Parents, if you’re at home with your student and are struggling to keep them motivated, there are a couple of simple strategies that might help. The first is a timer. Having kids work for 5 or 10 minutes before taking a break can keep them motivated because they know a break is coming. Try to put the timer in a place where the student isn’t just staring at the seconds counting down.

Another is a simple near/far strategy, if your student tends to be dependent on you for every step of work, try telling them you are going to go … wash dishes, change the sheets, walk the dog, whatever… and when you come back (around 5 minutes) you would like them to have finished 3 steps or 3 problems. When (I’m an optimist) the child successfully completes the required number, make sure to give them positive feedback and praise. Then, try it again!

As teachers share strategies with me, I will pass them on! Have a great week!