑child bonding
Key Concepts
behavioral conditioning
intrinsic vs extrinsic motivation
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we balance incentives with genuine curiosity?
- What other skills benefit from similar reward structures?
A Different Perspective
Over‑emphasis on rewards may reduce intrinsic love of reading.
![“He [an earnest young reporter] seemed to share the view of many intelligent, well-educated, well-meaning people that, while adult literature may aim to be art, the object of children's books is to whip the little rascals into shape.” quote by Katherine Paterson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/2cf/katherine-paterson-2365_adults_he-an-earnest-young-reporter-seemed-to-s_6101.jpg)
