Should teachers award students with candy?

Whether or not teachers should award students with candy is a debatable topic. Some believe that candy is an effective reward for good behavior and can motivate students to learn. However, others argue that candy is unhealthy and can lead to negative consequences, such as weight gain and cavities.

Arguments for awarding candy as rewards:

* Candy can be a quick and easy way to reward students for good behavior.

* It is something that most children enjoy and appreciate.

* Candy can help to create a positive learning environment by making the classroom a fun place to be.

* Some people believe that candy can actually improve learning. For example, a study by the University of California, Los Angeles found that students who were given candy after completing a task performed better on subsequent tasks than students who were not given candy.

Arguments against awarding candy as rewards:

* Candy is not healthy. It is high in sugar and calories, and can contribute to weight gain and other health problems.

* Candy can lead to cavities.

* Candy can be addictive. Some people may develop an unhealthy craving for candy, which can lead to overeating and other health problems.

* Candy can create a sense of entitlement. If students come to expect candy as a reward for good behavior, they may start to feel that they deserve candy even when they have not done anything to earn it.

Alternatives to candy as rewards:

* Non-food items, such as stickers, pencils, or toys

* Special privileges, such as extra free time or the opportunity to choose a seat

* Positive reinforcement, such as praise, encouragement, or a handwritten note

* Opportunities to earn rewards, such as earning points for good behavior that can be redeemed for rewards

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to award students with candy is up to the individual teacher. There are pros and cons to both sides of the issue, and each teacher needs to decide what is best for their students and their classroom.

Some additional resources that may be helpful:

[The pros and cons of using candy as a reward](https://www.nea.org/educatorquality/teaching-and-learning/assessment/the-pros-and-cons-of-using-candy-as-a-reward)

[Alternatives to candy rewards](https://www.scholastic.com/teachers/articles/teaching-content/alternatives-candy-rewards/)

[How to use rewards effectively in the classroom](https://www.edutopia.org/blog/how-use-rewards-effectively-classroom-heather-wolpert-gawron)