Kids love rewards at school, but not all rewards are created equal. While teachers have the best intentions, sometimes, those school rewards end up being awkward, boring, or not very exciting. Kids will smile and grin and bear it, but not many children will think “this is the best thing EVER.” So here are 10 school rewards that students secretly dislike.
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“You get to be line leader!”
It sounds like a big deal until you’re actually at the front, wondering how fast to walk, where to stop, and feeling the eyes of 20 classmates behind you. It’s not so much a reward as it is unexpected stage fright with hallway rules.
Lunch with the principal
This sounds fun in theory, but most kids are really just nervous, eating lunch with an adult. Balancing a sandwich while squirming in your chair and trying to get your milk into your mouth without making a mess isn’t super relaxing. Most students would rather sit with their friends and giggle over sloppy joes than discuss “leadership skills” and share juice boxes.
Extra homework pass
Students are often psyched about this one until the reality of the decision sets in: Do you use it on a small assignment or wait until something bigger comes along? Then, of course, there’s the additional stress of trying not to forget you have it until it expires, or accidentally lose it somewhere.
Getting called up in front of the whole school
Kids really want to be recognized, but being marched all the way across the stage while the entire school cranes their necks to see? Cue major performance anxiety. This “award” is less about fun and more about “please don’t embarrass yourself in front of everyone.”
Picking the “Friday movie” (that’s already been chosen)
Teachers like to pretend this is a big decision you’re making, but in reality, there are usually three options and all of them are safe and in the “funny animal” category. And everyone’s already seen all of them anyway. Twice. There goes that feeling of power.
A pencil or sticker prize
After acing the quiz or turning in perfect behavior all week, you’re handed… a pencil with a smiley face on it. Or a glittery sticker you’ll forget about by lunch. It’s sweet—but a bit underwhelming.
Extra recess
The one everyone gets hyped for. Until one kid forgets to raise his hand, or sneaks out of his seat, and suddenly there’s no more recess for anyone. What was going to be a fun treat now feels unfair.
Sitting next to the teacher for a day
The front of the room might be prime real estate to those who like being the teacher’s pet, but for the rest, it’s just plain lonely. No secret conversations with friends or the ability to mentally check out for a second without getting caught in the act.
Getting to erase the board
You used to think this was the coolest thing ever. In reality, it just means awkwardly standing at the front of the class, desperately rubbing away a dry marker while they all look at you, and trying not to smear everything and make it worse.
Reading to a younger class
Being chosen to lead a younger class really makes you feel like a role model. But, reading to younger kids probably feels more like a punishment than a privilege. After all, you have to read slowly, enunciate, and make sure you don’t make mistakes, all while a gaggle of 20 little kindergarteners sit, squirm, and stare at you.
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