Student motivation will not only help your students do their best work, but it will also help your job become easier.
I love this quote. I made excuses for a long time about student motivation. I was raised in a home (a great home) where I was taught to do things because they are the right thing to do. Not everyone needs a trophy, not everyone needs a sticker, you do what you do because you are supposed to do it! Now, I will be honest…I still feel this way. I raise my kids this way. You may not agree with me, and I am okay with that. But I have also learned that I did not raise the children in my class. I can instill good values in them, and hope that they learn to do the right thing because it is right…but a little rewarding never hurt anyone. I also know that I am okay with this decision because I am thrilled when my son’s Kinder teacher rewards him for doing something great.
Now that I have rambled a bit, I lost my excuses and found my results. Student motivation builds the student’s confidence, does not always have to be a reward, and makes learning (and effort) fun!
One thing I love using in my classroom is Brag Tag Student Chains.
My fifth graders felt they were too cool for brag tags, so they loved these student chains. Mine hung them in their cubbies and were so proud of them!
These are easy, just print, cut, and I have the students assemble them!
