by Brooke W.
Alamo Heights Junior School English teacher Cory Campbell has created a reward system for students who write exceptional pieces. Mr. Campbell invented the Campbell Soup Awards in 1996, and the tradition has survived for years. Not only do these awards inspire students to try harder, but they also help them have fun and foster a little friendly competition in the classroom.
Although these awards motivate students to work hard on every piece, that’s not Mr. Campbell’s only motive for creating them. “Growing up, I didn’t like being called ‘soup kid’ or other names, and the first week when I started teaching, my students asked, ‘Can we call you Mr. Soup?’ I told my mom how I hated it, and she said, ‘Well, maybe you could embrace it.’ So, I made the Campbell Soup Awards.” This encouraging story that Mr. Campbell shares every year teaches students to confront and embrace their own insecurities and transform them into strengths.
But as a teacher, receiving an award is easier than giving them. Mr. Campbell has to grade well over 100 essays. “I have to look for essays that stand out, or essays that have improved a lot,” said Mr. Campbell. The decision-making process is not based entirely on how well-written the essay is, but also on recognizing the students’ efforts and improvements. Another creative aspect of the awards is that Mr. Campbell doesn’t just give kids any soup flavor; he finds a flavor that matches the depth of the essay. This fun surprise leaves kids curious about what their flavor means.
“When talking about the awards, I usually try to highlight both the positive and the areas for improvement so that kids who receive them are happy, but kids who don’t get them aren’t too disappointed,” said Mr. Campbell. This strategy not only congratulates the students who earn an award but also makes the students who don’t feel included, ensuring that nobody feels left out. Mr. Campbell’s thoughtful approach to discussing the awards helps create an environment in the class where all students feel motivated to do their best.
Previous students who have received awards have commented that the Campbell Soup Awards inspired them to put more time and thought into their essays. It teaches them to have fun and enjoy the writing process. The thrill of the awards highlights the creativity needed to write a good, readable essay. It shows students that sometimes receiving an award is not the only accomplishment in life.
In conclusion, the Campbell Soup Awards are more than just a reward system. They are a boost of motivation and engagement. Their effect makes students feel special and important. A small push of approval and recognition can change a student’s entire perspective on a subject. Imagine the potential of schools if teachers all over the world did this as well.
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