Motivation

I’m not sure that tools provide motivation. I have all the proper tools with which to wash my dishes but that sponge, dishwashing liquid and sink don’t make me motivated. I’m motivated to do such an unfun task by thinking of my family’s needs - the need to maintain the kitchen in sanitary fashion, the need to have some sense of order in the house.

Tools won’t motivate children to the task that is school. In such teaching circumstances, the only think I have observed that is a motivator is strong connection between teacher and student. If one’s parents do not hold school as a primary concern, the idea of school can not be important to the children. What can be still be important are the people we look up to. If you work to become the person they look up to, they’ll walk through a wall for you.

If you need to, put aside the routine curriculum for a bit and work on building relationships that will motivate them to do the work you ask of them. Also consider reading Sean Covey’s books on Seven Habits of Highly Effective People. He has great motivators in there.

Thank you for the suggestions. I have spent the last segment discussing some new vocabulary words: success, motivation, consequences, ect. I have shared some valuable information with my students about why they are in special education to begin with. When I asked them why they thought they were in special education, they told me that they thought they were dumb and lazy. I hope that I helped them to realize that they are neither one. I am going to keep at it, but sometimes I get discouraged because these kids have no help at home. Thanks! Oh, I also borrowed a copy of the book you suggested. Can’t wait to read it.

Sara,

You are so right. When people get busy telling me my son can’t do something I tell them “I believe he can fly”. So does his tutor she sets goals for him makes learning fun. He knows he is learning and so excited.