Like many of you, I get excited about a new school year. Yes, I get the same thrill at the prospect of buying brand new supplies that I always did as a student. However, its more ... the feeling of rejuvenation and the anticipation of attempting to be a better teacher each year.
Can I discover more effective and exciting ways to deliver instruction? Will I be able to create a love of learning in even the most difficult to reach students? How can I make my students understand the importance of education? How can I move students toward setting and reaching their own educational goals?
It is all about MOTIVATION!
You might think that after thirty years of teaching middle school math I would know exactly how to do this. I wish! However, I do have ideas. I've narrowed a long list down to five:
1. Be welcoming to your students and exhibit your own excitement about school. Don't try to be their friend, but let them know that you are willing to listen if they need to talk. You don't want to be a dictator in your classroom. Be easygoing and most will follow your cue. Students will give you much more effort if they respect you. Be firm, yet fair ... kind, yet professional.
2. Talk to your students about the importance of education. Most middle school students are not thinking about life after middle school, let alone after high school. Remember that not all parents really talk with their children about how working hard in school right now, truly will effect their future education and opportunities for a career. Students are developing work habits in school that will follow them for a lifetime.
3. Create school spirit. Middle and high school students still enjoy many of the same things as those in elementary school. I know a math teacher who had his students create "I Love Math" buttons from paper. Students who wore the button all day got extra credit. They loved it!
4. Make your assignments interesting and active. You may not be able to do this every day. However, students will be more willing to complete routine practice if everything isn't "routine". Using task cards and problem trails are great ways to get students up out of their seats and moving around the room while learning. Also, many big kids (and adults) enjoy coloring. Maybe you can use one of these free activities with your students. Several of them are appropriate for early in the school year.
5. Make a personal contact with each student and learn everyone's name immediately! This really needs to happen during the first week of school if possible. I know this is difficult with the number of students most of us teach at the secondary level. However, it is important that students realize that you have noticed them personally and that they are not anonymous. Have a brief conversation, complement them on their classwork, t-shirt, smile, ... anything!
In summary, make school fun for your students and have a terrific year! After all, most of us would not be teachers today had we not had a positive experience with school.
How do you motivate yourself for a new school year?
How do you motivate yourself for a new school year?
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