Motivational+Ideas

Motivational ideas are tools that teachers use to keep their students motivated to succeed. Some examples of motivational tools would be


 * taking a bulletin board in the classroom to display great work.
 * getting to pick a pocket. On these pockets the student could get a chance to have 10 extra minutes of recess, an extra trip to the library, etc.
 * making an example of a student for doing good work and having good behavior spot lights the good and not the bad in a situation
 * having a fun day once a month. If the class earns a token or marble for everyday of the month the last Friday they will get a special treat
 * Student of the Week - every week when the newsletter goes out it will feature a student who that week has went above and beyond what was expected that week, whether it be academically or by helping another student

**{Top 9 Ways to Motivate Students from Scholastic.com}** //—Dr. Pam Newell Bradley, Muskogee 7th and 8th Center, Muskogee, Oklahoma//
 * 1. Give students the chance to contribute to your school.** At my previous school, we developed a program where our 5th and 6th graders volunteered at 14 different school jobs. Office assistants sorted mail and answered the phones, the activity crew set up the sound system, and tour guides greeted visitors. Kids felt a part of the school and had a sense of purpose. Over two years, attendance improved and discipline referrals dropped.

//—Michelle Davis, Language Arts teacher, Imperial Middle School, La Habra, California//
 * 2. Connect learning to real life.** Our students do a major “budget project” in which they research a career, buy a house and a car, and pay bills. The kids do stellar work and see math in the English classroom and the value of English skills in math. We do similar activities in social studies and science.

//—Teri Fulton, New Chelsea Elementary, Kansas City, Kansas//
 * 3. Have a fun incentive for doing well on standardized tests.** We held a student skating party after the state assessments. Students who were “caught” using their “super test skills”—highlighting, underlining, and rereading—received special recognition. The next time, we noticed an increase in the use of these important strategies.

//—Sarah Fitzpatrick, Mercer Middle School, Seattle, Washington//
 * 4. Hold a poetry slam!** When kids are given opportunities to perform and share in a public forum, they rise to the challenge. They put out their best effort to express themselves, and it takes the learning to a much deeper place.


 * 5. Make classroom incentives easy.** I motivate my students with Fun Money. They earn class currency when they are showing responsibility, being caring of their classmates, volunteering to read, etc. Each Friday, we trade in the Fun Money for real treats. //—Mimi Blackwelder, Destiny Christian School, Seaford, Delaware//

//—Fran Donaldson, Deep Run Elementary, Elk Ridge, Maryland//
 * 6. Tap your community.** Once a month, I take 12 students for a limo ride and lunch with the principal—me! Only students with a record of positive behavior for the month—according to their teachers—are eligible for the drawing. The limo company donates the service for free, as do area restaurants.

//—Sarah Fitzpatrick, Mercer Middle School, Seattle, Washington//
 * 7. Put yourself on camera.** Videotaping is a great tool for class self-assessment. I set up the camera and let it record my classroom for a couple of hours. Then we review it together and make observations. Are students listening to each other, talking out of turn, etc.? By capturing moments in the classroom, we can see them more clearly and make improvements together.

//—Jackie Levenson, Oakland Gardens School, Bayside, New York//
 * 8. Hold a debate.** An old-fashioned debate is a great motivator. We have two or three a year. My fifth-graders vote on the topics and I divide them into teams. They spend weeks researching and preparing questions before the big event. Debates allow students to be active participants in charge of their own learning. When we’re finished, we write a class book.

//—Dave Montague, Washington Elementary, Kennewick, Washington//
 * 9. Set high expectations.** I have come to the conclusion that the best overall, all-around motivation tool is authentic student success. If we set clear goals and expectations for students and then do everything possible to see that they achieve their goals, they become successful. This success motivates kids to feel proud of themselves and do even more. What more could we want?