If you work with youngsters who show no signs of motivation, here's help. Let's start with motivation-makers for students who say "I'll never need school because..."
"I'm Just Gonna Be a Mom"
Have the potential young mom perform these tasks that Moms have to do as possible, use simulated items that the student can use to demonstrate competence:
Give 3 cc acetaminophen tid per the doctor's instructions.
Purchase 3.5 liters of infant formula and give 12 oz every 90 minutes When must you leave to arrive to day care by 6 PM if you drive 20 mph from 36 miles away?
Purchase enough diapers for your son for a week if he uses 6-1/2 diapers each day.
(Help: acetaminophen is Tylenol "tid" means three times per day.) "I Won't Need to Read"
Have these students show you all the job applications they can find that require no reading. Next, ask these students if they might ever need to work.
"I'm Gonna be a Rap Star"
If the student insists that they will be a famous rapper (or rock star, sports star, etc.), challenge the student to follow through now on that claim. When the student replies that he can't (or won't) follow through now, ask what will different later. Help the student recognize that nothing will be different later, that becoming a rap star may be as tough to accomplish now as later. Also assist the student to notice how the skills learned in school can help-- with tasks like finding a manager, reading a recording contract, etc. Have the student discover and list all the benefits.
"I'll Just Work in Fast Food"
Sorry, but the trend throughout the US, especially in these tight economic times, is becoming that you must have a diploma to even apply.
"Then I'll Just Join the Military"
Sorry, but the trend throughout the US, especially in these tight economic times, is that you must have a diploma to even apply.
LIKE THESE STRATEGIES?
Many of these strategies are from our newest book, "Maximum-Strength Motivation-Makers." It's just $15, and designed to give you all the tools you need to motivate unmotivated students. Learn more about it at http://www.youthchg.com.
Ruth Herman Wells MS is the director of Youth Change. Get hundreds more resources at http://www.youthchg.com. You will find countless resources including many more innovative, problem-stopping interventions (just click the link above). For classroom management tools, visit http://www.theclassroommanagementsite.com. Ruth is the author of dozens of books including the popular Temper and Tantrum Tamers, Turn On the Turned-Off Student, Last Chance School Success Guide and Maximum-Strength Motivation-Makers. She annually trains hundreds of teachers, counselors and youth professionals in staff development workshops, conferences, seminars and inservice throughout the country. With Ruth's solutions, working with difficult students doesn't have to be so difficult.
Disclaimer: All information on this site is provided for informational purposes only! By no means is any
information presented herein intended to substitute for the advice provided to you by any health care or other professional
or organization.
