In this article, so-called experts argue that Pizza Hut's Book It program is bad for America's children, families, and schools. I call bullshit.
As a grade school student, I participated in Book It, gladly reading books in exchange for certificates for Personal Pan pizzas and the hope of a classroom pizza party if everyone in the class met their reading goal. I didn't need an incentive to read as I have always enjoyed reading, but I certainly didn't mind getting a little reward every now and then.
One of the arguments opponents to the program present is that it doesn't really foster a love of reading, but instead pretty much bribes kids into reading. Well, the truth is that some kids need bribing. Not all kids love to read. Many kids have no desire to even touch a book--but throw in an incentive and maybe they will. And maybe in the process they will learn that reading isn't that bad. Maybe they'll even come to think of it as fun and then start doing it on their own, without incentive. If nothing else, maybe they'll at least improve their reading and comprehension skills. If we take a look at the literary skills of America's students, we'll see that more reading is necessary, and I don't think there's really a bad way to get kids to read more. Almost any way that works is a good way.
The other argument is that rewarding kids with a pizza contributes to childhood obesity. This is an asinine argument. Sure, pizza isn't the healthiest food in the world, but a personal pan pizza every now and again isn't going to kill anyone, and it's not even going to make anyone obese. Kids who are obese or on their way to being obese are eating a lot worse than that. They're probably eating multiple pizzas a month, and probably in much larger sizes than personal pan. To fight obesity we have to teach kids (and their parents) to eat smart. That doesn't mean abandoning foods like pizza but learning to consume it in moderate amounts. Denying children (or adults) any and all treats does not lead to a healthy approach to food. And, the major factor is that in the end, it is the parents and not the schools and not the government who are ultimately responsible for the health of their children.
In summary, Pizza Hut supplies a product that not everyone thinks is great. They market their products to families and to children. They will continue to do that regardless of whether Book It is in place or not. Families and children will continue to eat pizza regardless of whether they have a coupon for a free pizza or they have to order it at full price. If in the process of doing their business, Pizza Hut can encourage a few more children to become readers, then good for them, and good for America's children.
7 comments:
Let's admit it; parents have used bribes to get their children to do a lot of things. It is a fact of life. Anyone knowledgeable about nutrition and weight loss will tell you that totally denying oneself of a certain item only leads to a person wanting it more and that would lead to weight problems. Not one pizza a month. Perhaps the bribe will let the child find out that reading is fun and will lead them to be an avid reader. I am all for Book It and think I will write them about it.
I did the library's summer reading program. The prizes included many things like a ticket to the zoo, bookmarks and an ice cream from Ehrler's.
As a reading tutor, I think that anything (in moderation) can be used and should be used to motivate children to read.
Reading is an essential skill and once a child has it they always will. Then, they can use it to read nutrition labels!
When I was a kid I liked reading without rewards, because I got into series (namely Animorphs). Nonetheless, if kids need pizza to read, maybe it's worth it. However, if parents have to bribe their kids, maybe that's a sign that they failed to do something as a parent. I'm on the fence. I'll ask about the issue at the Books & Reading Forums. Thanks!
Maybe it should be called a motivating factor and not a bribe. but I am still for it.
I tried to say this a while ago but the commets weren't working. I HATE READING AND PIZZA. I know I'm in the minority but honestly, at least make it something worth reading for.
Yeah, Gregory, you know I don't even like pizza either. But most kids do. And getting to have a pizza party if the whole class participated was fun, because it cut into class time and you got to have coke.
I think the opponents should give up their paychecks and stand up for our children for free.....
Other wise it's like they are being bribed to do it right??
Anyway, money leads to greed...and greed isn't any healthier than pizza ;)
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