Unmotivated Students

How does a teacher motivate a student who is unwilling to participate in their own learning? I recently spoke to a teacher who was on the brink of pulling her hair out because her student's did not care about upcoming state testing. They were taking a practice test so the student's could learn how to take this particular test. It's the first time they've taken it and they needed to be prepared. They are not allowed to talk, but the teacher told me several were talking. She explained to them the importance of the test and that it can help them to be grouped where they need to be next year.

The student's responses amazed us both. One student said they didn't care how they did because their friends were dumb and they wanted to do bad so they could be with their friends. Another student said if they did bad they would be put in a lower group and have less work to do.

This is sad! What happened to the days where a good grade made a kid feel good about themselves? When did the self-motivation leave and the notion that what you do is good enough enter?

I deal with this daily. I have one student in my after school program that is an A/B student. The child will throw a math book on the table next to me and say, "I don't know how to do this, you need to help me." When I ask if the student has reviewed the material I get rolled eyes. I start by reading the question out loud and then ask the student how they think the problem should be solved. More eye rolling. I then explain how the examples were solved. At this point I either get more eye rolling, the child leaves the table in a huff, or the child makes a minimal attempt to answer my questions. The student has told me more than once that it would just be easier if I just say the answer. ABSOLUTELY NOT!

I am a teacher. I guide a student to find the answer. I do not "give" the answer. I will not participate in a child's instant gratification. I do not believe this fosters self-motivation. I am constantly learning and I work hard to gain new knowledge. I expect the same from my students. I expect them to participate in their own learning. When they realize they are able to learn, when that light bulb goes off in their minds, it is that point that they become motivated to learn more. When they know they "can" accomplish something they will be more motivated to continue learning.

Giveaway at Kinderglynn

Kinderglynn is giving away $20.00 to her TPT store in honor of her son's birthday on May 5th.

The contest ends at 10:00 est on 5/5/11.

Here's how to enter:

Visit Kinderglynn to follow her blog, follow her TPT store, and post this giveaway on your own blog.

Good luck!

Teacher Blog Stalker

I admit it. I have become a teacher blog stalker. I search out teacher blogs to learn what others in the field are doing in their classrooms. I am living vicariously through all the wonderful teachers I am following every day. Whenever I see a great idea, and it's being shared by a great teacher, I will download it and add it to my files.

I am early childhood certified, but don't know what grade I'll be teaching when I get a job. Therefore, I've got files for each grade level. It may seem like a lot, but it'll be a huge help when I get a classroom because I'll be able to use these great resources with students who are below level, on level, or above grade level!

I'm really excited about everything I'm learning from everyone. If there is a teacher blog out there that I'm not following and you think it would be useful, please pass the info along!

As soon as I figure out Google Docs, I'll be posting some of the lessons I have developed.

New Focus

The focus of this blog will soon be shifting from successful business women to success in education. The focus of my life has changed over the last couple of years from owning a handcrafted soapmaking business to becoming an early childhood educator. I would like to use this blog to highlight the dire need for attention on education and how everyone can help to support children and educators.

This blog will be used to provide information based on the field of education in the near future so please stay tuned!

Success through Perseverance

I graduated high school. I graduated college with a bachelor's degree in business administration, minoring in business management. I spent 10 years as a retail manager. I opened and ran an in-home day care for 3 years. I have run an online handcrafted soap business for 9 years. Three years ago I went back to college to pursue early childhood teacher certification. When I started back at college I never thought I would finish-the end seemed so far away. However, after taking all those education classes, student teaching was completed in April. All my major certification tests have been taken & I'm waiting on the results from the last test (due within the next week). I studied hard and lost a lot of sleep. I made the Dean's, Chancellor's, and President's list in my last four semesters.

You may be asking yourself why I think anyone should care. Why would I go on about my accomplishments? It's to prove that it's never too late to achieve success. It doesn't matter if you're fresh out of high school or if it's been 20 years! Success is measured by you and you alone.

I'm not someone who can do only one thing at a time. While I was a retail manager I started my soap business. As I did both of those I dropped to part-time retail manager and started the day care. I dropped the management and kept the soap business and day care. I dropped the day care when we decided to move south. While in college the second time around I have kept the soap business.

Again, my point is what? You CAN do whatever you want and find success. It takes time and hard work, but you can be successful!

As I look for an early childhood teaching job I will be continuing my soap business and featuring other women on this blog who have found success in their lives. Are you one of those successful women? Leave a comment & I'll send you a questionnaire so I can feature you in an upcoming post!