Young children appear to be compelled by curiosity, driven by an intense need to explore their world, to interact with others and to make sense of their environment. As James Raffini (1993) put it "rarely does one hear parents complain that their pre-schooler is unmotivated". As children grow their passion for learning frequently seems to shrink and learning becomes associated with drudgery rather than delight. Here at Cedars our aim is to have every child engaged in the learning process and to reach their potential in a caring and Christian environment.

How can you motivate your child to learn if they have become unmotivated? Some students are internally or intrinsically motivated, they are hard wired to always do their best. Their self esteem is dependent  on being successful so if they know that they have a good chance of achieving they will generally keep trying to reach their goals. Many children are not so motivated and need more than good teaching to get them to learn. A range of strategies may be needed to help them to learn to motivate or extend themselves. Strategies you can use may include:

• Establishing short term goals with your child so that they can experience success and setting some longer term goals so that they have set goals to work towards

• Making learning enjoyable with fun games and activities, we all learn and work better when we are enjoying the task and the environment in which we are working in

• Healthy competition may be needed by some students to aim for a higher score or achieve the next grade, boys often like this form of competition

• Provide activities of high interest or immediate relevance to your child's life

• Use small tangible rewards (stickers or awards) to encourage your child to achieve their goals, children that need such rewards are externally or extrinsically motivated and perform in order to obtain some reward or avoid some punishment, they do tend to only put in the minimum effort necessary at times to get the maximum rewards

• Praise and encourage your child as this can be a huge motivator for many children who will strive for parental as well as teacher approval and recognition

Research suggests that purpose and relevance are essential for all children to learn but the great challenge for parents and teachers alike is to keep children interested in the learning process. It is our mission here at Cedars Christian College to meet the needs of all students to work together with staff, parents and the church to inspire and lead children to reach their potential in a caring and Christian environment.


Mrs Sharon Zancolich
School Counsellor