I often look for solutions for my teachers to common problems we face in our classrooms. One problem that seems to happen frequently is student's lack of motivation in school. Since we are moving into "testing season", Is it imperative that we help students engage, develop the ambition, and tenacity to be their best at all times?
The other day I came across a blog that was posted from The Mailbox on Facebook. This 17 year veteran uses flashlights to motivate her students to read. Although simple enough, a dollar flashlight from the Dollar Store, students couldn't wait to read and even asked for more reading time. Using this simple tool she pushes student to engage in independent reading, overcome hang ups they have about reading independently, and affords them the steadfastness to be better readers through practice. Now that is some MOTIVATION!
See snippets of her posts on motivation below or read the full blog with the link. Look for her update for Finger Flashlights in the link.
http://headoverheelsforteaching.blogspot.com/2013/10/spark-student-motivation-flashlight.html?m=1
What do you do to motivate your students to be their best? I would love to share your ideas with my staff!
Happy New Year!
~Amie
It is amazing that sometimes the simplest of ideas can be so successful in the classroom. What I take away from this strategy is that teachers must constantly be creative and willing to try new ideas with their students. In addition, they need to be risk-takers and willing to accept that some strategies may not always go the way they wish, but instead, teachers need to continue to try them! You never know what might engage students.
ReplyDeleteNow I want to go read with a flashlight!
ReplyDelete