Motivation is a skill that is beneficial for kids of all abilities to learn, to the extent they are able. It is with motivation that the energy to get a task done is roused.

Motivation can be taught by demonstrating to children a good outcome, that it is worthwhile to put forth their energy along a certain line. For example, children could be motivated to do their homework or other home tasks, by then being allowed to have a play date or go to the mall.

Motivation and energy are partners. Motivation breeds more energy and when we feel energized we are more easily motivated.

As a prerequisite to working on getting kids motivated some physical activities can get them energized.

Some ideas in the classroom are to take an energy break by standing up, stretching arms up and wiggling all over; or standing up and doing calisthenics such as 10 jumping jacks or jogging in place for half a minute.

If the kids are really dragging and feeling unmotivated try pushing the desks to the center of the room and let the kids skip in a big circle around the perimeter of the room, in a clockwise and then counterclockwise direction.

Physical exercises get the bodily circulation going and by the time they sit at their desks again they are refreshed and feel motivated to tackle the task at hand. It doesn't feel like drudgery when then are energized.

These short breaks are in addition to taking time for a real recess on the playground or multipurpose room, which really gets the kids circulation going and ready to mentally concentrate.

Helping our children learn about motivation: that physical activity will rouse their energy to feel motivated, will benefit them in adulthood in getting their projects done, their goals met.

Energy is needed for motivation
And motivation breeds more energy
Both needed to get the task done.

Social Skills Homepage
Free Lessons
Kids Books and Videos

Recommended:
Yoga for all Kids - With illustrations and descriptions, how to teach 4 styles of meditation and 15 gentle moving yoga poses that can be used as a basic motor skills lesson plan, plus 12 how to live chapters and a dictionary of 40 definitions of happiness in 83 pages. For kids of all ages and abilities - for teens and adults, too! Available as an Ebook or Print Book


Article by Susan Kramer