Ways to Increase a Kids Motivation to Succeed
The Search Institute reports that the following are 7 things kids need in order to develop a positive view of themselves and connect with their ability to become that “positive possible self” to their daily actions. These increase their Motivation. You can nurture a young person’s sense of purpose and plans for becoming her or his best self.- Connect. The foundation of helping youth cultivate their possible selves is to build a strong relationship with them that helps them trust you and open up to you. Then they’re more likely to share with you what they really aspire to do or be.
- Describe. Regularly explain to young people how what they are learning in school will help them lead better lives in the future, including how they will use the knowledge and skills in future learning.
- Reveal. Share your own sense of purpose related to your profession and other things you are passionate about. It may not be their interest, but your energy and enthusiasm can still inspire them to reflect on what really matters.
- Notice. Pay attention to the things young people are interested in. This lets them know that you see and support their aspirations for the future. Ask for what they enjoy. How does it relate to their hopes or goals for the next few years? Where possible, find connections between what’s important to them and their focus on learning in school.
- Coach. When you learn about students’ aspirations or sources of purpose, coach them to identify actions they can take and people who they can connect to in order to work toward that aspiration.
- Highlight. Find and share stories about people from your community or the world who are using the knowledge and skills they learned in school to make a difference.
- Dig Deeper. When you people are disengaged, don’t immediately dismiss their behavior as evidence that they don’t care. Try to connect with their aspirations, which can help to re-engage them in learning.