The historic approach to study the issue allows critical assessment the previous pedagogic experience and searching for the humanistic approaches in modern education of children, which is highly urgent. The article deals with the evolution of encouragement and punishment as the leading methods of moral education, features of approaches and the use of encouragement and punishment in pedagogy of various nations. The objective assessment of the historical experience of the use of encouragement and punishment in pedagogy will help to avoid the mistakes in modern education.

The urgency of the issues under consideration is determined by the fact that modern pedagogy focuses on a child and his/her training for active, independent work, creative participation in changing the country and the society. Thus, an important role is given to moral education, issues of discipline, rewards and penalties. These aspects are still poorly studied in modern pedagogy, especially the experience of the historical and pedagogical legacy.