Motivating reading comprehension may help produce better readers. Clarify each lesson’s purpose, explain how comprehension strategies help students learn, focus on the goal of learning, and empower students to succeed. Create opportunities for students to see themselves as successful readers, select their own reading materials, and collaborate with peers.

Help students develop a desire to write by establishing a supportive environment and fostering a community of writers motivated to write well. Include opportunities for students to choose their own topics and/or modify teacher-selected topics.

Include motivational strategies to increase academic achievement and reward good behavior. Students struggling with math may associate new challenges with past failures and frustrations. Motivate them by praising and rewarding their effort, persistence, and achievement.

Out-of-school learning experiences must up the ante to engage students. Activities should be interactive, hands-on, learner directed, and relevant to the real world. They should also help students cultivate supportive relationships with staff. An academic focus can increase engagement, persistence, and connection to school or academics.