During my community health clinical at New Albany Primary School, I observed an example of a positive reinforcement initiative where students earn tokens for getting “caught” displaying good behavior. These tokens can be redeemed at a book vending machine creating an engaging and creative way to promote literacy and positive behavior. The primary population served at the primary school is roughly ages 5-10 serving primary grades K-3.
Students earn coins for doing good deeds that they can use to redeem brand new books that they can take home with them!
The sustainable growth goal that I would like to focus on would be good health and well-being which directly connects to this clinical experience. This also connects to goal #4 of ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all. The school’s initiative to reward positive behavior and support literacy ties into promoting mental well-being, emotional growth, and creating a supportive environment that nurtures students’ development both academically and socially. My biggest “aha moment” was seeing a non-traditional strategy, like a book vending machine, and the huge impact it can make on a student behavior and motivation.