Children have a strong desire to learn.
(The only exceptions are some children with learning disabilities.) Many people like to give rewards or treats as a part of teaching. This practice creates more problems than it solves. When we use treats/bribes/rewards with children that already have a desire to learn, we replace their love-to-learn, with a love to get treats. The more you can help children tap into their own internal love-to-learn, the more self-motivated the child is.
If you are working with very young children don’t start using treats for winning games, or for finishing school work etc. Share with them the excitement of learning new things. When they show you their work or picture, ask them what they think. Help them see the joy in learning.
Older children, who have lost some of their love-to-learn, need your help to recognize the fun in learning. Help them see how much they have learned and the natural rewards from that knowledge. Keep excited about learning and they will catch your excitement.
It is harder to find natural rewards and motivations but the results are more permanent.
Enjoy helping children rediscover their internal love-to-learn.
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