Reopening schools after a pandemic will be challenging. For one, students who have been learning through an online experience will need time to adjust to a classroom setting. Some school districts will require students to wear masks while others will learn at their desk looking through plexiglass sheets. Whatever the case, motivating students in a post-pandemic society presents plenty of challenges. Opening schools is still the best option for the mental health of all students. How do you motivate students?
Here are 5 ways to motivate students after a pandemic:
- Teach them to learn again. Really. It’s that simple. Showing students the importance of learning will help them to continue growing as a student. The best students are those that constantly push themselves and look to increase in knowledge. Make sure to affirm them along their academic journey.
- Be present for each student. When students are engaged by teachers, they feel cared for by safe people. Even the toughest of kids will respond, even if they try to look cool in front of their peers.
- Raise the bar for the class. If you’re a teacher, make sure you implement ways for the class to keep each other accountable. When everyone in the class knows their role, they’ll perform at a higher level.
- Show kids the end result. Stephen Covey said it best when he said, “Begin with the end in mind”. Begin the school year by showing kids a high school diploma or a college degree. Let them know that every grade level is one step closer to receiving their own diploma.
- Challenge students to be resilient. Nothing beats a great story of overcoming significant challenges. During a school assembly, students will be inspired to finish strong even through major setbacks. The pandemic was a major setback for so many people and yet we must move forward.
If your school is seeking ways to motivate students before or during the school year, please reach out to us. We can certainly set up a time for a speaker to come to your school and inspire your students using humor and life-changing stories.
Ever wonder why schools hire speakers to motivate their students? Speakers are able to be the neutral person in the room. Speakers share the same information that the Principal or Counselor has shared, but they relay the information in a way where students listen. Nothing against the administration, but kids often listen better after a good laugh or after a powerful story. A speaker is to walk alongside the school administration.
Will your school commit to motivating students after a pandemic?
