Yvonne,

Thank you for your kind words.  I think it's balance between rewarding kids for showing up and supporting their genuine accomplishments.  For example, both my sons had more soccer trophies at age 10 than I have earned in my whole life.  It is hard to keep them trying hard if they are rewarded for doing little.  At the same time, they are children so we want them to know both success and failure, as both are vital to their development.  I hope that as teachers and parents we are mindful of the kids that are working so hard as well as those that are A students.  In addition, we need to remember not to do too much for them, as it is only by falling down that we learn to get up again.  Our children need and deserve recognition and challenge.

I appreciate your thoughts.

Deb