Motivational+Ideas

--> I like the idea of motivating students to good behavior by having them earn recess by writing a letter on the board at a time each time they earn it because of good behavior.
 * Bullets**
 * **In math if they finished early they got to play math games.**
 * **In other subjects they could read if they were finished, which they always love to do.**

Motivation is a necessity so that **learning** becomes a continuing, improving, interesting and hopefully enjoyable **process**. I say "hopefully enjoyable" because although you as a teacher try to make learning fun, your students should understand that learning is the **goal**, the fun part is just nice to have. As I'm sure you know, most people can be intimidated when it comes to doing or learning something new - they would just prefer to maintain the status quo, it's easier. You as a teacher, must **develop and encourage** classroom motivation, i.e. think of and find ways to motivate students to reach their potential, their goals and their dreams. However, having said that, students must also share in the **responsibility**by doing some things for themselves, such as: * Set realistic goals for themselves, (based on their desires, not on what others may say)and thus become more motivated to attain their goals. * Understand that achieving one's goals takes work and may involve some**risk**. Learning is work and can be risky to your self esteem when you try something new, admit you don't know something and have to ask for help.

Create Student Motivation in the Classroom.
There are so many ways for you to develop student motivation: 1. As mentioned above (but worth repeating), **encourage** them to set to set goals. 2. Give students more **control** - a chance to create their own personal choices. Establishing their own rights, is a very resourceful motivational technique. I'm talking about students choosing their own ways (with your agreement of course) of completing assignments, learning new or complex tasks, etc. 3. As much as possible relate assignments and class projects to **real life**situations. 4. Practice the **assertive discipline** (positive discipline) techniques that I discuss in my [|Classroom Discipline page]

5. Of course most teachers will come across students who will be very difficult to motivate and who will not care about what happens in school. You have to create **incentives**. There are ways to motivate students such as these. Doing unique activities, creating situations where they can work in small groups, creating a **reward system** are just a few ideas. Teaching in primary grades is quite different than in junior grades and so is student motivation. Read about the **reward systems** that I have set up for [|students in primary grades] to motivate them to learn and for [|students in junior grades] to increase their level of motivation; <span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**BUT** please keep in mind that the reward system should be treated as a reward for finishing a task not for just participating. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Want some of my helpful suggestions on Classroom Awards as well as**many very useful and colourful certificates, awards and school passes** without having to design the them from scratch? <span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Be sure to [|click here to go to my page on Classroom Awards.]

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">6. Having students help with some of the many jobs that need to be done in the classroom, will not only make your life as a teacher easier but[|classroom jobs] are also a **great student motivational tool**. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">7. Games are fabulous classroom **team building** activities which are great for creating motivation in the classroom. It's amazing how it does wonders for students' self esteem and camaraderie. Read about a few of the motivational [|classroom games] that I found successful. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">8. Another of my favorite classroom activities for team building was a classroom meeting that I called [|Special Talk and Student of the Week]. My students **loved** it! This is another excellent student motivational tool. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">9. Read about two very successful [|classroom contests] that I implemented, that my students loved and were invaluable in motivating my students and helping to establish discipline in my classroom. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">10. Motivate your students with some of these [|math word wall]strategies. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">11. Always remember that [|humor in the classroom] is a great way to motivate students. Read this page and find out why [|humor in the classroom] is so important. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">12. Motivating students to read has always been a **challenge** for teachers. Motivating students to read doesn't have to be taxing and stressful. [|Click here] and read about the **effective** methods that I have used to to encourage and motivate my students to read. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">13. One great motivational tool and an excellent educational experience are field trips. Be sure to read my page on [|school field trip ideas]to get some effective field trip ideas and planning strategies. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">14. Another great motivational tool is using the smartboard to deliver your lessons. It's great for encouraging student participation and interaction. Read my page on [|smartboard lesson plans] to learn what they are all about.

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Three important thoughts to keep in mind as you finish reading this page: <span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">1. Always display care, concern and encouragement for your students. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">2. **Never give up** on any unmotivated students or they will give up on themselves. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">3. Going hand in hand with building student motivation is **building student self esteem**. Be sure to read my page on [|Student Self Esteem] and learn to incorporate building self esteem within your daily lesson plans. It's crucial.