MOTIVATING THE UNMOTIVATED

via classroom.synonym.com

Even your most motivated of students are likely counting the days until summer at this point, and you probably are, too!     But, how do you encourage and motivate the student who just isn't interested?

This list, that you can download here, will highlight some tried and true approaches to help you dream bigger dreams for some of your toughest students.

1 Speak their language.

 Know the student.  Who are they? What are their passions?  This is your “in” to connection.  Students will do crazy things for teachers they know that care about them.

2 Show up. 

You may be the only one.  Be there when you can.  Cheer them on at the basketball game.  Attend their choir performance.  Your presence will speak volumes.

3 Break from the norm.

Novelty sells.  Change up the routine and add a new activity, something fun, unexpected.  You will be surprised who will join in.

4 Don’t be a stranger.  

Honestly share information about yourself from time to time.  Be human.  This might not always feel the most comfortable, but your authenticity builds trust.   And, trust breeds endless possibilities in the classroom.

5 Help them taste success.

There are a million quotes about success, and they more or less say one of two things.  Success comes from hard work and success breeds success.  Once students feel it, maybe for the first time, they will want to be there again.

6 Ask their opinion.

This lets them know they are not invisible and inherently valuable.  Honestly, deep down we all have opinions to share.  Doesn’t it feel good when someone asks for your thoughts?

7 Encourage them to think big.

 Sometimes all we see if the floor in front of us.  Guide students to see the big wide world and all possibilities in front of them.  Use your vision to help them grow their own big view.  When there is no ceiling, you reach for the stars.

What is your approach for motivating students?

:)  Brandy