To the editor:
First, our apology for the delay in writing this response to “Kids learn that it pays to read,” which appeared in the July 2, 2008 issue section B, cover page. Newspapers are not treated as First Class Mail and delivery is often delayed.
While the intent of the T.D. Banknorth sponsorship of “a summer reading program for Houlton children at the Cary Library …” is, in fact, admirable, we must question the “message these children receive.” A $10 endowment for a new bank account from the bank is a great promotional incentive tool for the bank, but is that the message we all really want our children to receive? Hopefully not.
We, most educators, librarians and youth-oriented print publishers, as well as concerned parents, have for a great many years recognized the importance of reading, which is why it was included in the three Rs of education. However, the intent was always to empower the reader to learn how to read for the knowledge, pleasure and/or broadening of horizons it provides, for its own merits. Subverting this purpose by conversion to a cash reward incentive marginalizes this original intended educational goal.
Should we encourage programs that abrogate a parent’s responsibility to teaching their children to be productive members of society, because “it is the right thing to do”, or convert to a cash incentive equivalent? Maybe toothbrush manufacturers should pay rewards for childhood teeth brushing, or cereal manufacturers for eating their cereal. How about cash rewards being paid by police departments to all individuals who do not commit criminal activity.
While in this case the $10 is being called a “reward”, how different is it from “bribery”. Certainly, no recipient child is going to see receiving $10 for what they should be doing anyway as bribery, but the adults involved should know better. The article headline truly was “on target”.
Maybe returning to the integrity of core values for a good citizen is the better long-term message for our children to receive. After all, in many cases, how we get to a goal is as important as the goal itself, especially for our youth, who are just starting in the journey of life.
B. Galioto
D. Pierantony
Long Island City, N.Y
and Merrill
