A few weeks ago report cards came out for students. These aren’t final grades, but close to it since there isn’t a lot of time left in the school year.
Most children did well, but one boy I work with really struggled in school.
It wasn’t that he couldn’t do the work…..
but the motivation to play was stronger than the motivation to do his school-work.
This young man’s father was often away in the afternoon after school for work. He knew that dad wanted him to do homework, but the sound of his friends playing in the road was just too tempting!
As a summer-ministry (started a bit early) I am starting to meet with students who need extra help once a week at my home for tutoring. Some of these children struggle because of learning disabilities, but in the boys case, it was just a lack of motivation.
He could do the work!
But he didn’t WANT to do the work!
Actually this is a common thing since playing with friends will always be more fun and enjoyable than schoolwork. It also gives an IMMEDIATE reward (you feel good right away) while homework gives a LONG-TERM reward.
So, we must challenge them to work hard, and then reward that hard work.
By this I don’t mean rewarding everyone or giving out a reward right away. This defeats the purpose! Instead the child is challenged to work hard at weekly tutoring sessions, and then do homework worksheets every day (that will be corrected). If they complete this for an extended amount of time (say six weeks) the reward is given.
To make things official I usually write up a contract stating I’ll purchase them a reward (in this case a football) after six-weeks, sign it, and then let them take the original copy home.
More important than the football though is a habit of responsibility, and hard work.
Part of ministry is challenging those who can better to exert themselves more…and then celebrating (with a reward) when they do.
Johnhwilburn.com 
Leave a comment