Sometimes I wish my utterances came with a reverse button.

The other day I had one of those “wishing I had a reverse button” moments while I was trying to motivate my daughter to complete a lesson for Biology. The words were,“You know how to do this, so why don’t you just do it already!” Yes, it was said with the exclamation point at the end. As the words went from my brain and through my lips, I could see by her body language that those words didn't do anything to motivate or help her with the task at hand.

So why did I choose those words? Because at that moment my motivation tool box was empty.

Motivating your student doesn’t mean that you have to make sure your student is always excited about what they are learning. Even with the best curriculum, students may have dips in their desire to learn, but the right motivater can help get him or her across the finish line.

Later when I felt motivated, I came up with these ideas for quick motivation tips to put into my Learning Coach journal:

1. Ask your student how you can help. Listen to both your child's words and actions. You know your child better than anyone. What are they telling you?

Notice how your student is feeling at that moment and encourage a change that will improve his or her learning mood:

(Copy the text in the box below to share the image above on your web site!)

<a href="http://www.connectionsacademy.com/blog/posts.aspx" originalAttribute="href" originalPath="http://www.connectionsacademy.com/blog/posts.aspx" originalAttribute="href" originalPath=""http://www.connectionsacademy.com/blog/posts.aspx""><img alt="Connections Academy Learning Table" src="http://www.connectionsacademy.com/Libraries/blog/IfYourStudentIs.sflb.ashx" originalAttribute="src" originalPath="http://www.connectionsacademy.com/Libraries/blog/IfYourStudentIs.sflb.ashx" originalAttribute="src" originalPath="http://www.connectionsacademy.com/Libraries/blog/IfYourStudentIs.sflb.ashx" border=”0”>

Ask questions in order to identify any recent experience that may have been discouraging:

(Copy the text in the box below to share the image above on your web site!)

<a href="http://www.connectionsacademy.com/blog/posts.aspx” originalAttribute=" originalAttribute="href" originalPath="http://www.connectionsacademy.com/blog/posts.aspx” originalAttribute="href" originalPath=""http://www.connectionsacademy.com/blog/posts.aspx”"><img alt="Connections Academy Learning Table" src="http://www.connectionsacademy.com/Libraries/blog/IfThereWas.sflb.ashx" originalAttribute="src" originalPath="http://www.connectionsacademy.com/Libraries/blog/IfThereWas.sflb.ashx" originalAttribute="src" originalPath="http://www.connectionsacademy.com/Libraries/blog/IfThereWas.sflb.ashx" border=”0”>

2. Remove distractions:

• Organize the learning area.
• Provide a quiet area away from younger siblings.
• Turn off any unnecessary electronic devices, such as cell phone, television & MP3 players.

3. Set an appropriate pace for the assignment. Help your child understand what is required and in what amount of time.

4. Envision success together and eliminate negative self talk. Talk about what finishing will feel like; set a reward.

5. Brainstorm with your child. Help him or her make sense of the frustration he or she may be feeling from a lesson or assignment.

6. Demonstrate success. Share a goal or project that you have and explain how you are motivated to finish. For example, "While you finish writing your paper, I'll go finish the dishes, then we can play a game together. We both need to finish."

There is no end to the search for ways to provide the very best for your children. This includes motivation. Be patient, ask questions and listen. The answer is there.

Please share any ideas you have for motivation with everyone else here searching!