Motivation

Some days, it is hard to find the strategy that will motivate students to focus and complete their learning. We use Responsibility Cards, and they are effective with some students more than others. Candy isn't really a long term solution, healthy, or a great solution for Ms. Leom's home budget. We are in class to learn, so movie, extra recess, and more is helpful, but not always the best use of our time. We know that all students work at their own pace, and how motivation can encourage the quality of effort as well as speed of the learning.

Ms. Leom was looking over her daily data and noticed students needed some class time. The question, how do you engage the students who are already finished and motivate students who need more time to work wisely? We want students outside for Recess. They NEED the time to run and play. You never want to "punish", and time is at a premium.

We are learning about drama, so Ms. Leom pulled out a readers' theater for students to read. As soon as students finished their missing work, they were invited to participate. The play is an entertaining fairy tale, and the various readers were laughing at the antics and rapping of the various characters. Everyone wanted to be a part, and quickly learning was found, completed, and more and more students joined in.

Ms. Leom can provide a list of missing work. Students can search on StudentVUE on their iPads. Copies can be available. Motivated students are able to find their list of missing work, the papers they need, and complete them quickly. On a day to day basis, without motivation, the list is often lost ... the papers are misplaced ... and the need to use the bathroom, sharpen a pencil, organize your folders, talk to a friend ... (the list of distractions is long) ...

Ms. Leom found some motivation today that fit the learning. Students who were finishing up details, could listen to the reader's theater and enjoy the humor while they worked. Students who were finished enjoyed the participation. We appreciate the moments when everything falls together and supports all of our learners. It is motivation to find more opportunities ...