As homeschoolers, we have a lot going on in our lives. It’s easy to get wrapped up in checking off our daily to-do lists and moving on to the next book, workbook, or printable. However, one of the most important things we can do to keep our kids motivated and in the game is to remember to celebrate their victories and accomplishments, no matter how small. Celebrating even the smallest of victories can keep you and your kids motivated to move forward.
Homeschooling has its own challenges of continuing to motivate students at times. For instance, if you have a child that thrives in competition or by public recognition, he or she may find less motivation in a homeschool environment. Therefore, you have to be more creative in motivating your student. This is where celebrating victories can be helpful.
Celebrate by posting their grades, perfect papers, and completion certificates on a “Wall of Accomplishments,” take a picture of their accomplishment or victory and email it to dad and grandma, give them a special treat as a reward. You can even make your own sticker chart leading to a bigger reward. Another way that some parents reward accomplishments is a prize box.
Figure out the best way to motivate and reward your child and then celebrate them on every level, even the small victories, and you may find that you have a more motivated and enthusiastic student. Be creative in how you celebrate, and be sure to get each child’s input on how he would like to be recognized, you might find a unique way that make him feel special and rewarded. Reward the small victories and keep them motivated throughout the school year.
How do you and your family celebrate even the littlest victories?
What a fabulous idea. Most children are motivated by ‘things’ and it is great to send the message on to grandparents etc. We hope that children will eventually get to the place where they are intrinsically motivated–just learn because they love to learn.
Children that are competitive and always want to be in contests can compete regionally or state wide in academic contests. I know there are organizations that sponsor contests for public and private schools, but are there opportunities like this for home schoolers? Just wondering.
Barb Klein
There are. There are many homeschooling groups that have athletic teams. In fact, in Kokomo, Indiana, the varsity girls volleyball team won the State Girls High School Volleyball title last year so there are certainly opportunities. Additionally, many opportunities are available at YMCAs and intramural teams if a homeschool group is not available. Thanks for commenting.
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ah but it is good to celebrate the achievements in life is it not? 🙂
This post just gave me an excellent idea. I get so frustrated with my kids when their video games seem to take priority in their lives over learning. I might just celebrate their achievements by putting up a chart. Their reward for getting so many points? More video game time or a new game! Thanks for the idea. I’ll kill two birds with one stone!
Thanks for sharing. So true. Sometimes the small things make a difference.
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