For many teachers, the month of February is the most difficult time to keep students motivated in their schoolwork. Teachers clearly see what a student should learn and, more importantly, why a student should learn; however, with the anticipation of spring and the busyness of students' lives, they often fail to see the big picture of their learning. They don't always realize the long-term benefits of their instruction, and they tend to see only the immediate homework that needs to be completed. Students' daily work can turn sour, unless you add the simple ingredient of motivation. Here are some tips that can help you as a teacher keep students fresh and excited, as they go about their daily tasks:

Weekly Rewards
For Switched-On Schoolhouse® students, daily goals are conveniently laid out, so they are always aware of what needs to be completed. Students using LIFEPAC® may need a little more help from the teacher to realize their daily, weekly, and monthly goals to complete a year's work in the proper time frame. Once daily goals are clear to students, setting up a weekly reward program with small incentives can give them an extra boost to stay on track. For example, students who complete their goals each day for a week could be allowed extra recess time the following week. If students have access to computers, they could also earn time playing approved educational software. When students finish their goals early during a school day, they might enjoy being "teacher's helpers" who work with younger students the rest of the day.

Monthly Rewards
Another great incentive for schools are monthly rewards. When monthly goals are met, field trips are a wonderful privilege for students, as they can "get out" and have fun together. Take advantage of local business and factory tours, as they are not only educational, but they also help students become more aware of their community. If it is difficult to take out students monthly, alternate field trips with school fun days, such as ice cream socials or game afternoons, as a reward to successful students.

Yearly Rewards
The long-term goal for students should be to finish a year's work in a year's time. At the beginning of the year, this seems far off, but as spring approaches, these goals should be reiterated. Taking a look at students' progress to make sure they are aware of how they are doing helps them accomplish their yearly goals. At the beginning of the school year, setting up yearly awards and emphasizing these rewards to students and parents often motivates them toward these long-term goals. Having a year-end awards night also is a great way to recognize accomplishments. Possible awards include Honor Roll, Perfect Attendance, Scripture Memorization, Character Qualities or Improvements, Spiritual Leadership, Most Work Accomplished, and Highest Grade Average. Involve the parents in your year-end awards night by arranging a banquet or providing entertainment with your students' musical and dramatic talent.

"Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord" (1 Corinthians 15:58). The Bible emphasizes the principles of rewards for labor. Likewise, when students complete their schoolwork "as unto the Lord," they too should be rewarded. Best of all, as a teacher, you'll receive the great reward of happy and motivated students!