Ideas & Activities to Help Motivate At-Risk Kids

An at-risk child is one who faces one or more external disadvantages to learning and development, such as growing up in a low-income family or being raised by a single or teen parent. These adversities put a child at increased risk for lags in cognitive and behavioral development that lead to academic failure, according to the National Center for Children in Poverty. Fortunately, parents can provide extra motivation for at-risk kids with simple, engaging activities that encourage development and promote academic success.

  1. Inspiring Enthusiasm for Learning

    • Motivating a child to want to learn and succeed in school begins at home. When parents are actively involved in their children̵7;s education and show an interest in learning, they spark their children's enthusiasm for learning. Sit down at the kitchen table with your child as he completes his homework each evening to show him your interest, involvement and support. Ask your child about his school day over dinner and encourage him to share what he learned that day. On weekends, engage in collaborative educational activities together, such as simple, at-home science experiments or a trip to the children̵7;s library.

    Promoting Strengths and Interests

    • Instead of focusing exclusively on your child̵7;s academic shortcomings, boost her confidence and motivate her enthusiasm for learning with activities that promote and develop her individual strengths and interests. If your child is a strong reader, for example, enroll her in summer reading programs or try writing your own storybook together. If your child has a creative flare, embark on simple, inexpensive arts and crafts projects together after work and school. By giving your child opportunities to excel and experience success, you can motivate her confidence and drive to excel in other learning domains.

    Encouraging Friendships

    • Friendships, collaboration and camaraderie can motivate children̵7;s academic success when they help each other with schoolwork and making learning fun, according to the New York University Child Study Center. Invite a classmate over and sit the kids down at the table to work on homework together, or take your child and a group of friends to a free local museum, zoo or other place that can inspire active learning. Encourage your child to engage in extracurricular activities or participate in after-school events to encourage social development and bonding in an academic context.

    Rewarding Accomplishments

    • People young and old are motivated by rewards, whether it̵7;s a raise at work, a special classroom privilege or a coveted new toy. The same holds true for at-risk kids who need a little extra motivation for trying their best in school. It̵7;s important to use rewards carefully and constructively so that children are motivated to set and reach goals instead of simply working toward a prize or to avoid punishment. Instead of rewarding your child with a new toy for every good grade she receives, offer an occasional reward for extended progress -- an overall increase in report card grades next marking period, for example. Encourage your child to take pride in her work and delight in achievement with simple incentives along the way, such as praise for completing her homework early or complimenting her for staying after school for extra help.

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