Motivation in a learning playground

Take kids to a playground and they know what to do. Just as importantly, what they do is shaped by the playground. Generally, we don’t have to worry about them being motivated to play.

But sometimes, a kid or two aren’t really into it.

What’s your response to this? — Order them onto the slide? Let them be? Sit and chat with them? See if they want to explore something with you? Tell them if they don’t play they won’t get ice cream? Give them your phone and let them watch YouTube or play a game? Get them to do a job instead?

Each of these responses impacts motivation and gives it a particular hue.

Now flip it - you’re the kid who’s not into it that day. What response would help you become motivated to participate?

Now twist it - you’re not into it for several days. What will help you now?

When your classroom is a learning playground, you need to think about motivation in the same way.