by Pat Lamb (Author of: Let the Children Come; Children, Come to Me; When the Stars Fall Down; Widening the Church Doors to Teach the Narrow Way; My Thinking Book; Love is…) Books are available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and www.patlambchristianauthor,com

Motivating Children to Learn

            We’ve come a long way in education from the days when my dad would walk to school barefoot and have children laugh at him and spit on his feet.  He, as well as many other children of his day, endured such things because they wanted an education so desperately.  We’ve all heard the story of how Abraham Lincoln used charcoal to write and studied in the light from the fire in his cabin.  There was no talk of how to motivate children to learn at that time. Rather, the concern was for how to give children the opportunity to satisfy their longing to learn.

            Understanding the reason those of the past wanted to learn so badly helps us understand why children have the problem being motivated to learn now.  Was it not that those individuals of the past wanted to better their often miserable lives?  They had hope that an education would help them gain things that would make life easier.  Contrast that motivating factor to today’s children who already have things pretty easy in most cases and have no hope to make life any better.  In the film “The Student”, Rodney Dangerfield had one word of advice to those who were graduating and getting ready to face the world on their own.  That word was “don’t”.  He said, “Stay at home with your mom and dad”.  That pretty much sums up how the younger generation feels about their future.  The children are feeling pretty comfortable where they are.  In addition, if they are not comfortable, they are pretty sure someone will jump in and rescue them, so why worry about their future?

            Knowing the reasons for lack of motivation forms the basis for choosing what to do to correct today’s problem.  First of all, children must understand a need for learning.  They must also develop an appreciation for the opportunity to learn. Both of these needs require straight talk giving information that many of our children have not been given.  

            In a well-meaning effort to shield our children of worry and to ensure they have a happy childhood, we have robbed them of a facet of education they sorely need.  They need to know that there is a good chance that they may not always have life so comfortable unless they prepare themselves well.  They need to be informed of enough current events and the situation of our country to understand that the future is not all that bright for them.  They need to be a little frightened.  Small children do not need the “full dose” of our country’s situation, but they need to know enough to sense the importance of being prepared for their future.  As they grow older, they need to obtain added information.

            The development of appreciation for their opportunity to learn can be difficult. Most appreciation, however, comes from the home.  Parents need to make efforts to be friendly and appreciative to a child’s teacher to set a good example.  It doesn’t hurt for the child to know how schools were in the past and what people went through to get an education. It is a good thing for them to contrast the past with the present.  It is human nature to want the things we can’t have and to not want the things that are forced on us.  A “what if” scenario is helpful to enlighten children about what the future holds. “What if you couldn’t go to school and learn?” is a good question to ask to help children appreciate what they have. Actually, the Covid virus fear has caused some children to experience not being able to go to school.  However, I’m not sure if many actually miss the learning or if most simply want to be back with friends.  At least, it is causing some to have to consider what life would be like without school.  

            Children need to know what their education costs.  Putting a price tag on each item in a classroom is an eye-opener for most.  Simply being told the amount of money it costs per student per year also enlightens.  Having a real person tell what was paid from his/her income for the school in taxes the previous year is helpful.  Children need to know these things. Teachers could give each child “play money” and require them to “pay” for the items being used in class.

            Most teachers, parents, and church workers like to use what are actually bribes in some cases to try to motivate.  These are temporary stop-gap measures at best.  Candy, pizza, field trips, and prizes are a few of the bribes or rewards frequently used.  There is a place for some of these to help make learning more pleasant.  We must realize, however, that if these kinds of rewards are done extensively, by the time a child gets to upper grades, they no longer are special.  In an effort to have more and more excitement, the student may turn to drugs or other things in order to get self pleasure.  They become bored with the “same old things”. Children are not motivated by things that are easily obtained because they are not special.  They keep looking for more and more. Unfortunately, children are often given the prize, bribe, or reward without really deserving it.  That can only add to the feeling of “Why should I do the work since I will be rewarded anyway?  I’m comfortable the way I am!”

            Each child is unique and motivation must be chosen according to that child’s background and present circumstances.  However, “Necessity is the mother of invention” and unless a child understands the necessity of an education, that child will not be motivated to make the effort to learn. We practice what we truly believe.  Unless a child truly believes that an education is important, that child may not be motivated to learn no matter what we do.