Motivation is not only important in its own right; it is also an important predictor of learning and achievement. Students who are more motivated to learn persist longer, produce higher quality effort, learn more deeply, and perform better in classes and on standardized tests. ~ Teresa Hulleman
One of the most inspiring things in the profession of education is observing an educator engage and motivate their students to go that extra mile in learning, and being able to do so in the spur of the moment. Many teaching colleagues have also recommended additional ideas to enhance an inclusive and inspiring classroom community that we've included below.
Motivational Stickers For Kids
Reward Stickers for Kids by Sweetzer & Orange - 1008 Stickers, 8 Assorted Designs, 1 Inch School Stickers - Teacher Supplies for Classroom, Potty Training Stickers and Motivational Stickers
Using motivational stickers can be a fantastic way to recognize academic achievements as well as a great motivational tool to acknowledge positive behavior in the classroom and schoolyard.
These are fantastic gold star stickers and they are very sticky and adhere well to paper, cardboard and other surfaces. Kristy-Lee
Looking for more stickers? Click here.
Motivational Pencils
This Assorted Colorful Pencils, Shuttle Art 180 Pack Kids Pencils Bulk with 12 Designs, 2 HB, Pre-sharpened.
These colorful pencils can be used as rewards and incentives. Looking for items to hand out at Halloween, Valentine's Day, or other special occasions? Consider adding these incentive pencils to your class loot bags.
Overall the quality for the $ is great. My students love these./ Schoolsasha
Check out these additional motivational pencils.
Motivational Posters
Sweetzer & Orange kindness posters are a wonderful addition to any classroom decoration. These large classroom posters are 15 x 22” in size, 250gsm, and can be used to foster growth mindset, motivation, positivity and inspiration.
Awesome! Perfect posters to supplement my SEL bulletin board! Tracy McGrory
Check out these additional motivational posters.
Motivational Activities
Have You Filled a Bucket Today?: A Guide to Daily Happiness for Kids by Carol McCloud and David Messing
This book is common to many classrooms and is often accompanied by a teacher-led activity. This year-long activity provides an ongoing opportunity that motivates and fosters a positive classroom community rooted in kindness, respect, cooperation and connection. Each time a student is observed demonstrating these actions, a pompom is added to a bucket to acknowledge their actions. In time, the positive actions of students adds to the bucket with an end goal of filling the bucket together. Once the classroom bucket is filled due to their ongoing positive behavior, often it results in a whole-class reward (i.e. pizza party, movie, etc.)
Lovely book showing in a vivid way way what caring after the others as well as looking after ourselves means. This is such an important subject, to teach our children that their wellbeing as well as the people around them is a big deal. I love the idea and will look into the other books from the series! Highly recommended! ~ Sandra
Looking for more? Check out these accompanying activity pages.
Motivational Books
Confidence is my Superpower: A Kid's Book about Believing in Yourself and Developing Self-Esteem.
Author, Alicia Ortego, has done a wonderful job with her collection of books about confidence, gratitude, kindness, acceptance and honesty. "Confidence is my Superpower" helps children believe and love themselves as they are, supporting each other, not giving up, and turning their negative feelings into positive ones.
The rhyming story and beautiful illustrations really compliment this story which is so important and relevant for all kids to hear. Confidence is my Superpower is a keeper! MK Tufft
Check out these additional motivational books for kids.
Cube For Teachers may collect a share of the sales from the links on this page. At Cube, we only recommend items our community loves!