Getting Kids to Take Initiative

Working together at elementary school.

Kids and Initiative I often hear teachers lament that the students today have little intrinsic motivation and initiative. Certainly as a school counselor, I  often presented lessons on being responsible. When asked what it means to be responsible, children usually have a good idea.  When asked what responsibilities they have, I would get a variety of…

Read More

Why you can’t motivate kids…

girl exploring nature i

Why you can’t motivate kids… Do your school work! Where is  your homework! Clean up your desk! Follow directions without reminders. How many of your referrals are for kids who are too stubborn, won’t cooperate and don’t do their work? How much of your time as a counselor is spent trying to motivate students? What…

Read More

Teach Kids Not to Give Up

girl-with-thumbs-up

Do you have a student who gives up easily? Is her philosophy that if she can’t succeed right away, then there’s no point in trying? Does he always anticipate failure when faced with an obstacle? We all face challenges and difficulty from time to time. What makes the difference between someone who persists in the…

Read More

How do you change a child’s behavior?

kids in the school, classroom

Changing a Child’s Behavior Educators wonder how to get children to apply themselves and care about learning the prescribed curriculum. School counselors wonder how to get children to change negative behaviors into positive ones that serve the both the child and their peers. Parents wonder how to do all of the above while managing to…

Read More

Is It Possible to Motivate Kids?

goal setting

Kids and Motivation In today’s educational environment, we are more aware than ever that student motivation and engagement is essential for lasting learning. I can’t tell you how many times as a school counselor, I had discussions with teachers, parents and kids about being motivated. However, I’m afraid we rarely discussed how important intrinsic motivation…

Read More