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…

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Motivating Students

tired teacher

Motivating Students At an elementary school training, a teacher asked me about strategies for a student who has no motivation.  He refuses to do any work at all and she has tried numerous strategies already.  “I’ve tried everything and nothing works,” she said.  As a school counselor for 20 years, I often heard similar concerns.…

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Kids and Rewards

Girl & boy looking at sweet jar

Kids and Rewards What motivates children to want to learn? Is it possible to motivate children without using rewards and treats? Could it be that using rewards is actually causing students to be unmotivated? Where does motivation come from anyway? Some Surprising Research In his book, Drive, The Surprising Truth about What Motivates Us, author…

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children who feel entitled

Girls are having fun

Say this… not that Ever wonder how we could wind up with a whole generation of kids who feel entitled? Entitled to good grades without having to work and study for them. Entitled to a spot on the team or in the organization without having to practice and prove themselves. Entitled to success without having to…

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Helping kids develop grit

girl-at-school-

Helping kids develop grit You’ve got one kid in your class who is knocking it out of the park… they are on top of their assignments they are engaged they ask questions and are genuinely interested in learning You’ve got another who is failing… they are always behind the eight ball they are disengaged they are…

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Help Kids Set Goals that Motivate

student with a smiley face note

Help Kids Set Goals that Motivate Do you sometimes wish that you could swap your personality for another? Do you wish you could swap a child’s personality for another, at least long enough to get them to finish their homework or do their chores? If you are reserved, do you wish that you could be…

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