Keeping Scholars Motivated

So, as most of my readers know, I am the proud mother of two HSA3 Scholars. Jordan, 7, is a young third grader and Julia, 6, is an even younger 2nd grader. Team Flete is soliciting ideas or suggestions on ways to keep our scholars motivated.

HSA scholars begin their academically rigorous day promptly at 7:45am and are in the clutches of teachers who expect nothing short of excellence for the next almost nine hour until their 4:30pm dismissal. Upon dismissal, the tired scholars are expected to come home and complete no less than 1+ hours of math, spelling, writing and independent reading homework.

Academic results of this schedule are tangible; however, the successes come with a price tag. My children are often cranky as the evening approaches and their deferred need for active play combines with their little bodies' craving for sleep. These most basic needs abruptly collide with the mountain of responsibility that is figuratively and literally placed squarely on the tiny shoulders of every HSA scholar. The mountain of responsibility is displayed in the form of a HSA royal blue backpack where scholars so proudly carry their blue homework folders and book baggies!

Despite Team Flete's best efforts to keep Jordan and Julia focused and on task, inevitably, somewhere between the "small moment story" and the spelling exercise the Flete children lose steam. I'm sorry to report that on most nights the last portion of the homework assignment becomes a chore and threatens to take the entire team down. Most nights I'm a tireless cheerleader, offering an abundance of praise and positive reinforcement. Some nights, I resort to threats and punishment. **I've learned that cranky children could care less about and do not respond well to threats.

Being tired, cranky and unable to focus myself, I pose this question to you: What do you do to motivate your scholars?

I ask that you please leave comments to this question in the comments section on this blog so that everyone may learn from our shared experiences. You may also respond to this question by emailing me directly at: GloJA@aol.com. Please write Keeping Scholars Motivated in the subject line. I plan to publish the most exciting and innovating suggestions in the October 2010 edition of the HSA3 Parent Council Newsletter.