"How do you motivate your students?"
Recently, a fellow blogger asked me this question...and it's taken me a while to finally "focus" my thoughts on this post! (Forgive me Kristen!)
As a middle school teacher, I am constantly trying to implement new ways to motivate my 100 plus students. Some students are motivated intrinsically and are self-driven. They are like little race car drivers, always driving towards the finish line, never needing any "outside effort" on my part, and are always on the right path. They are the ones that making teaching e-a-s-y, as they are always eager to learn.
"Take a bite out of some motivation!"
However, some of my little race car drivers need a little more...attention. Some of them need a little "Woot Wall" recognition, or a Snaps Award, or a Positive Office Referral every once in a while to help remind them of their good choices. Sometimes they need a one-on-one closed lunch because they just need that one-on-one attention that they may not get at home. Whatever it is, motivating kids is tricky business in middle school.
Each kid is so unique, and what works for one kiddo might not work for another. So, without further ado, here is my "Motivation Top Ten" list!
1. Focus on the Positive...OFTEN and Whenever Possible!
Reward your kids whenever possible...WHEN it is DESERVED. "Not every child deserves a cookie," says Ron Clark, and I firmly believe that. However, when you notice a positive behavior from a child, stop what you are doing and recognize it. In middle school especially, kids just want to be seen. Taking the time to write a "Great job-I'm so proud of you!" on a test, giving them a sticker to proudly wear in the halls, or calling home to leave a positive message for them to hear when they get off the bus goes a long way for any kid.
My Snaps Celebration last year!
2. Know Your Kids!
Get to know your students likes and dislikes, and incorporate them into your classroom. Play a popular song as they are coming in to class, use a favorite T.V. show as a reference in a PowerPoint, or talk to your kids about current events in their world. Showing the kids that you can relate to them is huge, and let me tell you...me getting on the dance floor and learning "Teach Me How to Dougie" with my students was one of the best motivating tools I ever learned!
Rapping about the Layers of the Earth
3. Keep it Random...Sometimes!
Sometimes I randomly pull a popsicle stick and let a kiddo sit in my chair for an hour, or let them keep our class fish Einstein at their seat. I also "build the hype" of lessons and decorate the halls or keep kids in suspense of what surprises await them in class the next day...mwahaha! Keeping the kiddos on their toes and excited about what may happen in class keeps them motivated to perform!
4. Set High Expectations!
My kids know the consequences of their actions in my room. If they don't have their homework finished, they sign the "No Homework Binder." I expect nothing but the best from them, and by keeping expectations high from the beginning, it is easier to motivate them and push them to work harder!
5. Keep "Rules" to a Minimum!
In my classroom we have one rule: Work hard, and be nice to people. Keeping a broad, simple rule is a lot easier than sticking to a list of ten rules that all fall under the same category. My rules are posted in huge letters at the front of my room as a constant reminder of my expectations.
6. Change It Up!
I never have my kids sitting for longer than 15 minutes at a time. My lesson plans usually involve at least 3-5 activities, allowing time for my kids to move and talk. They have gotten used to this routine, and keeping them motivated to work for 15 minutes is a lot easier than keeping them motivated for 60.
7. Use Technology to Keep Them Motivated!
Using Twitter, Edmodo, and other Web 2.0 tools has been very helpful this year with motivating my kids and keeping them interested in science! I can tweet about a recent science event, and it shows right up on their smartphones! This goes along with knowing your kids and keeping up with their interests and likes!
The best Twitter day of my life!
8. Use Their Ideas
Get your students' input on how they want to learn a topic. Let them write a skit, create a PowerPoint, or rap about a topic if they want to! Showing them that you value their opinions and polling them about your teaching often is the best feedback-and shows them that you actually care about what they have to say!
9. Follow Through!
If you tell a kid, "One more warning and that's a lunch detention..." stick to it! Don't be afraid to be the "bad guy." Setting high expectations and following through with consequences is part of teaching...and it's important your students see that you will follow through with your job just as you want them to follow through with theirs.
This one is probably the most important to me. It's so essential that teachers let their kids get to know them. Share your stories, your faults, and your dreams. Let them know your likes and dislikes so they know you as person as well as a teacher. Kids value the idea that teachers are people too, and by "letting them in" they will be much more motivated to work in your class!
Well, there you have it, my motivation top ten! How do you motivate your students?
Hi, I am currently student teaching. I begin my second rotation with 6th graders on Monday and I have to admit I am a little nervous. Do you have any ideas about behavior management? With the younger students I would always pass out gold coins then students would earn a reward, such as pencil or sticker but with 6th graders I feel I may have to use a different strategy.
ReplyDeleteI would greatly appreciate any ideas!!!
jnorris@oswego.edu